Some argue that deciding whom to vote for in the presidential election is simple, a clear choice between two very different candidates and their qualifications to serve as president. Maybe, but I suspect it is more complicated than that. I believe that it has much to do with priorities, values, what one believes is truly important, and character.

But what do I know about it? Do I have the credentials to sound off about politics? I think so, but maybe  not. You decide. I first voted in a presidential election in 1956, the year Dwight Eisenhower defeated Adlai Stevenson to win the White House, and have not missed voting in any election since. Before every election, I pore over a sample ballot and try to learn as much as possible about every candidate in every race. Every time. This can be tedious, but being an informed voter is important. As an undergraduate, I majored in  political science, studying the political processes in our country. As a professional journalist, I covered numerous elections, interviewed countless candidates, both winners and losers, and endless numbers of voters.

A very important difference separates our two candidates for president this time, a fundamental distinction more striking in this election than I have witnessed before, and it is this: One candidate seeks to divide us. The other seeks to unite us. When I filter through all the rhetoric and summarize what these two candidates stand for, what potential for reasoned, intelligent leadership they would offer me and my fellow citizens as president, I am left with one clear conclusion.

We have had more than our share of division. I choose to vote for one who would unite us.

Today’s words: Plurals of nouns, including names, ending in s, z or x. For some reason, we want to turn to the apostrophe when trying to state such a noun in the plural, and that’s wrong. If your name is Edmunds, you and your spouse together are the Edmunses. That’s right. Just add es, no apostrophe. The Lopezes live next door. The Coxes have moved to California. Simply add the es to make such a noun plural, and leave the apostrophe out of it.