[Xtrato]

i would definitely start with a more unique and organized layout .. very organized, so user will feel welcomed, to a real POLITICS Site...

Look into the government sites , ( the good ones ) and just get an idea , color wise are obvious , blues, reds..whites.. etc , i have a good idea of what a poloitics forum would look .

if code/design is not your strong point , then i suggest hire someone , or get a premade skin , that will somewhat suit your needs... depending on your budget of course.. consider again , the uniqueness of your site , VS the general ..

information in terms of making a layout can be found all over the net, vBulletin specific.. well , if you dont know HTML basic , and some knowledge of PHP , and or Template management you will waste lots of times .. again , focus on your real site content , and let someone who knows get to work on your look ..

just consider your time , be a manager and not a do all yourself , as my mistakes were , if you focus on what to bring to the community , and put people who have knowledge on certain areas you will have a very successful site ..

you time = money , and if you are going to learn how to fly a jet , vs managing your corporation you will have some BIG setbacks..

look for a designer/coder free lancer w.e on the net that best suits your budget..