Ten reasons why I might vote for Obama (in no particular order):

1. Obama has not relied for economic support on those who inherited money obtained by means of the "evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days." See D&C 89:4. Nor does his running mate have an odd fascination with those who identify themselves as "Joe Six-pack".

2. Obama didn't suspend his campaign for a single day last week -- even when he had other things to worry about.

3. Obama is still married to his first wife. I've heard no stories of unfaithfulness to -- or poor treatment of -- his first wife. I cannot say the same thing for his opponent.

4. In an effort to win the election, McCain has changed some of the positions he held, and embraced groups and ideas that he disavowed, when he ran against George W. Bush eight years ago. (I supported him -- and not GWB -- in the 2000 primary, for what its worth.) I think McCain was blatantly dishonest in his campaign against Mitt Romney. I think McCain has run a very negative campaign in the general election -- one based in part on evident half-truths and obvious misrepresentations -- despite his promise not to do so. Thus, I am not convinced that he is honorable or that I can trust him.

5. His convention had much better live music.

6. "Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties". First Presidency Letter, September 22, 2008.

7. I make less than $250,000 a year and am, therefore, not sure I need to worry about a tax increase. In any event, I'm not convinced that it’s a bad idea for people who make large sums of money to have to give more back to society.

8. I like the idea of a president who can speak in complete sentences, use proper grammar and display a degree of eloquence in his oratory. I like the idea of a president trained in the law. I like the idea of a president who is a deep-thinker with a well-defined world view. These traits can be found in all of the great presidents like Lincoln, Adams and Jefferson.

9. I'm starting to believe that McCain demonstrated poor decision-making skills -- from both an election and administrative perspective -- by choosing a running mate whose main qualification is being the executive of a jurisdiction with a population the same size as that of Memphis and who seems incapable of providing cogent answers to questions when interviewed. I like the "idea" of Sarah Palin a lot more than I like the actual person I see in the interviews and debates. (On a side note, is anyone surprised by the number of otherwise conservative Mormons who seem to have no problem with the fact that Palin is seeking a very demanding job outside the home, notwithstanding the fact that she still has several young children?)

10. Obama doesn't remind me of Mr. Burns from the Simpsons.

RZA