2008 Convention more important than ever

March 27, 2008

Wow, does it suck to be a Democrat or what? Last year they lose because both their candidates are terrible, this year they're afraid they could lose because both their candidates are spectacular. When they win, they lose. One of those deals.

Because, yes, indeed, the polarization of the party due to the continuing bickering between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has officially become a problem. Recent polls indicate that it is a growing concern of the Democratic party.

And not because of crossover votes. Don't make the mistake in thinking that Obama or Clinton supporters are going to all of a sudden vote for McCain in the general election...no...but it may just as bad. They may not vote at all - which would somewhat diminish the entire Democratic population by half.

But the solution is not for one of them to dropout before the convention as Democratic speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi has encouraged. Because either candidate dropping out of the race at this point would disenfranchise voters because they believe that their candidate can still win.

Instead, let this thing run its course. Let all the marbles come out at the convention. BUT...make darn sure that whoever loses, makes a grand speech in support of the winning candidate and the party as a whole. Even if it is Obama who, if loses, will do so even with the majority of delegate votes. Let the superdelegates speak, depending on whatever strategy they see fit, and make both candidates live with it.

Otherwise, the Democrats will be blowing their biggest political opportunity in history.