After Super Tuesday, many were announcing Hillary as the leader in delegates and the election. She had swept two big democratic states: California and New York.
As a Californian, it is easy to see her popularity: her husband was one of the most popular presidents in recent history, she does well in debates and is trying to make history by becoming the first woman president. However, another democrat is also trying to make history: Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, who is trying to become the first African-American president of the United States.
In the 2004 primaries, it seemed as though all the democratic candidates clumped together to try to form a barrier against President Bush being elected again. They all supported each other and had an “any one of us but Bush” motto. However, when Kerry emerged as the nominee, he proved not strong enough to successfully defeat Bush.
In the current primaries, Clinton and Obama are now neck and neck, each campaigning for change in their own ways. But, the interesting development is a kind of cult-like endorsement that Americans are giving these candidates. It seems as though half of the democrats have fallen for Obama’s charm, while the other half see trust and comfort in voting in another Clinton.
Just as Hillary’s headstrong complaints about a comment made about her daughter on-air floated through the media, Obama swept 4 states this past weekend, gaining momentum to possibly win further elections.
The pattern is not one that a party should have: everyone divided. Not only are people really split on their decision on who to elect as the democratic nominee, but they really seem to dislike the other candidate. Obama-supporters seem to be against Hillary, while Hillary supporters don’t believe Obama is experienced enough to run.
Not only is this happening among democrats: Republicans are divided too. McCain is slowly losing support among conservative voters, even with an “endorsement” from President Bush. There is still active support from Republicans for Romney, whom suspended his campaign. Many complain McCain is not conservative enough for his party, which results in votes for Huckabee.
Maybe it is time to realize that people can’t be placed in two categories: Democrat or Republican. There is not a party or candidate that seems to fit everyone. We have to accept that America is diverse in culture, religion and ideas.
