Bucco's issues...

Is McCain's age an issue ?

If Obama's age is being made an issue, certainly McCain being the oldest person ever to run for President is also an issue.

Are Obama's associates and mentors an issue ?

Both candidates have issues from their past. But in both cases, the long distance past. If people want to make an issue of Obama's relationships with a former pastor and someone with socialist leanings, then why isn't McCain's involvement as one of the Keating Five an issue of equal importance? Both men have admitted those relationships and denied their effect on their current beliefs and plans.

Tax breaks or Tax increases ?

The financial experts who have reviewed the fiscal plans of both candidates say that neither will work without modifications. McCain's additional tax decreases would further increase the record deficit created by similar policies during the last eight years. Obama's plans would have a similar although less damaging effect unless he modifies some of his spending plans. Neither plan will work without changes. Seems like a wash on this issue.

Do we need a military presence in the Middle East ?

This question appears to have been answered by everyone except Senator McCain. Everyone except McCain seems to be planning for the removal of U.S. troops from Iraq in 2009. The American public, the Iraqi public and government, Senator Obama, and most of the rest of the world believes it's time for the U.S. to end the occupation and the war in Iraq.

Will we have a presence in the Middle East? Sure. A small contingent in Iraq and probably an increase in the troop levels in Afghanistan. And now, the potential need for deployments in or for Pakistan. All the parties who believe that we should get out of Iraq also believe that Afghanistan/Pakistan is growing as a problem. The larger issue, one that many have opined was the real reason for our invasion of Iraq in the first place, would by itself justify having a military presence in the region--protection of the Saudi oil fields--probably necessary, at least until we become less dependent on oil from the region.

Who should be paying for medical care in this country ?

This may be the most important issue for people who live in The Villages. Local hospitals are struggling to attract sufficient doctors to meet the needs of our rapidly growing population of seniors. At the same time the number of doctors being trained, particularly internists and family medicine specialties, are declining. With the continued decline in payments by both insurance companies and Medicare, fewer young people are opting for medical school. Doctors who come to TV will have to decide to try to make a living dependent on Medicare payments. The trend of doctors willing to do this nationally is declining. There is a distinct trend towards doctors who will no longer accept Medicare patients.

The answer to this question is unclear, but our next President better begin making changes in our healthcare system, which is clearly broken. You all can choose which of the candidates is more committed and capable to bringing legislative change to this problem. Both have plans of a sort. But only one appears to have the political currency to achieve legislative action.
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Just an attempt to respond to Bucco's issues.