Class and Crass

This long campaign is nearly over and the candidates are sending last minute message to supporters. What do they say? How do you finish your campaign? A person of character does so with class.

Here is the letter John McCain sent to supporters this evening.

My Friend,



From the time I entered the Naval Academy at age seventeen I have been
 privileged and honored to serve my country.

Throughout my years of service, I’ve been faced with challenges 
where I could have taken the easy way out and given up. But I’m an
 American and I never give up. Instead, I choose to show courage and 
stand up and fight for the country I love. Today, I am asking you to
 stand with me and to fight for our country’s future.



Our country faces enormous challenges and our next president must be 
ready to lead on day one. My lifetime of experience has prepared me to
 lead our great nation. I’m prepared to bring solutions to our economic
 challenges, bring our troops home in victory and improve our nation’s 
healthcare system.



Time and time again, my country has saved my life and I owe her more 
than she has ever owed me. I have chosen to show my gratitude through 
a life of service to our country and tomorrow, you will have a choice
 before you.



I humbly ask you to make the choice that will allow me to serve my
country a little while longer by casting your vote to elect me as your next President of the United States.

Finally, I ask that you never forget that much has been sacrificed to
 protect our right to vote. We must never forget those Americans who,
 with their courage, with their sacrifice, and with their lives, have 
protected our freedom. It is my great hope that you will exercise your 
right to vote as an American tomorrow.



I thank you for your kind support, your dedication to our cause, and 
most importantly I thank you for your vote.



With sincere appreciation,


John McCain

Here’s what is on BO’s website:

We’re just one day away from change.

Election Day is tomorrow — Tuesday, November 4th.

We’ve asked you to do a lot over the course of this campaign, and you’ve always come through.

Right now, I’m asking you to do one last thing — vote tomorrow, and make sure everyone you know votes, too.

Watch a short video about how far we’ve come, and how close we are. Then find or confirm your polling location and make sure your friends and family do the same:

(VIDEO HERE – I’m not posting this)

When this campaign began, we weren’t given much of a chance by the pollsters or the pundits.

But tomorrow, we can make history.

We’ve made it this far because supporters like you never stopped believing in your power to bring about real change.

Take the final step now.

Watch the video, find your polling location, and get everyone you know involved on Election Day.

With your vote, and the votes of your friends, family, and neighbors, we won’t just win this election — together, we will change this country and change the world.

Thank you,

Barack

The difference in tone between these letters is pretty much the difference between these candidates. One uses his full name, in a formal letter and the other uses only his first – in an attempt to make you think you know him.

One tells you something about himself and his vision for the country. The other one tells you to watch a video.

One thanks you for your support and expresses his gratitude to the voters. One tells you to get your family and friends to the polls.

One talks about how much he loves his country and one only talks only of getting out the vote.

It’s a small thing this late in the race, but there is class and there is crass. I like the speaker in John McCain’s letter. The other guy sounds like someone trying to get me to invest in Enron.

Good luck to every NQ reader and go out and vote tomorrow!