What a difference a year makes. A year ago we were gearing up for the Presidential race and in our state a rematch of Gregoire versus Rossi. We were becoming familiar with the Senator from Illinois named Barack Obama and while we were concerned about the economy, I don’t think anyone expected the meltdown we’re now experiencing.

I’m writing this blog on Veteran’s Day. But I didn’t need that official day to remind me how much soldiers sacrifice for our country. I’ve been working on a story that has kept that sacrifice top of mind.

It’s over and I’m glad. I’m glad that I won’t have to see or hear another campaign commercial -- especially those nasty attack ads. I’m glad because I won’t have to hear the spin of the candidates and the campaign strategists. I’m glad because I had had enough of it all.

Here's a News Lineup Update:

BBC World News joins evening lineup; Charlie Rose moves to 2:00 p.m.

PBS is known for our news and public affairs programs. In 2007 and 2008, these programs were honored with more than twice as many News and Documentary Emmy awards than any other network-more than CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN or Fox News.

John McCain says racism exists in America, but he doesn’t think that race will play a role in the outcome of next week’s Presidential election.

McCain believes the nation’s economic problems will trump the issue of race in the election. I think he’s right, but having said that I still believe that race will be an issue for some people.

On October 1, we presented the Governor’s Debate from Yakima. This morning, October 10, we taped a debate between 8th district Republican Congressman Dave Reichert and his Democratic challenger Darcy Burner. Like Governor Gregoire and Dino Rossi, it’s the second time around for Reichert and Burner as they faced off two years ago in a close race. I think debates are important for voters.

All photos were taken by KCTS9.org staff at the Capitol Theatre in Yakima on October 1, 2008 where Governor Christine Gregoire and challenger Dino Rossi squared off in a debate moderated by KCTS 9's Enrique Cerna.

Video | Watch the Debate

Here at KCTS 9, I’ve worked on health care stories before, including four years ago in the run up to the presidential election. Working on health care 2008, it struck me how different things are now.

Watching the September 26th presidential debate, it was clear that both candidates struggled with the format. Moderator Jim Lehrer consistently tried to get Senators McCain and Obama to talk directly to each other.