As I was saying …

I know, I know: In the presidential race between Mr. Straight Talk and Mr. Change You Can Believe In, it is more than a little tempting to become a political cynic. (A cynic, said H.L. Mencken, is one who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin.)

And by early November, I wager we will all be so weary of the election process we'll be happy to cast our votes for no other reason than to mark the end of the ordeal.

Still, we need to be thoughtful. Leaving party affiliation aside, consider for a moment the issues our new president—and Congress—will have to address:

• Coming to a conclusion on tax changes that are set to expire in a year or two. These include estate taxes; without some resolution they will disappear for a year then re-emerge at high levels.
• Constructing a rational energy policy. Virtually all candidates want the U.S. to be energy-independent, but we had better figure out what that means and what it will take to get us there. Ethanol, as we have learned, won't do it.
• Fixing our entitlement system. Unchanged, Social Security and Medicare will run out of money during our lifetimes.
• Ensuring the U.S. remains competitive in the world marketplace. This means making sure we have qualified workers, good trading partners and good relationships abroad.

In my view, these are among the important issues that are no longer easily defined along party lines. The old labels are more difficult to apply to the new issues we face. Polls consistently show voters want leaders who can work with their opponents, are not dogmatic and can be trusted during times of crisis.

That also suggests the process of choosing a president will be more difficult. Both parties' platforms will include plans for balancing the federal budget and helping small businesses create jobs. Both will talk about using alternative energy sources, and both will include suggested government incentive programs to reduce oil consumption.

Making choices during this election will require special listening skills. And it will require diligence. Most important, as always, it will require action. Make sure you vote. And make sure your employees vote. The stakes have never been higher.

Bill Good is NRCA's executive vice president.