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John McCain seemed too desperate to win at the end, resorting to old campaign tactics that were unappealing to me. When I reflect on it, it seemed the Republicans were throwing the election and getting ready for 2012, knowing they didn't have a shot at winning this year. So, the party resorted to last minute fear mongering to create doubt or distrust for the next four years with Barrack Obama.

I lose confidence with McCain for allowing the type of character assassination or mudslinging to go on from his campaign. It's as if he's not steering the direction of attacks at Obama, but rather a passenger in whatever vehicle used to bring down his Democratic opponent, unsuccessfully. You don't hear his "I approved this ad" in attacks on Obama's character, where some of the public is deceived into believing the African American is a Muslim or someone who consorts with people who have a vendetta against our government.

I grew very tired of the slew of phone calls to my home from the Republican party, not only on McCain's behalf but for some Senate candidates in my district. The Democrats did not use this approach so vociferously and there was no spin, but a positive reflection of what Obama would bring to the office. The Republicans forced me to screen my calls for weeks, while I imagine seniors were targeted to get out and vote out of fear for their future.

I didn't understand the need to appear on Saturday Night Live. That's not a proven strategy to win an election. SNL is a forum for humor, not a place for a healthy political debate or discussion of issues. I still can't get the image of Rudy Guiliani out of my head, in make-up, dressed like a woman. Debasing oneself to the level of voters to be accepted as an average Joe should not be more important than rising above the fray to be the leader on whom we can depend, especially in these times.

Now, the media may have been driven to take down the Republicans, especially Sarah Palin, as McCain's running mate. I found her an intriguing choice and did not care one way or the other that she was chosen. I think she was as qualified as any person McCain could pick. In fact, it was a tactical choice that had some upside. But, I feel she fell short of the values I perceived she would bring to the table, as she focused on attacking Obama. Her flaws were revealed.

The Republicans had one big thing against them, and it all comes down to this campaign of change. McCain was earning respect from voters until he squared off with Obama.

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