As I evaluate/reflect on the past week and think Democrats, what comes to mind? The Bill Show, the dog and phony show, ruckus, Democrats at war! Overstatements, probably. But the primaries are here, (South Carolina, January 26) and in a few days SuperDuper Tuesday, so by the political calendar it’s prime time – all hands on deck. Candidates should be focused and ready to go in a competition, compared to none other . But this campaign has taken such a negative turn particularly among the Democrats, that I wonder, does this fight among them go beyond political expediency? Not a DNC (Democratic National Committe) insider, I really do not have an answer, but as a member of the electorate the ‘gut feeling’– a resounding yes. Not to mention how unfortunate that would be for a party desperate to win the November elections.

This war of words, became most visible during the recent debate last Monday night, sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus and hosted by CNN, with Wolf Blitzer as moderator. From the beginning Obama acknowledged he was competing not only against Hillary but also former President, Bill Clinton. With charges and counter-charges that followed, it was clear the gloves were off between these two. Sitting in the bleachers of my ” political arena”, I could not not help counting the blows and was reminded of the saying — ‘sticks and stones can break my bones, but words cannot hurt”. Forget that! Hillary and Obama went at each other as two lions littered on the same day, and somehow it did get ugly. A certain level of meanness became evident. I believe in a fair fight, but this one I believe went too far.

In the 90-minute debate, there were accusations of Obama as an admirer of the Ronald Reagan, and an association with a Chicago slum lord from whom he had more than a casual relationship. Obama counter- punched saying that during the time that he worked to improve the Chicago community working to organize workers, Hillary sat on the the Board of Walmart– known to exploit its workers and a company many work to keep outside their neighborhoods. As the night progressed, I was seeing upfront the blood sport politics had become. In that scenario, Hillary and Obama seem not to be from the same party but from an alien group based on Mars. Will this level of bitterness result in political suicide for the Democrats? I think so. I can see the GOP nominee, (whomever that will be) salivating to get started. This is going is going to be an interesting race — and served with more vinegar than “honey”.

The Machiavellian tactics being used seem to have gone overboard; creating unspeakable damage among two groups important to the party’s base: blacks and women. From my unscientific survey, many think the lines of battle are already drawn in the sand, and the tussle will continue. For Hillary or Obama becoming President, number 44, is undoubtedly off to a very rough start.

Clearly “America’s favorite past-time is in full gear. Senator Obama, for example, must win South Carolina to continue moving forward having lost New Hampshire and Nevada. At the same time, Senator Clinton accused of feeling that she is “entitled” to be the next president, (through the Clinton dynasty) has just been endorsed by the New York Times. Such an endorsement coming from the ‘Grey Lady’, carries a great deal of clout as she seeks to take advantage of her win in New Hampshire and Nevada.

But as the political plot thickens and tension increases between supporters of Hillary and Obama, the question is: When the fog clears, how will the Democratic party mend in all its broken places and get ready to take on the GOP challenger? Senator John McCain who many weeks ago, was given up for dead is now leading among Republicans. He too, has been endorsed by The Times. For now its looks like Clinton vs McCain. But not if the Obama camp has anything to do with it. What is evident, Black Democrats, and what percentage exactly, are upset and some say insulted by the “musings” of President Clinton referring to their candidate’s try for the presidency as a “fairy tale”.

From where I sit, a fairy tale is being played out for both women and Blacks, given either Hillary or Barack is likely to end up as the nominee for the Democrats. But the larger questions are: Is America ready for its first African-American or woman president? Irrespective of what emerges after SuperTuesday, can the Democrats win the White house without Black support, should this constituency decide to stay home?

The nominee for the Democrats needs 2,025 delegates, the Republican 1, 191. SuperTuesday will only provide a percentage of that, so as it appears, the race will go well beyond February 5, and possibly for both parties. In short, the race is still wide open. But as the DNC seeks to bring peace where possible among its factions, the word CHANGE looms even larger. It has become the battle cry for those calling for an end to the status quo in Washington. I am always amused that those wanting to get to Washington, frame their arguments criticizing those already there. Cynical somehow? However, it is too early to tell who wins the slam down not verbally but in “votes”; after which follows a general election. So will common sense–political expediency, play a part in saving the party when all is said and done? Or will the Democrats splinter into so many factions that victory will be thrown to the Republicans?
The most recent Zogby poll on the race in South Carolina suggests: Obama leads by 39 percent to Hillary’s 24 percent. John Edwards trails at 19 percent.

The winding road to the White House looms ahead. Among the Democrats whomever gets the bounce to win in a number of states has a chance to make it to the convention standing tall. Also of interest, the upcoming primary in Florida and Rudy Giuliani’s first shot at creating a miracle for himself – from Mayor to President. But with McCain’s two victories under his belt, does Rudy really have a chance this late in the game? I confess I do not have all the answers, but I suggest– fasten your seat belts for what is coming, surely a political tsunami is fast approaching and more than a few will fall by the wayside? So will your candidate survive?

VernaSmith