This has been an amazing week in politics, and particularly for Democrats. Of course, all of this is about ‘interpretation’ of the facts……as you/I see them. For example, in the Clinton camp there were moments of ecstasy and glee. She won West Virginia by a 2-1 margin over Obama. But wait a bit… this massive win as described by the pundits only scored, 28 delegates. For now, Hillary was allotted twenty (20), Barak eight(8). But as one continues to look at the political picture, and in real numbers, nothing has changed for Senator Clinton. She still lags behind and limps to the finish line.
So was Hill’s victory in W. Virginia all that it was chalked up to be? Will she overtake Obama in the remaining primaries (Kentucky and Oregon next)? We are waiting to see. At the same time, Senator Obama picked up delegates and some interesting endorsements. He is clearly on a roll. Yep, he picked up 13 Super-delegates, Clinton lost one. Most worthy of note, Obama got the coveted John Edwards endorsement. For months, both candidates and their supporters were waiting to see what way he would go. The Wall Street Journal also reports, Barak will also receive the endorsements of three former SEC (Securities and Exchange) chairmen. They are: William Donaldson, Arthur Levitt and David Ruder. Former Federal Reserve Chairman, David Volcker has already done so.
But back to Edwards. Described by many as weak-kneed, and at this stage of the game without any real political clout, does his endorsement of Barry’s brand of politics mean anything? So say yes, others no! Why? Although the former senator and vice-presidential candidate has a populist appeal, he failed to win his own home state. Others think he doesn’t have a political base from which to help bring those blue- collar votes to Barak ( he was quite popular among them). So his most immediate test his ability to bring with him his sixteen (16) delegates to Obama’s camp. Does he have such influence? Did you also notice, wife Elizabeth was not with him when he made the endorsement? Any chances she is supporting Hillary, although early in the game she said John would have been a better supporter of women, that Hill would? Hey, people do/can change their minds. But does his late move an indication that the “Party” is coalescing around the likely winner. I would not bet on that. However, I think politically speaking, every bit counts, and especially for a Barak Obama for whom, one day he’s under-dog, the next, he’s front-runner. Not to mention, Hillary’s determination, as she emphasizes “I will never give up.”
So is this a cooling-off period for the Democrats to rethink strategy as Senator McCain gears up to take them on? Or will they continue to squander the possibility to crush the GOP in November by the on-going infighting? Barak however, despite challenges have reasons to be optimistic–he’s won 32 out of 49 contests. He leads in elected delegates and needs just about (17) to claim a majority. Again, what happens in Kentucky and Oregon next Tuesday is any body’s guess; but one thing is sure, if Barack doesn’t clinch it, Hill’s ready to grab it!
So could her limp, turn into a sprint? Although my crystal ball is somewhat obscured, I think hardly likely. But does the Greek oracle see something else? I wouldn’t bet on it! But what say you?
VernaSmith
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