My mother is 86 years old and Hispanic. She worked in social welfare programs for the elderly and homeless for many years. She was supporting John Edwards until he dropped out of the race. She lives in Madera California.

I called her tonight to see who she was voting for tomorrow. She surprised me when she told me it was Barack Obama. I asked her why she chose Barack over Hillary. She told me that Hillary really “P’d” her off when she saw the debate because she never answered the question asked directly.

I was a little stunned because my mother has never used the letter for the word pissed off before and she was really mad too.

One of my sisters living here in California already voted she told me. I cringed. She is in nursing school and doesn’t have much time. She is 50 years old. I asked her who she voted for and she said, Obamaaaa and laughed. She really surprised me. I thought she might have picked Hillary. She voted for Obama before the Kennedy endorsement. She is fairly conservative, is connected to her church and enjoys real-estate and economics.

My other sister ( I have 3) told me she is voting for Obama because she feels that Hillary is a lesbian but won’t be honest about it because she likes power more. She is my funniest sister and a CPA. I think what she is trying to express is that she doesn’t trust Hillary.

I have been waiting for Mr. Obama since his big speech at the Democratic convention. My soul recognized him as our next President who would better our Country and change the world. No words can explain it. I just knew and I have been waiting.

I also saw Hillary at the Democratic convention sitting next to Jessie Jackson while Mr. Obama was speaking. I saw the fear in her face when the crowd responded to Mr.Obama. I knew then that she knew he was the real deal too, but, oh, how she tried to hide her fear that had crept into the outline of her features on display for me like a full moon.

Tonight, after hearing all the latest poll results, her apparent fear has been realized. The fight is definitely on. I think the polls are wrong and Barack won’t do as well as they predict.

But, if Barack survives tomorrow, Hillary will be destined to lose the party nomination piece at a time because of all those choices or acts you talked about (the dark political strategy and a life forged around it) have left their mark on her spirit. Folks are beginning to discern it because she is being held up against, not only his voting record, but also Barack’s spirit for comparison. I don’t think any other candidate could have unraveled her in this very unique way.

So fascinating.

Take Care,

Mercedes