For the Good of the Party

Yesterday, Hillary lost the North Carolina primary to Barack Obama by14 percentage points, and squeaked out a two point lead in Indiana. As Hillary Clinton watches her chances for clinching the nomination slip away, is she feeling betrayed—scorned?

If Hillary’s number one interest is seeing a Democrat in the white house, then for the good of the party, she should step aside and let the real campaign begin. What campaign is that? It’s the campaign betwee a relatively well-known, long-term Washington republican John McCain, and the relatively new and less known Barack Obama.

Between now and November, Barack Obama needs to use every precious moment to getting to know voters in large cities and small towns across America. Obama needs to conduct his own version of John McCain’s Biography tour. Obama needs to be traveling the country solidifying his base, and having conversations with blue collar workers and farmers in rural America—because each and every vote counts. And remember, in most instances, to know Obama is to like him.

Each and every day that Hillary Clinton stays in the race is one less day Obama has to make the case to Seniors, Women, Reagan Democrats, disaffected Republicans and Independents, that he is the right man to lead our country. Each day that Clinton stays in the race, she lessens Obama’s opportunity to make that case, gain more ground and improve his lead against Senator John McCain.

Does anyone truly doubt that Clinton is fully aware of this fact? Is there any doubt that Clinton is thinking primarily about her interests—even while the greater interest of the entire Democratic party is at stake?

As the old saying goes, “Beware of a woman scorned.” You know, the “If I can’t have it [the presidency] no one will…” type of attitude. I’d hate to think that Clinton is responding in such fashion, but her actions speak volumes over her words that call for a “unified party” once a nominee is selected (albeit by the Superdelegates).

Well, I have news for Clinton—the nominee has been selected (by the voters), and his name is Barack Obama. Clinton should face the inevitable sooner rather than later, so that Obama and a unified Democratic party can get on with the business of winning the 2008 presidential election!