On issues related to foreign policy, especially matters concerning the Middle East, it's easier for me to identify with John McCain. I live in a tough neighborhood, and McCain seems to be the candidate most comfortable with the idea that countries in areas like that sometimes need to use force. However, I also see the advantages of Obama, especially the chance for America to recover its image. (Just don't expect too much.) I see how friendly countries like Israel can benefit from a United States that is more acceptable to the broader world.

I also realize that what we see now is hardly an indication of what the presidency of either man would be like. That might be problematic for those people who vote for a specific policy and get something else, but for an outsider, it's also comforting. Both Obama and McCain can become strong leaders, and they can do the right things even in areas where they now promise to do the wrong things. I'd vote for that.