More email from Barack

You might remember that the Obamas and I correspond regularly through email. They like to keep me up-to-date on the campaign, and they're interested in what I think. So this morning I received the following from Barack:

Subj.: What do you think?

Cindy—

I thought the differences between John McCain and me were pretty clear
tonight. [Indeed.]

I will fight for the middle class every day, and—once again—Senator McCain didn't mention the middle class a single time during the debate. [Really? Not once?]

If you agree that we need to cut taxes for 95% of working families, reduce health care costs, and end the war in Iraq responsibly, then I need your help right now. [I agree.]

And if you heard John McCain push more of the same discredited policies, including tax cuts for the wealthy and giant corporations, tax increases on health care, and continuing to spend $10 billion a month in Iraq, then now is the time to act.

Four weeks from tonight, we'll know which of us will be the next president. [I'll have to stay up all night. The last time I went to bed happy about the outcome of an election, I thought Al Gore was my president.]

The time to make a difference in this election is running out—will you make a donation of $100 or more right now? [That Barack—he's always hitting me up.]

https://donate.barackobama.com/townhall

Thank you,

Barack

I would love to tell him how I think it went, but the truth is I didn't see the debate. I'm sure he will understand.

Dear Barack,

According to news reports I have read this morning, even though most people found the debate a real snooze, it sounds like you nailed it. Good job.

I can't give you any further specifics though since I didn't get to watch the debate. I know! Can you believe it? Here's what happened.

I came home from work a little early, put a boneless leg of lamb roast in the over on a low temperature, and took off to pick up Sophie from school. I figured I could get home, add potatoes to the pan, make a vegetable and a salad, pour a glass of pinot, and it would be Debate Time. Good plan, no?

But a few miles from Sophie's school, a white gaseous substance started billowing from my front hood. Thinking it would be a bad idea to get stuck on the small winding rural road I was about to enter and not wanting to burn up my engine, I pulled over. Remember how I don't have a cell phone? Because Husband points out that I work at a desk with a phone sitting on it? That doesn't cost us anything? Right. So instead of calling someone for help or at least calling the school to say I might be late picking up Sophie, I hitchhiked the last few miles to the school, where I set up my Crisis Command Center Station at the school secretary's desk.

Eight phone calls to AAA and over two hours later (I had to raid the school kitchen to scare up some dinner for my hungry kid), not one but two tow trucks show up in front the school, one from each direction. Duh. Thank goodness Husband had arrived by this time and could get all irate with AAA about the delay. By the time we got the car towed to our shop in Berkeley and got home, the debate was long over.

BUT MY ROAST. It was totally fucked. Just look at it:

At least the house didn't burn down.

And the car? A blown radiator. Estimated repair cost? $600.

So I'm glad the night went well for you. And I'm glad you're focusing on the economy. You know what Sophie said as I tucked her in last night? "Mama, I am worried about the car." I assured her that the car will be fine and we'll have it back in a few days. She said "No, Mama. I am worried about the cost."

Hang in there. It's almost over.

Best,
Cindy