Praying to Joe Pesci (for G.C.)

Some national parks have long waiting lists for camping reservations. When you have to wait a year to sleep next to a tree, something is wrong.

153

= the number of days until November 4, 2008, a.k.a. Election Day.

Though the map looks favorable right now, 153 days is an eternity in electoral politics.

And while McCain was considered too "centrist" by many radically regressive Republicans and neo-cons, it must be emphasized that, per Matt Taibbi:

McCain may be even more crazy than the Republican mainstream on the issue that matters most of all: the war in Iraq and war in general. My guess is that Republican voters are not going to mind that McCain's candidacy might drive a stake through the heart of the weenie fascism of Rush and Hannity, once they figure out that the candidate is a solid bet to deliver them World War III. And that should scare the shit out of us all.

Yes, we should be scared. And no, we can never underestimate American bloodlust. But I may be naive enough to think that McCain can't win on Iraq (or Iran), and he knows it. His strategy will emphasize his experience (quantity-over-quality, of course) and his "straight-talking maverick" persona to convince "his friends" that, policy details aside, he's the type of all-white all-right guy you can trust.

However:

This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love.

It will take time, money and hard work, but McCain must be defeated.

Let's go to work, people. The clock is ticking.