I would like to respond to Mr. Cleland's letter, "Obama promotes changes as Kennedy era once did" (Aug. 28). Unfortunately, this is another regurgitation of the same whimsical language that can be found everywhere in the mainstream media. Mr. Cleland seems fond of using the same buzzwords of "inspiration," "hope," and "change" to describe the senator.

I do not deny that Sen. Obama is a charismatic figure, however, I take issue with the line that he is a "pragmatic leader." Leader of what, I ask? He is the junior senator from Illinois with only half of a term experience and no real legislative achievement of which to speak. This common argument is an important one. The office of president is not a training ground for charming characters; it is the ultimate test of leadership.

John McCain has been honorably serving his country for 50 years. During that time he has excelled as a naval officer, congressman and senator. His personal sacrifices are well documented and his character beyond reproach.

Contrary to Mr. Cleland's beliefs, Sen. McCain is a unique candidate who has worked with his peers across the aisle on campaign finance reform, immigration reform, and environmental protection. He has angered many in his own political party for these efforts, as well as his personal campaign against wasteful government spending. I urge my fellow Penn Staters to look beyond the hype and buzzwords and discover that the true candidate of change is the one who has fought vigorously for those he has served with every position he has ever held, and not the one that has used his previous offices for his own personal ambition with no significant results.

Patrick Madrid

Class of 2006