Democrats’ squabble may cost them
admin - March 12th, 2008After Barack Obama secured the caucus in both Hawaii and Wisconsin in late February, extending his sweep of states to 10, many Democrats believed they were finally on their way to having a presidential nominee. Obama himself said, “We have an insurmountable lead. We’re very confident we can win the nomination and the general election.”
Along came March and Hillary secured for herself the states of Ohio, Texas, and Rhode Island. While many thought Clinton was about to bow out, she showed her teeth while making her semi-famous “shame on you Barack Obama speech,” and bam, she’s back in the game. Many think her aggressive campaign tactics are keeping her afloat in this race.
I for one am excited to see what levels both Obama and Clinton will stoop to in the coming weeks. This past Friday, Samantha Power, an adviser to Obama, resigned after being quoted as calling Clinton a “monster.” Members of Clinton’s campaign team were removed earlier this year when they spoke of Obama’s teenage drug use and helped spread the rumor that Obama is a Muslim. While it may be entertaining to watch the increasing mudslinging and name-calling, it may have dire implications for the Democratic Party in the coming election.
The extreme closeness of the race for the Democratic nomination and the thrusting of skeleton’s from the candidates closets to the front page of newspapers both suggest one thing.
The Democratic Party is more split than a banana at Dairy Queen.
While Obama and Clinton spar with each other in one corner of the ring, John McCain sits calmly on his stool, towel wrapped around his neck. Most Republican campaigners dropped out months ago. This has allowed Republicans to unite, or at least get used to the idea of McCain as their nominee. He is campaigning for presidency, while Obama and Clinton are still campaigning for the Democratic nomination.
Whoever does secure the nomination will have half of their own party hating them. I don’t think they will be so angry as to vote for McCain, but I can see that half not voting at all. The only way I see the Democrats coming back from this drawn-out, vicious fight, is if whoever doesn’t grab the nomination, gains some humility and runs as vice president. However, I cannot see that happening. I can’t imagine Obama saying, “Hey Hillary, I know we hate each other and my team thinks you’re a monster, but…you want to be my V.P.?”
Bush was recently caught dancing on the North Portico of the White House while waiting for McCain to arrive. While Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are fighting to the death, McCain is going to skip his way into the White House where he and Bush can dance together this time.