Yes, I have read extensively about the lives and backgrounds of both candidates. In fact, I had read about all of the potential Democratic and Republican candidates even before it was narrowed down to McCain and Obama - after all, one of them could be our next VP. I am registered as an Independent, so am not party-affiliated with either Democrats or Republicans.
As your suggest, I encourage everyone to read as much as possible, and please do not rely on emails without checking out the facts.