The presidential election

With so many mediocre choices and such a long campaign season, I feel a bit overwhelmed this election. I'll probably never find a candidate whom I agree with 100% of the time and is also electable. Nevertheless, I would be abrogating my Christian duty and American privilege to just sit on the sidelines.

So, how can I participate in this process as an informed citizen? The TV media seem far too concerned with polls and sound bites to be of any substantive help on the issues. However, I have found the following websites to be useful as I narrow down and prayerfully assess the candidates.

Project Vote Smart is a massive database with voting records, biographical and contact information, interest group ratings, public statements, and campaign finance records of each candidate. They provide information on both current officials and current candidates, and cover both national and local politics.

2008 Election ProCon.org researches the issues they feel are complicated and important, and works to present them in a balanced, comprehensive, straightforward, and primarily pro-con format. Be sure to check out their helpful Candidate Summary Chart.

FactCheck.org describes itself as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, "consumer advocate" for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. They monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases. Their goal is to apply the best practices of both journalism and scholarship, and to increase public knowledge and understanding. After a debate or new commercial is aired, this site will expose all the bogus claims and faulty statistics.

Just one other thought. In the midst of this election year, let's not forget to pray diligently for our current President, George W. Bush. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul commands us "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." In 2008, Bush may be considered an irrelevant "lame duck" President, but let us remember he is a minister of God (Rom. 13:4) who needs incredible wisdom every day, and still has a quarter of his second term remaining.