Delirious over Democrat Developments

Anyone involved in some way with the Democratic Party's primaries is a glutton for punishment. It is comparable to a masochist who demands more whipping until the flesh is torn from the bones, and the happier he is for it. Why else should one suffer the same old rhetoric, hear embellished stories, applaud at the baby step movements of a campaign that since February 5 has been destined to be decided by the so-called super delegates? It is tiresome and boring with the same anti-climaxes, same demographics, same commentaries, exit polls, and promised victory speeches. This is like being forced to watch an Ed Wood film several times continuously until you're brain dead.

However, everyone looks and sounds delirious. The candidates, the campaigners and supporters, and even the media, who have been mouthing the same things for over 3 months they begin to stammer at their own words groping for new ways of saying the same things. The Republicans are delirious too at seeing the democrats tear each other apart and risk disintegration, giving John McCain an edge to snatch the Presidency. Hillary's only hope is to gather a big chunk of mud to throw at Barack's clean image to guarantee her the eye of the super delegates. Barack's chances rest on the disenfranchisement of Michigan and Florida delegates. But there is absolutely nothing significant about these Democrat primaries.

What is significant is the victory of Don Cazayoux over Woody Jenkins in Louisiana's 6th district which the Republicans controlled for 3 decades. Twenty six other retiring Republicans plus other districts bring a total of 50 vulnerable Republican positions in peril. This could mean Democrat control of Congress. And, despite linking Cazayoux to Obama, the impact did not change a Democrat victory. This, coming after Bill Foster's successful campaign to replace Republican Dennis Hastert in Illinois 2 months ago. Cazayoux won on issues about better paying jobs, affordable health care, and better education - issues related to the economy. The economic situation is not expected to be better come November and this is leading to a trend towards a "Change Election".

What is significant is the impact of the economy on the majority of Americans and how Hillary has re-branded herself as the blue collar champion while tagging Obama as an Ivy League snob, when she is the rich former First Lady and he raised on charity. Significant too is the fact that Obama won overwhelmingly in North Carolina despite the expected fallout from Rev. Jeremiah Wright's crazed oratory and subsequent TV appearances. Also, the emergence of a more consolidated bloc of Latinos and Hispanics flexing their influence on the electoral process, as well as the massing of black voters in support of their candidate. Critical for the Democrats is the reunification of these blocs of supporters after a bitterly fought insignificant primary. Current trends point towards another disintegration.

What is significant for the Republicans is the weakness of their brand represented by the outgoing President Bush and the Party's standard bearer John McCain. A weaker voter turnout for the Republican primaries is also a significant concern, together with the rejection of the McCain brand by its conservative base. The strongest asset of the GOP brand is his position and experience in War but which is now opposed by 68% of Americans. His position on easing ethanol use is weak since it represents only 1.5% of increases in food prices. His current advantage has not made any concrete gains for his candidacy and is languishing under the shadow of the Democrat candidates. His courtship of the Latino and Hispanic blocs is a most significant move, as it may steal the thunder from the Democrats if the break-up at the DNC becomes inevitable.

These developments reveal that the GOP brand must be strengthened in substance and odor, and repackaged for the worsening economic situation. When the pinch of high prices turn to jabs, and food on the table becomes meager, who will recall who was ducking imaginary bullets or screaming mad against America. Besides, guilt by association is a weak argument. It does not make Republicans in Congress men's room sex solicitors nor page chasers simply because they associate with one. Nor does it make Democrats patrons of expensive prostitutes. Also, who'll care? It's food, jobs, and health - these are what's significant. And the sooner the GOP uses it's resources to build on these concerns rather than focus on character assassination, the more responsible leaders they will appear to be and be more credible to the electorate.

President Bush has brought the Republican brand down to the gutters, and Republican supporters calling the opposing candidates names is the pot calling the kettle black. Unconvincing.and childish. The party that closes ranks solidly has a stronger chance. McCain must have a young running mate with strong economic credentials and acceptable to conservatives, to offset his weakness on the economy and his advanced age. A combined Obama/Hillary or Hillary/Obama team would consolidate the Democrats immediately. It's likelihood is doubtful, but recognizing its significance is crucial for the Democrats and America itself.

The predisposition to magnify shallow developments to project momentum, creates the tendency to overlook significant factors that bear on the most critical longer term objective - what citizens need and what is good for the nation. The blurring of what is significant with what is inconsequential would be the undoing of the American political system.

Haaarrrrwwwk...Twoooooph...Ting!