While a Democratic convention contest between Clinton and Obama would be captivating, putting off a decision until then would hurt the party.Competition for the White House has gone strong for more than two years, and--like it or not--it is time for the parties to coalesce around their best candidates and focus on the general election.
TheSequitur.com Editorial Board believes those candidates are Sen. Barack Obama (D – Ill.) and Sen. John McCain (R – Ariz.). Voters seem to agree, and that’s one reason we also believe it is time for Sen. Hillary Clinton (D – N.Y.) to end her campaign.
While a Democratic convention contest between Clinton and Obama would be captivating, putting off a decision until then would hurt the party. In that scenario, Michigan and Florida delegates, superdelegates and inevitable lawsuits would muddy the nomination process while a Democrat’s chances for winning the White House circle the drain.
Instead--now that Republicans have effectively anointed a candidate--Democrats should seize the moment and kick off the general election campaign against McCain.
Despite his unpopularity in some ultra-right circles, McCain is a formidable candidate and was the Republican’s best throughout the primaries. Indeed, he likely has more government experience than Clinton and Obama combined. McCain has a notorious independent streak, having crossed the aisle on topics like campaign finance and immigration. A Vietnam veteran and former prisoner of war, McCain has the courage to cooperate with the left at the risk of alienating his party’s base and right-wing ideologues. In fact, the staunch opposition of radio personality Rush Limbaugh and commentator Ann Coulter to McCain confirms the independent-minded senator has what it takes to keep the White House in Republican hands.
McCain is a formidable candidate and was the Republican’s best throughout the primaries.On the left, Obama is the only Democrat with a fighting chance to derail the Straight Talk Express, and that is the best reason to select him to face McCain.
Most importantly, Clinton’s continuous invocations of her so-called experience ring hollow when compared to McCain’s voluminous record. In contrast, Obama’s candidacy challenges some of the very experiences McCain and Clinton claim. While Clinton has invited experience comparisons that would devastate her in a contest with McCain, critics of Obama’s experience vis-à-vis his Republican challenger would be greeted with a hearty “Duh. It’s not about that.”
Obama’s candidacy is about more than just policy. Maybe it’s his on-stage charisma, his “funny name,” his ability to inspire, to unite or even his multi-racial heritage, regardless, an Obama election would epitomize change in America. Democrats have been screaming for exactly that change since late 2000. Additionally, party members also are rightly concerned about Clinton’s ability to galvanize Republican voters. On the other hand, Republican tendencies toward Obama have been surprisingly positive.
It simply is too unlikely that Clinton would beat McCain in a general election, but Obama could if he quickly shifts his focus to the presumptive GOP candidate. For Democrats, this is a do-or-die moment, and Clinton has her finger on the trigger.
Asst. Managing Editor Dwayne Robinson abstains from all staff editorials.
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