Vote your heart based on the issues. You are entitled to the right to vote for the Democratic Candidate that meets your requirements.
Step2
Ignore negativity from the media and the candidates. If one candidate attacks for sure the other has to defend or the media will accuse them of being weak.
Step3
Listen to the issues presented. How does what the candidates propose meet your specific needs. Give them both the benefit of the doubt. Keep in mind, Presidents must work with Congress to implement the proposals shared with the public. There will be some revisions and maybe new proposals different from the campaign trail due to the make-up of Congress.
Step4
If your candidate or my candidate (Barack Obama) does not receive the nomination, for goodness sake do not vote MCAIN. To do that would be a disaster. Vote Democrat. Unless you want a possible 8 additional years of Bush Policies and politics. Once they get in the White House, it is hard to get them out.