" About the high stakes and all that rot? And what again are the differences between republicans and democrats? I just get so confused these days. Which ones are supposed to be conservative and looking out for the interests of Americans?"
I understand how you feel. I've felt like that for the past 5 or so elections. Once my idealism got me Jimmy Carter. Twice it got me Bill Clinton. If we can't afford George Bush, we sure can't afford Kerry. They are a wash on immigration, so I'm picking other issues to vote on. I think Colin Powell needs kicked over this SS for illegals big time. Today was the first I heard this was a SSA and a State Dept. deal.
You'll think differently if Bush wins. The best hope for this republic in the next four years is Gridlock, sweet Gridlock. Kerry, unlike Bush will have little influence in Congress and another election to be mindful of.
the difference is, if Kerry wins and the Republicans keep Congress, the Congress will get tough on immigration and stifle any amnesty Kerry proposes. A Republican Congress, on the other hand, will go along with President Bush's amnesty.