Now that Barack Obama has announced his running mate is Michael Phelps, it's time for this election to take off. The Democratic Convention is underway, so there'll be a lot of news coming out of Denver that everyone will make a deal about, but deep down, not really care about. This isn't a good thing, of course, but the Olympics of electing a president has turned into such a media-driven event that people can't get by without doping.

Once every four years, people care. They care a lot. They care a whole lot. There are t-shirts, bumper stickers and water cooler conversations to prove it. It is that one time (every four years) that all Americans are proud to be Americans and all non-Americans are made to feel more like Americans because they get to hear about Americans as much as real Americans.

The next step in this grand chess match of political posturing and athletic prowess will be McCain's choice of running mate. Every successful team must have a strong bench. It is impossible to predict when an injury or old-age death might sneak into the picture. In an effort to demonstrate teamwork, McCain should go with those gymnast girls. It'll have to be the American ones since the Chinese are clearly too young. The only other possible candidate could be a swimmer, since, you know, McCain is obscenely old. Do numbers even work up to 71?

This morning on the local radio provided a glimpse of what is to come over the next few months. A quick twist of 4 notches on the dial magically transports the listener from NPR to "Liberadio" on the Vandy channel. Such a level playing field, especially at 7am on a rainy Monday. All of the callers had their picks for the upcoming events, but it was clear that the appeal of an Obama/Phelps was too much to resist. However, some were concerned that Phelps might have trouble remembering how many medals he has won. Others were so confident in young Michael's vast experience in international arenas that nothing will outshine his foreign affairs resume.

Regardless of party affiliation, all eyes will be on what the Americans do in response to such a poor showing in 2004. The world noticed and decided to take pride in the US's stumble. If redemption is to come, is it really best to change the gameplan, or just those acting it out? Only time will tell if McCain and the girls can become the Redeem Team. Perhaps a hero will emerge. Maybe even those high-brow Canadians will concede, with or without Alec Baldwin.

And yes, no matter who takes the gold, Cuba is still the enemy.