Dear diary, it’s almost that time; John McCain and Barack Obama must reveal a vice president, soon.  It is apparent that McCain and Obama’s choices for vice president may very well determine who’ll be the next President.  Americans are aware of the many aspects to consider when choosing a vice president.  Such as, will McCain and Obama’s vice president compliment or hinder the presidential candidate? Can the vice president assume the Commander-In-Chief role, if necessary?  Americans desire a proficient, political posse who has America’s best interest at heart.  The Presidential Poetic Portrait is a Mission: Possible.   

 Dear diary, the presidential campaign focuses on McCain red states and Obama blue states.  Hey you guys, it’s a presidential campaign, not the Red and Blue Broadway Revue.  Make no mistake; we are United States Americans seriously considering who will be the next President.  The deliberate, sugar coated campaign stumping through the red and blue states may be perceived as just a way of becoming Commander-In-Chief. We’re Americans who must be embraced; regardless of who we are, where we work and what states we reside in.  The Presidential Poetic Portrait will embody many facets of this interestingly, long campaign.   

Dear diary, John McCain and Barack Obama are once again engaging in campaign games.  So far, the Presidential Olympics seems to have been an off beat kind of race that one would never again want to attend.  Unlike the Beijing Olympics, we’ll have to wait two months and twenty-three days to see who’ll glide home and who’ll bring up the rear; huffin’ and puffin’.  Be that as it may, the Presidential Poetic Portrait continues to be Mission: Possible.   

Dear diary, in light of the John Edwards debacle; I wonder, if there are skeletons neatly tucked away in the closets of John McCain and Barack Obama.  What do we really know about John McCain and Barack Obama?  Sure, we have been notified of all the glowing information they want us to know.  But, shouldn’t Americans be told about the negative aspects of McCain and Obama’s lives.  I believe Americans have the right to know the truth and nothing but the truth about the next President.  The Presidential Poetic Portrait continues unfolding with as much accuracy as possible.   

Dear diary, Bernie Mac’s brand of comedy was uniquely entertaining.  And, while many suffer during the tough economical times, his comedy routines were and always will be pure medicine for the soul.   Bernie Mac’s comedy was a definite remedy to lighten, any load.  Without a doubt, Bernie Mac left his mark on this Earth and his comic star will shine for an eternity. 

Dear diary, the death of Bernie Mac has profoundly influenced the subject matter of my future blogs.  My poetry has always been written to enlighten and encourage, not placing steady focus on specific people.  Yes, as planned, I will create the 2009 Presidential Poetic Portrait.  But, from this day forward, I will concentrate on, we the people of America.  Just as Patti La Belle sings in Oh, People; “There will be no sides to take, if we can’t change the course we’re own.” “Apart we are weak, together we’re strong.”  Godspeed, Bernie Mac, Godspeed!!!

Dear diary, I am so tired of people criticizing me for creating a Presidential Poetic Portrait for either John McCain or Barack Obama.  These people are attempting to influence me to only honor their party’s candidate.  Surely, everyone must know that, come November 2008, John McCain or Barack Obama will become America’s new President.  I have simply chosen to honor the new President, whether Democrat or Republican.  I agree with Bobby Brown, its My Prerogative to create the Presidential Poetic Portrait, and I will do it, proudly.    

Dear diary, I think it’s time for John McCain and Barack Obama to forego slam dunk ads and focus on the economy, health care.  For, I truly think detailing plans to address America’s pressing problems would make the best campaign ads of all time.   Just thoughts as I use words to paint the Presidential Poetic Portrait.   

Dear diary, writing about John McCain and Barack Obama is somewhat challenging.  Because, they constantly and undeniably seem to accentuate each others differences.  But, with that aside, which one has shown that they actually have what it takes to be America’s next President?  I am continuing to slowly but meticulously develop the Presidential Poetic Portrait.          

Dear diary, to create the Presidential Poetic Portrait, I persistently research many sources of information.  So, as I'm writing, I thought, has John McCain or Barack Obama really considered whether or not they are the best person to lead America?  Or, is John McCain and Barack Obama so caught up in achieving their dreams that they have not truly thought about what is best for we, the people.  Umm, that is certainly something to reflect upon as I’m creating the Presidential Poetic Portrait. 

Dear diary, I’ve been wondering, which candidate actually has the right stuff to be Commander-In-Chief.  Will John McCain make a better President at age 71 or will the 47 year old Barack Obama?  Oh well, I guess we’ll find out in November.  In the meantime, just like Tina Turner’s Proud Mary, I’m rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on with the makings of a Presidential Poetic Portrait.  I wrote several more sentences today and I’m having a whole lotta fun. 

Dear diary, the Fox News Sunday revealed several points to ponder about John McCain and Barack Obama.  So, it’s McCain for country and Obama for change.  McCain touts his horn about experience and Obama hammers vis-à-vis judgment.  One thing is for sure, McCain and Obama are certainly, unique individuals.  This will only enhance the Presidential Poetic Portrait.  Oh yes, I have written a few more sentences, but I’m not sure they will make the final cut.         

Dear diary, even though John McCain and Barack Obama’s campaigns seem to be littered with recurrent pop-up smoke screens, I was able to write a few sentences today.  This is when it gets interesting, for I must make every effort to avoid favoring either candidate or interjecting my opinions into the Presidential Poetic Portrait.  Just like the Temptations I’m Gettin’ Ready.

Dear diary, McCain and Obama seem to quickly and consistently throw up smoke screens.  If I’m not mistaken, smoke screens have never offered up solutions to any of America’s problems.  I think it is beyond time that the candidates actually focus on the economy, housing, food and fuel prices, you know, real issues.  The diversions are certainly not helping me to create the Presidential poetic portrait.   

Dear diary, I recall that day in 2000 when I created the first poetic portraits and visual poems to honor President Clinton and President George W. Bush.  I was and continue to be determined to honor the outgoing and the incoming Presidents, because I believe both Presidents deserve to be recognized.  It is a tradition that I have vowed to continue, no matter what occurs.  As I begin this mission, I’ll take inspiration from Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s Something So Strong Inside and The Vaughan Brothers’ Tick Tock

Dear diary, I thought I may have had an enlightened moment yesterday.  But, I almost forgot just how time consuming it is to create a poetic portrait and a visual poem to honor an individual.  Yes, it’s now time to batter down the hatches and seriously research and follow the campaigns of John McCain and Barack Obama until November 4, 2008.  My light at the end of the tunnel will arrive at the close of election night.  For, only then will I be able to rest a little easier and focus the next several weeks on the winning Presidential candidate.  Well, it’s time for Mr. Sam Cooke's Wonderful World and A Change Is Gonna Come!!!

Dear diary, I was talking to my sister, Glenda, and I realized that we oftentimes force ourselves to do things we may not be ready to or are unable to do.  So, I have decided to just go with the flow and if I am able to create the 2009 Presidential portrait and visual poem, then so it will be.  If not, then it was not meant for me to accomplish.  Either way, I will be content with the outcome.   

Dear diary, I am totally unable to focus on writing poems about United States Presidential candidates; John McCain and Barack Obama.  I'm not sure why.  But, I do know that by November 7, 2008 I need to have at least a rough draft.  December 31, 2008 is the deadline for an immaculately, polished poetic portrait and a visual poem to honor our new President.  I pray that I am able to overcome this writer’s block, soon.