Barack Obama held one of his town meetings tonight in our little Southern New Hampshire city. It was only a mile from the house so we decided to attend. I’d say 250-300 people turned out for it. He began with a short stump speech that thankfully kept Bush-bashing to a minimum, and then took questions from the audience. I was lucky enough to be the second person selected. I asked the same question that I had posed to John Edwards in June: Given his vision of expanded health care, and other big ticket programs, how are we going to contend with a 9 trillion dollar national debt and unfunded medicare liabilities that may be in excess of 50 trillion dollars (that figure covers estimated costs over the next 50 years or so)?

     I had been unimpressed by Edwards’ response, but Obama took the time to answer it with many specifics. A few of those included: 1. Reducing the 10 billion dollar monthly drain caused by Iraq by drastically reducing our presence there; 2. the need to return to a pay-as-you-go approach to spending; and 3. the need to reduce  health care inflation. He spoke to our problem of obesity and how our behavior has played a significant role in this area. He offered other savings possibilities, but my memory is failing me at the moment.

     I hadn’t seen Obama in person before and left me with the impression that he is focused, quick-thinking, funny, and extremely charismatic. Still, he’s only 46. I’ve written off voting for Edwards, and Hillary, so it’s probably down to Obama or Biden. Seems a bit late for Gore, sadly.

     Unlike the Edwards’ meeting, Obama was surrounded by Secret Service. We counted at least a half dozen of them. These types of events must drive those guys crazy. Obama literally embraced the crowd, and yes, my daughter got the requisite hand shake and autograph. She’s two for two, but I told her a Hillary rally will probably drop her average to .666. Now don’t read anything into that number, GM!

Peter T.