Rene Marie Sings Black National Anthem Instead

I have never considered myself a patriot. I have never served in the armed forces. I have never served as a lawmaker, or heck, even a volunteer. I thought patriots died for America, they lost their homes or sacrificed their sons. I thought they did what was asked when the United States was in need and always stood by her side.

When I was asked to cover a regular beat on race and the current political cycle I expressed my hope that I wouldn't have enough to cover on a regular basis. Well, that dream died quickly.

When I first heard about the Unity, New Hampshire appearance of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to promote -- what else, Democratic party unity -- all I could think of was George's father on Seinfeld yelling, "SERENITY NOW!!"

(Warning: Rant alert)With every public election, regardless of what position is being sought, the campaigns are usually unpleasant. Each candidate tries to veer the public to vote for them by trying to taint the character and / or motives of their competitor(s). Some people understand what is going on and ignore the tactics used to try and change their minds. Others who might have already formed some negative connotations about a specific candidate might be swayed if they feel one candidate voices views that correlate with that they believe.

Lucky. My family and I are lucky. I am a working mom. A working woman. A female voter. As BlogHer Contributing Editor American Princess put it, part of the demographic that will have a "profound effect on the outcome of November's election." Like many Americans I recently went from "stay-at-home-mom who could stand to make some extra cash on the side" to "I need a job and I need it now to make ends meet in this house."