It is my hope that my fellow citizens will look beyond partisanship. As a Republican, I am dismayed by the Republican campaign shenanigans.

Prior to the primaries, many Republicans were supporting Barack Obama. I hope they will think back — and re-ignite their keen observations (often cited back then) that his moderation would bring a new willingness on the part of both Democrats and Republicans to work together.

I recently watched an interview with New York’s Mayor Bloomberg. He talked about the importance of judgment. He said he had not yet made a decision or an endorsement, noting that on the economy, both campaigns had consulted with him.

Good judgment seems to come naturally to Sen. Obama. He sincerely looks at all sides of an issue, consults with others, and thinks through the consequences of action.

Sen. McCain, on the other hand, lauds his reputation as a maverick. He “shoots from the hip” so to speak, meaning that he speaks before he thinks. Often he “thinks better” of his words and actions. The problem is that once a bridge is burned, it is costly in both time and resources to rebuild it.

Yes, it is important to be able to “think on one’s feet.” I’ve watched Obama do just that — for example during his Saddleback Church interview. McCain, on the other hand, reacts.

With a military metaphor, McCain reacts like a combat soldier, decisive. Following his training. On the other hand, Obama thinks like a commander, considering all fronts, before leading an attack, defense, and/or retreat.

Who is better suited to be commander-in-chief? In my mind, between Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama, Barack Obama is the clear choice.

I grew up in Ohio. Racism was taught -- not in school, but at the dinner table. Remember George Wallace? It's hard to combat racism in oneself. All I can say is, that if prejudiced Republicans switched to McCain with the choice of ultra conservative Palin, I sincerely hope that prejudiced Democrats will switch to Obama with the choice of Joe Biden.