In the end, whether it is Sen. Obama or Sen. McCain, the "change" will be the 8,500 political appointees who will get jobs on a noncompetitive basis within the first 180 days of the new administration (see http://www.gpoaccess.gov/plumbook/index.html). Historically, those who worked the hardest at the campaign, regardless if that was at a senior level or rang doorbells, will get the bulwark of these jobs. The prayer is that some might actually have some technical competencE, and not just be the latest to receive titles for services rendered.

Republicans and Democrats alike do the same. Just check the past editions of the Plum Book to verify that.

So, the "change" promised by either candidate is totally dependent on who is owed what during the campaign, the "reward" to be granted, and if the awardee REALLY can do the work or is receiving "welfare with dignity."

I know this sound cynical, but the way it is, is the way it is. Five minutes of research can verify all of this. That's why the backers of a candidate are so important, as they don't back - wheher By financial contribution, labor or reputational endorsement - for free. It's an "I pay now, and you'll pay later with interest" situation.

So, all the charisma, hype, promises, image and all is pure salesmanship to sway a vote, UNLESS there is real substance to back it up. That's why the substance is so important to me. Old salesmen know that you sell the sizzle, not the steak - so, "Where's the Beef?"