Deciding Vote

I know Washington's primary isn't until next week - I was going to go to the Caucaus with my Dad on Saturday, but I have to work - but I decided to vote for Obama in our primary. We do absentee ballots, so I filled it out today. It basically comes down to buying what Obama is selling. I think Clinton is an extremely compentent person, and I think she is very capable of being a good president, but I find myself swept up in the possibility of Obama. My mind was really made up when I read the Atlantic Monthly's "Why Obama Matters". The possibility of something new going on in America is very, very exciting, and I am ready to sign up. I am not 100% certain about how I feel about all of his policies - but I also am not stupid enough to think that the policies trumpeted during an election year will bear any resemblance to actual legislation two years from now. I am also nervous because Carl Jeffers, one of my favorite political commentators, thinks Obama doesn't have a chance in standing up to McCain in the election. I certainly believe that the next administration is going to start making some important changes to health care, and I think it is inevitable no matter who is in the White House. I am a little embarassed by making such a decision based more on emtion than analysis - but I think when it comes down to it, so does everyone else.
On completely unrelated family news, Ariel and I discussed piano lessons today. The older kids are taking them - with some whining, but overall they enjoy them and I am impressed by their progress. Our discussion was how long piano lessons should be mandatory - any thoughts?