First off, in the interest of full disclosure, I am a big Hillary Clinton supporter. That being said, I will be voting for Barack Obama – but that didn’t stop me from being glued to the television for two weeks for the Democratic and the Republican national conventions. I’m a political junkie, and I’m interested in what each of the candidates has to say (or, in some cases, what they don’t say).

So, just because I’m one of the more than 37 million people who tuned in to watch Sarah Palin and John McCain give their speeches, doesn’t mean I’m voting for them. The media loves polls. I, for one, think they are often misleading. To understand the poll results, you also have to understand the mechanics and specifics of the polls and the people being polled. And don’t get me started on Sarah Palin … though I would pay to see her in a “bitch-fest” with Ophelia (my money would be on Ophelia!).

Speaking of qualifications, I happen to run a department in my company that has a multi-million dollar budget. So, technically, I have real executive experience. And I’ve had my share of Marine boyfriends, which gives me some military experience as well. Oh yes, and I do drag, so I suppose you could call me a maverick. Maybe I should declare myself an independent candidate for Vice President!

On the lighter side of the convention, why do delegates feel they have to wear colorful clothing and silly hats? You all know how I feel about rainbow spandex during Pride. It makes one shudder to think these delegates are selecting the nominee for the President of the United States. I sincerely hope their political sensibilities are better than their fashion senses. I must say, though, Cindy McCain is one of the best dressed spouses. Don’t get me wrong, Michelle Obama is looking mighty sharp lately, but she needs to get a better stylist. The zipper of her blue schmata was showing on the night of Obama’s speech. A better quality dress would have the zipper concealed. Michelle also seems to favor little flower ornaments on her outfits, and they do not always work. And she must know flat shoes are not flattering. I know she probably doesn’t want to tower over Barack, but Barack, unlike Tom Cruise, doesn’t have a complex about taller women. I do give her credit, though, for the Obama girls’ awfully pretty outfits! OK – this is all so trivial, I know, but don’t start sending me hate e-mails. Lighten up a little!

The one thing I’m most excited for, partly because of her frequent guest spots on Keith Olbermann’s Countdown, is Rachel Maddow starting her own talk show on MSNBC this week, every night at 9 p.m. I think Rachel is one of the smartest, most insightful, fresh and captivating personalities to hit cable news. And if you didn’t know it yet, she is an out lesbian from Northampton. Rachel is also a radio talk show host on Air America, an Oxford scholar and an outspoken AIDS activist. So I urge you all to watch her show every night, at least for the next few weeks, so we can make sure her ratings are high. Way to go Dr. Maddow!

One of the most anticipated drag shows of the year is the Aid for AIDS largest annual fund-raiser called the “Best in Drag Show,” which will be held Oct. 19 at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. Now in its sixth year, some “not so pretty divas” (not my words) will again be breaking out their highest heels, their finest evening gowns and their flashiest makeup as they prepare to duke it out for the honor of being crowned “Miss Best in Show 2008.” San Diego’s own Danny Bodenmiller brought the house down last year as Miss Wisconsin Velveeta Fondue. The contestants are judged in swimsuits, evening gowns and “unique” talents by a panel of celebrity judges, which last year included Kathy Griffin, Charlie Sheen, Dita Von Teese, Eric Dane and Perez Hilton. Not happy being a runner-up, Danny has been invited to participate again this year as Miss Washington D.C. “Cherry Blossom,” and knowing what a twisted creative queen Danny is, I know she’ll pull out all the stops to plot her way to the top. Last year’s event raised almost $350,000 to support Aid for AIDS in its mission to provide financial assistance to those disabled with HIV/AIDS and living below the poverty line in Los Angeles County. This sell-out show is truly one of the best drag shows ever, so do all you can to get tickets as soon as they become available. For more information, visit www.aidforaids.net.

You may have heard me talk about “Broadway Bares,” a burlesque type show featuring dancers and stars on Broadway that benefits Broadway Cares. Well, there is a similar type show coming to Los Angeles called “Sunset Strips” to benefit AIDS Project Los Angeles and the Actors Fund. The event will take place on Sept. 14 at Boulevard3 in Hollywood at 8 p.m. Chaired by “Dancing With the Stars’” Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, the “burlesque” show will feature 100 talented and super sexy professional dancers who will strut, tease and bare it all – well, almost and very tastefully – all for a good cause, of course! Also scheduled to appear are Bruce Vilanch, Jai Rodriguez, Wilson Cruz and the very sordid Leslie Jordan. For tickets, visit www.apla.org. As “Mama Rose” would say, “Take something off Luis!”

By now, I am sure you all know about Proposition 8, the proposed amendment to the California Constitution that will ban same-sex marriage. You may have also seen the TV ad produced by Equality California that asks: “What if you couldn’t marry the person you love?” It is very important that each of us get involved – even if marriage is not your thing – to prevent those who hate us from denying us the right to make that choice. “You don’t have to be get married to let your voice be heard in November, and to vote for freedom, equality and fairness for all … Voting no on Proposition 8 is our chance to say, loud and clear, that our California Constitution – the law of our land – guarantees the same freedoms and rights to everyone. No one should be singled out and treated differently,” said Rodney Scott, co-chair of the L.A. No on Prop 8 Committee.

A lot of money from conservative groups is pouring into California to deny us this freedom, so please volunteer and give generously to our local GLBT centers or Equality California (EQCA.org). I am working closely with the Imperial Court of Los Angeles County on an upcoming fund-raiser called “Fashion with a Cause,” a runway show that will feature several well known local designers. For updated information, e-mail karinala@aol.com.

Folsom Street Fair: The world’s largest leather/fetish event, celebrates its 25th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 28, on Folsom Street (from 7th to 12th streets) in San Francisco; not for the faint of heart. For more information, visit www.folsomstreetfair.org.

9 to 5 the Musical: World premiere prior to its run on Broadway; now through Oct. 19 at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Who can forget Jane, Lily and Dolly in this musical comedy from 1980? Featuring Allison Janey from TV’s “The West Wing” in one of the lead roles, and a host of new songs by Dolly Parton; tickets are available online at www.centertheatregroug.org.

Elaine Paige, the British version of Patty Lupone, who appeared on Broadway as “Norma Desmond” in Sunset Boulevard, performs with a full orchestra on Friday, Oct. 24 at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs. Tickets are available online at www.annenbergtheater.org.

Margaret Cho, our favorite metrosexual, returns with a new stand-up tour on Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Long Beach Terrace Theatre with two shows, at 7 and 10 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com.