Healing Time?
Those of you who hate the primary season will be happy to hear that it's finally coming to an end. While the last primaries are on June 3rd, Obama's delegate count has reached a symbolic point that makes his victory all but guaranteed. Even if Michigan and Florida's votes did count (keeping in mind that Obama would get zero pledged delegates from Michigan as he wasn't even on the ballot) Hilary would still be behind, though by a much smaller margin. With all of this in mind it becomes implausible that Clinton will be able to make her case, so super delegate support will quickly filter on over to the Obama camp.
So, where do we go from here? Obama's first move will certainly be to attract Clinton supporters and reunite the party before the convention in August. His success in doing so will very likely affect his decision for a running mate. Also expect the McCain to make more direct arguments against Obama as Democratic infighting subsides. The Republicans need to make sure that Obama's currently slow momentum doesn't take off before the elections in November. Their best attack will be against his lack of "presidential" experience, though surely we'll see some underhanded efforts to mold Obama's image as an outsider, a Muslim, and too "black" a la the Reverend Wright controversy. If it is any consolation I find it unlikely that McCain himself will resort to such tactics, but unfortunately he doesn't necessarily have control over his supporters and other party officials.
A lot can and will happen between now and November. For now, though, we can enjoy a few mud-free weeks in our politics as things simmer down from the primary season.
So, where do we go from here? Obama's first move will certainly be to attract Clinton supporters and reunite the party before the convention in August. His success in doing so will very likely affect his decision for a running mate. Also expect the McCain to make more direct arguments against Obama as Democratic infighting subsides. The Republicans need to make sure that Obama's currently slow momentum doesn't take off before the elections in November. Their best attack will be against his lack of "presidential" experience, though surely we'll see some underhanded efforts to mold Obama's image as an outsider, a Muslim, and too "black" a la the Reverend Wright controversy. If it is any consolation I find it unlikely that McCain himself will resort to such tactics, but unfortunately he doesn't necessarily have control over his supporters and other party officials.
A lot can and will happen between now and November. For now, though, we can enjoy a few mud-free weeks in our politics as things simmer down from the primary season.