Hispanics Hoist Hillary

The Democratic Party's Nevada primary was marred by accusations of dirty politics hurled by both the Clinton and Obama camps against each other. The bitter exchanges involved race issues that threatened to split the party's ranks rather than strengthen its unity. A struggle over the Culinary Workers Union had split the group with the officers endorsing Obama, while many of the rank and file opted for Hillary. Hillary Clinton won the primary with 51% of the popular votes, garnering 12 delegates. Obama was 6% behind at second with 45 %, but netted 13 delegates because of the areas where he bested Clinton.

A case was filed by Clinton supporters against the setting up of voting booths in casinos, which was junked by the court. Union workers went against the endorsement by their officers and openly campaigned for Hillary. Earlier, the two senators called a truce on the race issue and offered to run clean campaigns, but apparently, their field supporters were escalating the rift with efforts geared at disparaging the other camp's candidate.

Clinton won on the strength of white voters winning 52% over Obama's 34%. Women voters, comprising 59%, also went with Hillary at 51% versus 38% for Obama. The men votes were evenly split. Catholic voters (27%) chose Hillary too at 58%, while union members (30%) was evenly spread between the two candidates. What carried the day for Hillary was the Hispanic vote which gave her 66% to Obama's 33%, and they accounted for 52% of the voters. What is significant for Obama is the fact that the black voters, who made up 15%, gave an overwhelming 83% support for the Illinois Senator.

Former President Bill Clinton campaigned for his wife at the casinos, where his charisma and the economic gains contributed by his Presidency are well remembered by workers in the State. These visits aided the victory to some degree. The predominance of women is also a big factor for Hillary which is strikingly similar to the voter composition in New Hampshire.

The Democrat primary's next test will be in South Carolina where about one third of voters are black. If Barack Obama's momentum from black voters in Nevada (83%) are carried on in this State, this will pose a huge problem for Hillary. If John Edwards is able to capitalize on his popular support in South Carolina, where he won over John Kerry in 2004; Hillary may even wind up in third place again. Should Obama prevail on the strength of the black votes in South Carolina, the Democratic Party will be witnessing an alignment of forces with the Hispanics going for Clinton, while the blacks standing behind Obama. In delegate rich California, Hispanics make up 20% while blacks are at 6%. New Jersey's Hispanic and black electorate is also an area of interest to see if such a schism will take shape.

Hillary, despite winning two primaries, is credited with a total of only 36 delegates, while Obama has 38. A win in South Carolina is crucial for her since it will provide a strong impetus going into the February 5 primaries in 22 States. Obama too, needs to win in South Carolina to reset his stalled push and regain his footing after back to back losses. For Edwards, a win will give him enough reason to continue, a decisive loss will give him the exit.

The Democrat primaries are becoming more intense in an unpalatable sort of way. If this continues, it will be doubtful if they can win over the Republicans come November, as voters may tire of their bickering and begin to believe that neither of them is worth electing into office. Organization and diligence did it for Hillary in Nevada, a factor that failed for Obama. He seems more prepared for South Carolina. However, if either Hillary or Barack engage anew in politics of the underhanded kind, declaring a clean approach but allowing their supporters to use devious and deceitful tactics, these will work against their favor and the Party's as well. Today, the Democrats hold the higher moral ground over the Republicans. If their front runners continue using and throwing dirt, they will lose this privileged position in the minds of the electorate.

The Democrats should bear in mind the importance of party unity, and skepticism exists about the ability of Hillary and Barack to accomplish this. If they don't mend their ways, things could get really ugly for the Democrats, and the United States for that matter.

Haaaarrrwwwwk...Twwwooooph...Ting!