I'm genuinely excited about this election!
First, a bit of an introduction. I'm a fortyish California native. Female, lifelong Dem and pretty far left. Always vote. First Presidential election was Clinton in '92, and honestly would have labeled myself as a Moderate. I don't know if I've gotten more radicalized or the County/discourse has just slid further right, but definitely feel far left of center at this point, and proud to be a liberal. I was (am?) a hardcore Deaniac, and got about as politically involved in that campaign as I've ever been, and got pretty heartbroken/burned out after. Didn't tune out or stop voting, but less enthusiastic, even in '08. Was thrilled Obama won, but did feel he was more Center Right than I cared for.
I was disappointed, especially during the first two years, by what felt like too much reaching out to the Republicans and a certain amount of hippy punching, The minute Rahm was named CoS, I feared this. Yes, I did feel that the base was sometimes taken for granted. So, stay with me, I can hear some of you going "but, but, but..."
Something changed for me a couple months ago. I can't really pinpoint the moment, but really felt it take hold around the Republican Convention. I started feeling more hopeful again, prouder of "our side" again, looking forward to voting in November again. I feel good about the way the debate's being framed. I feel like there are politicians who are noticing what's been happening to the middle class and even the poor (thank you OWS. I fear we'd be talking austerity without the influence you had). And I can both see and feel the difference between the candidates and the importance of this election. I'm hopeful about how this is going to shake, and this isn't feeling at this point, to me, like a lesser-of-two-evils choice. Yes, I do still have major issues with the administration, but I will feel good voting for Obama.
Curious how others are feeling. Especially ones who, like me, have at times been disappointed. Sorry if I rambled, and thanks for listening/reading 
= new reply since forum marked as read
There's an old story:
Darkness went to the Board of Directors of the Universe with a complaint.
"Every time I start getting settled and comfortable somewhere," says he,
"along comes Light, who totally blows me away. There's no fairness, no
compromise. It's either him, or me."
So the Board calls in Light for a hearing, to speak in his own defense.
"Darkness has lodged a serious complaint against you," says they,
that you are making his life miserable, and unfairly. What say you
in your defense?"
"Darkness?" Light is puzzled. "Who is Darkness?"
Been on DU like, forever, but very much a lurker 
But have gotten a bit more chatty lately.
