Primary's End: Democrats Unite?
So tonight I'm hopeful. I'm very very hopeful. Tonight I believe that Barack Obama will be victorious as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
I have followed the blow-by-blow for the last six months very closely. I've watched as the delegate totals started to add up, watched the caucuses convene and declare their intent, watched the fundraising totals go up and up, and, most prominently, watched both candidates furiously try to make their case as to why they should lead our country.
But I've done far more than just watch. I've donated to Obama's campaign, I voted for him in Texas' primary. I caucused for him in my voting precinct and represented him as a delegate in my state senate convention. I've engaged in debates over his qualifications and his goals. I've gotten involved in a way I never really thought I would with a candidate.
All of these are personal firsts. Obama's candidacy forced me to take a very good look at our political system. After learning his intentions, I quickly started finding out the most effective ways I could make an impact and do what I could to make sure he had my support to be the next president. I think it definitely goes to show how much effect Obama is having on public opinion.
My prediction for tonight is that Obama will win a certain number of pledged delegates from Montana and South Dakota. He'll also take the stage knowing that he has the support of a certain number of superdelegates. He'll begin his speech, reveal that he's got more than enough delegates to win the nomination, and will effectively declare victory.
In such a situation, what could Clinton do? Continue demanding reallocations of Michigan's votes, despite the fact that the agreement was reached democratically? Again make the case for being the popular vote leader, even though it leaves out every single state that favors a caucus over a primary? Perhaps she'll feel obliged to stay in the race just in case Obama really slips up, then she's in the wings to come up and snatch the nomination.
I guess it comes back to me being hopeful. I think she has it in her to accept defeat gracefully. I know he has it in him to declare victory gracefully. Maybe tonight we'll see a little bit of both.
Here's hoping ;)
Comments
I agree with you. The next
I agree with you. The next important step, is for Hilary Clinton to make some steps toward reconciliation with Obama. And Obama will have to make some concessions to Clinton, as well. I've already heard speculation of an Obama/Clinton ticket. I just don't think that's likely; I don't see Clinton going to all this effort and settling for #2, but she's also enough of a realist to know that her odds of running again, in 4 (or more likely 8) years, are not good. But it's important for the Democrats to bury their grudges and differences, and unite foursquare behind Obama, and whoever ends up on the other half of the ticket. This year's election is theirs to lose. Continuing the divisiveness is a really good way to lose it.
The results last night make
The results last night make me slightly nervous, but only slightly. Hillary's reluctance to concede the candidacy shows me that she's not ready to openly support Obama. Furthermore, her language in her speech last night, "I'm going to let my supporters tell me how to proceed," means that she's going to use the idea that people still back her to continue putting herself in the nomination ring. If nothing else, I suppose this helps her raise money that she loaned to her campaign.
In my mind, though, this nomination is locked up. Obama will now start campaigning for the Democratic Party as a whole, and John McCain will acknowledge that. Good enough in my book.