Is Obama Ready to Lead? The Real Question Should Be: Is John McCain Ready?

You've probably seen the ad by John McCain likening Barack Obama to airheaded celebrities Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. The ad acknowledges Obama's appeal but questions whether he has the substance to be president. As political ads go, very clever.

Here's why I think Obama IS ready to lead:

He had the foresight to realize invading Iraq was a mistake. 5 points!

Through his recent overseas trip, he has demonstrated an appeal to foreign leaders and citizens, which will ultimately help him promote America's interests and win diplomatic victories when he is president. 5 points!

Obama projects a calm, rational demeanor and gives others the sense that he wants to work together. 5 points!

Obama focuses on the things that make America great (freedom, opportunity, diversity) rather than the things that America fears. 5 points!

Obama has a plan for national health care and sustainable energy. 5 points!

He is not a warmonger! 5,000 points!

John McCain's ad, however, implies that he is, by comparison, ready to lead. Here are several reasons to question that assumption:

McCain may have served in the military and been a prisoner of war, but so what? My ex-brother-in-law was in the military and is a worthless deadbeat who doesn't care for his children. Plenty of other military folks go batshit crazy. -5 points.

McCain supported the invasion of Iraq. -5 points.

McCain has served a long while in Congress and was once known as a maverick senator. However, he has sacrificed that quality in order to gain the Republican party nomination. -5 points.

McCain has already had his chance to lead given his years in the Senate. I'm still not impressed. -5 points.

McCain has absolutely no vision for Iraq, appears to want to invade Iran, and wants to remain dependent of fossil fuels. -5 points

McCain is known for being testy as well as a maverick--which reminds me of George W. Bush's go-it-alone philosophy. How will his personality play overseas where our country's image is so damaged? -5 points.

He hates "gay sweaters!" -5,000 points!

OBAMA WINS!