It is voting day. Most of my friends and even some of my family members are voting for Obama. I dedicate the following rant to their votes.

I am tired of old Republicans saying that young people are supporting Barack because of celebrity appeal–both his own and the celebs’ that support him. First of all, many people support Obama besides Ben Affleck and Nicole Richie. Who? Um . . . Let’s see . . .

• Jimmy Carter
• Ted Kennedy
• Colin Powell
• Madeleine Albright
• Wesley Clark
• Cornel West
• Francis Fukuyama (that deserves a whole post in itself)
• Warren Buffet
• Your Mom

Second, just because someone is a celebrity doesn’t make them an airhead (apologies to Mr. Cruz and Ms. Hilton) and just because someone is a politician doesn’t make them a smarty-head. McCain’s endorsements from Dick Cheney, George Bush, and Karl Rove don’t necessarily give him more street cred than Barack’s endorsements from Ben Stiller and Will Smith.

Furthermore (third), all of the “young people” that I know are not voting for Barack because of a celebrity’s endorsement. True, some may be swayed by Barak’s popularity, but so what? He’s popular and that makes him attractive. That is not the only reason my “young” friends are voting for him. Other reasons include:

• Willingness to engage in diplomacy
• Slightly saner energy plan
• Emphasis on education
• Running mate is not Sarah Palin
• Plan to end the war in Iraq

Fourth and finally, don’t slam “young” people just because you don’t like who they are voting for. They are the future and you should be glad they are getting involved. On that note, I still love and respect you grandpa and grandma, even though you are voting for John McCain.