Yes, that photo will hurt Obama's chances. It is not because of what he did or what the picture shows, but, rather, because of the way Americans think. Most Americans do not research candidates enough to find the truth and are easily swayed by pictures taken out of context that do not show the true character and intent of an individual candidate. People beleive too much in what others tell them, and not enough in what they, themselves, believe and know to be the truth. To most people, the truth is not as important as what they perceive is the truth, and, unfortunately, too many believe the information that their peers pass on to them as the truth when, in fact, it is not.

Fortunately, I think Barack Obama has the momentum, the charisma and the ability to overcome any such setback. He is a wise, accomplished man who will bring new energy and new life not only to the White House, but to America as well. Anyone who does any research, visits Obama's website and has any experience in politics will clearly see that Barack Obama is the obvious choice in the election of 2008. McCain simply represents four more years of Bush and at least four more years of an unecessary and costly war. Hillary is a fine woman and a fine candidate, but she is too steeped in Washington politics and cannot bring the changes to the White House that this country needs. At this point, no matter how many pictures emerge, Obama is the clear choice, but why would he even want the job?

Personally, I do not know why anyone would want the job of President of the United States after what eight years of Bush leadership has managed to do. George Bush came to the White House through a questionable election and managed to keep the presidency for eight years. In that time, we all witnessed the September 11 bombings, the onset of war, and a national budget that went from a huge surplus to not only the largest deficit ever, but a deficit larger than all 42 other presidents combined. A deficit that is sending American money to China and Japan to build schools, roads and economies there when it should be used here to help Americans who not only need it here, but paid for it with their taxes. The deficit still grows as the Bush administration continues the war in Iraq and plans to borrow more foreign money to give away to Americans, (who don't really want it), in a useless, Republican attempt to stimulate an economy that they ruined and "buy" good favor with the voters in November. It is a "lame duck" attempt to win an election for the Republicans, but also a fiscally irresponsible maneuver by an inept leader. Sure, the blame will fall on the Democrats and the new president when the economy tanks, but the problem clearly will lie with the Republicans, even though they will be long gone. Obama is intelligent enough to know that he will be blamed for the Bush legacy when he takes the reigns at the White House, and, for that reason, I admire him for even wanting to take on that responsibility and the challenges that come with it. I also believe that he is the only person in the race with the talents and abilities to turn it, and the country all around.

I saw in the news today where Euros are worth 50% more than dollars and I already know what a mess the Republicans have made of the White House and the economy. In response, I have to admit that short-sighted Americans will be swayed by unsavory pictures of candidates taken out of context, but the wise voters will research the candidates and the issues. In the end, we can only hope there are enough wise voters to elect the best man, Barack Obama, and that he will surface as the winner to save the country from this Republican morass. If he does not, hang on to your dollars, your gold and your silver. The next Great Depression may be on its way and you will need everything of value you can muster just to stay alive. The Bush administration has been "that bad" and only time will show how right I am. Yes, that photo will hurt Obama's chances, but let's hope not enough to keep him out of the White House or that photo may just end up hurting many more lives than just the life of a lone candidate.