It’s pretty neat to hear the next White House Press Secretary might have local roots. Robert Gibbs, who grew up in Auburn and graduated from Auburn High in 1989, is speculated to be the leading candidate for the job. He worked as Barack Obama’s communications manager for the last four years.

But Gibbs wasn’t the only local on the presidential campaign trail. Kimmie Lipscomb, a 2001 graduate of Auburn High, was press spokesperson and campaign spokesperson for John McCain. Two AHS grads dueling for the White House. Pretty cool.

Today’s mood music: Rain, rain, go away

Don’t blink, but Tennessee-Martin’s football uniforms are eerily similar to Auburn’s. Saturday’s game at Jordan-Hare Stadium might just resemble an A-Day Game. Looks like Bo running the ball, doesn’t it?

Mood song for the day: Crystal Ball by Styx

By late tonight, all of the debates, nasty commercials, campaign BS and political rhetoric should give us a new president. That’s good because I’m tired of it all. The winner gets the honor of becoming the most scrutinized person in the free world and have burning effigies of yourself in the streets of Mideast nations. Congratulations.

Instead of spending millions on campaigns, perhaps we can find a simpler means to choose a president in 2012. Yeah, let’s run the candidates through a series of contests.

First, they must appear on American Idol and sing The Star Spangled Banner and their choice of any Depeche Mode selection.

After the talent portion of the contest, the candidates must compete in a physical event, either tug-of-war or catch the greasy pig. The winner here will go over big with the Kansas constituents.

Finally, the candidates must go head-to-head in Monopoly, a game that displays their economic prowess. Pennsylvania Avenue will be worth an arm and a leg.

I’m not saying which candidate is the best choice for our nation, but I do wonder ... in four years will today’s winner be glad he won?

Today’s mood music: Jingle Bells. Why not?