I've got the election season blues. I am pretty much tired of everything. Read all about it in my column for Main Line Life:

Posted on Tue, Sep 30, 2008
Will we all survive until November 5?
By Carla J. Zambelli

November 5 will be a day I celebrate like a holiday. Why? Because on Nov. 5, 2008, election season 2008 will finally be over. Will we all survive until then?The glossy mailers are arriving at a fast and furious pace. I've got "green" candidates, "positive" candidates, "reforming" candidates, "community service" candidates, and candidates with "vision". Everyday, it's political Christmas in my mailbox.

Of course, I also am getting literature dropped by hand by little political foot soldiers on a mission. Now, I have gone door to door during election seasons. It is hard, granted, but I know the first rule you must follow: respect. Translation: if someone says they aren't interested for whatever the reason, apologize for disturbing the person, wish then a pleasant day and move on. Its not rocket science.

Some of these new breed of political zealots aren't even dropping literature in the right township or county. When I ask them to stop for that reason, or try to explain that I am experiencing election overload, sometimes these people politely fade away, and others are argumentative wanting to know "why" I don't want more literature from candidates, and why I am tired of door to door soliciting. Also amusing is if you tell these folks they are pretty much wasting their time they say "We go where we are told," which begs an additional host of questions we don't have time for here.

In addition to feeling absolutely bombarded by forests of glossy political literature and politicians' little helpers, there are also radio and television advertisements to be considered. They come rapid fire one after the other and are as welcome as Mr. Sham Wow commercials.

Finally, because we are creatures of an electronic age, there is also e-mail. I recently learned for example, that for a mere $7.00, I can personally stop a U.S. Presidential candidate. Wow, imagine that? Who would of thought it possibleft What a bargain! Can I use Pay Pal? And just today, out of the tired old repertoire of political dinosaurs, I actually got an e-mail about "Hanoi Jane." Seriously, what's next? A robo-call from Richard Nixon from beyond the grave in time for Halloween?

Buzz words dance in my head like sugarplums. "Liberals," "Conservatives," "Change," "County First." Is there a vaccine available to cure political buzz words?

What a time we live in. Vice presidential candidates are hiding out in Philadelphia, yet have time to go drinking at the Irish Pub. And oh, I got an e-mail Joe Lieberman was in town. Swell, but how can a U.S. Senator have time to be here when he should be in Washington seeing that the Great American Bailout doesn't end up The Great American Disaster?

And that is what is also disturbing - wondering if any of these Presidential candidates have the foggiest notion how to really address the economic woes threatening this country? Do they really have a clue as how to stem the crimson tide of the U.S. Economy bleeding out from coast to coast? How many generations will be paying for this down the road and why can't both political parties admit their culpability in the problems that plague us as a country to begin with? These problems weren't merely created by one political party, or one administration. There is more that enough guilt to go around.

Another thing I find interesting is the amazing ignorance of people about issues and candidates. And that is further fueled by television news outlets with their own agendas. Now more than ever I count on the reliability of the BBC and NPR.

This election is also making Hatfield and McCoy relationships out of neighbors and friends. Most of us don't want to discuss the election at this point because no matter what side of the fence you sit on, the conversations break down into shouting matches. People are taking themselves so seriously this time around that they can't even appreciate witty editorial cartoons in local newspapers.

Election season 2008 is a study in extremes from both sides, and ordinary people caught in the middle are feeling squeezed. I am one of those feeling a little squeezed. Politics is not a one sized fit all for people. Some, myself included, like to choose a la carte. But this is not a year where such individuality is appreciated. Both major parties want to own our all American souls, and unfortunately, when it comes to the White House, you can't pick one from column "A" and one from column "B". It's all or nothing.

I simply don't know what to believe, or whom to believe because all I hear is spin and hype. Once again, I feel I am learning more from comedians and might actually prefer if Tina Fey and Bill Maher were running for office.

Election day is a little over a month away. Where do ordinary Americans who aren't representative of political extremism fit? If you are in the middle what do you do?

I just can't take it any more. I am sick of the negative campaigning, the sin and spin doctoring, election hype, and witch hunting.

Sign me searching for truth in advertising and a money back guarantee.

Carla J. Zambelli writes an occasional column for Main Line Life.