Not Giving Up

When you consider the recent polls in the Democratic primaries you can see why Clinton is choosing to stay in. The margin between the candidates stands about 135 delegates, however it’s not a big one. Here are three fundamental reasons why she should stay in:

1. Clinton generally outperforms Obama in general debates. She is a hell of a debater, particularly because she has been surrounded by government officials for the past 35 years, making her the ideal candidate, at least by Washington standards, to withstand Republican bashing in a general election, akin to the idea that the devil knows best not because he is evil but because he has been around longer.

2. She keeps winning states. The next primary is Pennsylvania, and polls show that Hillary will take it by a 20% margin, and this state has plenty of delegates count. Next stop is Indiana and North Carolina on May 6, which shows Obama’s lead in the two states, with N.C. being taken by a wider margin. Then comes May 13, and it swings back to Hillary with Nebraska and West Virginia holding primaries. On May 20, in Oregon and Kentucky it’s Clinton country all over again, and many are expecting Sen. Edwards to have come out in her favor, since it was last reported that Elizabeth Edwards was joining the Center for American Progress, which was founded by former Clinton Chief of Staff John Podesta, who is expected to be an appointee in a future Clinton Administration.


3. She is more specific about the issues. These include: Ending the Iraq War, promoting Universal Healthcare, passing an outstanding Energy Policy, possessing greater depth on Economic reforms, reforming the Working Class and Labor Organizations, having a clearer and more centered Education and Immigration reforms, committing strongly to attack Global Warming, etc. She is a ruthless warrior on these issues, not merely an academic, for she has been burned not once but twice while rolling up her sleeves.

So why are Democrats so scared of prolonging this race anyway? Somehow Obama’s supporters and many others think that if this race is not settled before the convention, that this will forever damage Obama’s candidacy in November. The clamor to see Hillary drop out of the race stems from a fear that they would have managed to blow what should have been an easy win, because apparently Democrats don’t do well in extended and prolonged races. Well, this is the time to change history then, let Hillary finish her race, she owes nobody anything, including the Democratic Party. Besides what's wrong with Bill and Hillary having pillow talks? I would much rather see that.

Why This Election Matters?

I have to confess, this election has been the most intense and exciting in my adult life considering I am only 30 years old. But wait; before you dismiss that, I may be onto something here. Look, nobody is saying that previously held elections lacked excitement and intensity, but we have to acknowledge the insane volume of money and public involvement these elections have drawn. Also the country is in a different state; we are at war, our economy is not looking good, trust in government is at its lowest and our international reputation is in shambles. So, considering all of the above, a lot is at stake this November.

I feel that for the first time, regular Americans are really listening, some may be experiencing primaries exhaustion, but in general, Americans are tuned in more than ever for two important reasons: The candidates’ profiles and the issues at stake. For the first time, a black man and a woman are real candidates for the Presidency, and this, you have to admit, it’s pretty damn exciting for this place we call home.

For many Americans, the real baby in these elections, are the issues, because they don’t generally go away, do they? Liberals hope to capitalize on the public’s anxiety with health care, and the Democratic candidates are pretty consistent and specific about this, in the hopes of finally achieving universal coverage after six decades of trying. What do Republicans have? Well so far the conservative issues are not yet on the agenda, in part because McCain has not have to grease up the conservative machine just yet, that role does not flare up until Democrats have a legitimate candidate. In fact, Republicans will have to face a different electorate this November and the issues they are banking on, like terrorism, security, tax-cuts, are taking a back seat. In effect are other primary issues that have voters anxious and concerned, like the economy, global warming, universal health care, high education costs, trade agreements and the war in Iraq, and these issues are at home with Democrats.

That is why these elections matter, for the first time in many years, they are personal and they are solidifying the American electorate.