We all know the effects of being an only-child. It isn't to say there aren't good, well adjusted only-children out there - especially by adulthood. But let's be honest. Only-children are usually in a world all there own. They are used to lots of attention.

For the past 2-years of this campaign, Barack Obama has been an only child. But uh-ohhh his parents just had another baby and out popped Sarah Palin...

It is interesting visiting sites like Newsvine & Topix because for the past two years, the articles have been dominated by Obama. Every move: detailed to the last degree. Every statement: analyzed beyond belief. Even those who were against Obama were still talking about Obama (just negatively). I am calling you out Sean Hannity and your "Stop Obama Express."

But then popped out Sarah Palin...

Now all the critics are saying she was just a strategic choice.

• They think they can pull Hillary supporters because she is a woman.
• They think she can pull religious conservatives because McCain doesn't have a great record with them.
• They think she can pull younger voters because she is energetic and attractive.
• They think they can even steel the "historic" vote because some were only voting for Obama to be "apart" of something historic.

The critics can say this all they want...because they are correct.

But since when are we surprised by that? Aren't all decisions in a campaign - from where to hold the convention to which media reporters to talk to - based on key strategic outcomes?

Now one might argue that this distracts from the real issues. But I say nay! The problem has been that up until this point this campaign hasn't been about the issues. Why? Because Obama was so enamoring for the average American that it was about his rockstar/historic status more than anything else. It was the only-child syndrome if you will. But now he has been equalized by the Palin pick. We finally have the freedom to truly vote on issues, not hype.

I don't mind her low-ball attacks because I am always for more honesty. I like watching people duke it out. McCain and Obama have played "nice guy" too long. The low-ball attacks are essentially what everyone is thinking, but no one wants to say. Let's just put our balls on the table and say what we are thinking.

As far as her lack of Washington experience goes, who gives a crap. I say this not because I take the job or the vote lightly but because it is precisely the experience she has that I find intriguing. Plus, I want the VP role to return a bit more to the Al Gore / Dan Quayle days when they really didn't do much anyways. Dick Cheney has had too much of his hand in this administration, and I don't think that has helped the office.

I also have no problem they are limiting her exposure to the press. Who in the hell decided the press get to decide our elections? The press have become this organization that thinks candidates and politicians owe them information. No. The press have a responsibility to get the information, and a freedom to speak on their findings, but their entitled attitudes towards public figures (and celebrities for that matter) is sickening.

I am still legitimately undecided on who I am voting for. But I am very excited to know that come November, one way or another, this election will be historic and that change is in the air.