Many people here know me as one of Obama's most outspoken critics on this website. It's true, at times I may have crossed the line and slurred the man.  Please chalk it up to the heat and passion of the moment.  You may also recall a time or two when I said that I would rather vote for McCain than Obama; later, I vowed to support and campaign for Nader in his independent bid for the presidency.  I take it all back.  

At the end of the day, I simply cannot stomach the thought of four more years of a Republican administration.  Although for months now I have argued that Obama is inexperienced, callow and power-hungry, I have to admit that these were exagerations of real concerns that I had.  They were the reasons that I preferred Clinton to Obama.  They ring hollow as reasons to choose McCain over Obama.

I will vote for Obama.  Not just because I cannot tolerate the thought of a McCain administration, but also because - after all is said and done - he might be a good leader.  Heck, he might be a great leader - I'll even admit that.  Time will tell.  And that possibility alone stands in marked contrast to what I know of McCain.  I have no desire to see any of his policies implemented.

I know that many of you have seen me as a far-right version of gotalife, or Otto F, or even "Present."  Some have accused me of being a Republican in sheep's clothing.  My friends would laugh at this--nothing could be further from the truth.  I'm just a progressive who became deeply, deeply committed to his candidate.  And I hope that I can become equally committed to Obama. 

Now I seek to join the ranks of Louisville 1975, Armchair Gorilla, and Destor23 before them.  This is my concession, and my apology.

Obama 2008!