let's re-read that pesky little document again, shall we?

The United States Constitution - The U.S. Constitution Online - USConstitution.net:

He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

Let's read those bold items all together one more time...

He shall appoint Judges of the supreme Court.

Read it again.  And again.  And again.

Finished yet?  No, you're not.  Read it again.

And consider there is NOTHING more permanent than that in the entire U.S. Government system.  NOTHING.

All you fence-sitters and "they're both the same" and "nobody represents MY views" out there PLEASE consider that one key difference between the two - they will be VERY different on who they pick for the next vacancy, and your future and your children's future DEPENDS on who that is.

the enduring effects of moore's law...

...are certainly felt when you realize you play around with 2-gig flash memory cards in your hand exactly as you used to play with poker chips...