Looks as if Hillary could just win Pennsylvania - she currently has a small lead, down from double digits a month ago - and this could be the worst possible outcome for the Democratic party.

If Hillary wins here - it looks increasing unlikley that either candidate can win the required number of nominations ... meaning the contest goes all the way to the Convention in August and is finally settled by "super delegates". That could lead to alot of bitterness in the "losing" camp and split the party.

Meanwhile, John McLoony gets three more months to campaign as President-elect.

For the sake of the party, and the Country its best of Obama wins decisively and the party grandees force Hillary to step aside.

Clear signs of desperation in the Clinton camp -

She (Hillary) said the US would attack, and could "obliterate" Iran, if it launched a nuclear strike on Israel.

from -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7359957.stm

ITK would like to (reluctantly) congratulate John McLoony on winning the Presidency of the USA next November !

Well I must admit I've always felt the dream ticket would be experience (Hillary) with enthusiasm (Obama as VP) and I still think that would be the perfect Democratic candidacy.

I have to say that the race to be the Democrat candidate is going to be far more exciting that the actual Presidential race itself. However, I do agree with JK about the dream ticket of Clinton/Obama, but I fear there has been too much bitching between both of them to agree to work together, which is a great shame.

ITK could well be right and McCain's headstart could secure a term in the White House.

JK, when you say "experience" (for Hillary) - can you explain? Barrack has been a Senator far longer than she has - and she has held no other office.

Are you saying being married to a former President, is "experience"?

Yes I think it is actually - added to the fact that she is 14 years older and has known most lives (Governor, Senator, President) as well as mixed with those governing and watched the practical difficulties and seen how to cope with them.

I also think being a woman is a huge plus in the US where they have never had a woman leader before - Barack's race actually is a mere cosmetic these days.

I think that Clinton's latest win has possibly sealed the fate of the Democrats, whoever is finally selected. McCain is seen to have the majority of Republicans behind him and so appears to have a solid base. The Democratic nomination will be seen to have support from only half of the Democratic voters and to be on shaky ground.

On the other hand, people might say that for someone to come through such a tough battle (Democratic primaries) means they deserve to be elected.

I don't think experience necessarily means you are the better candidate. It's also fairly obvious that Clinton will preserve the White House status quo, so nothing much will change if she is elected. Her latest suggestion, that America could bomb Iran to oblivion, is also a bit worrying.

Obama is the only candidate to have opposed the war in Iraq from the beginning, but I don't think that means he'll be wimp in power. He might just use better judgement.

The final decision rests with the American people. They will get the President they deserve, no doubt.

Really Francis? I seem to remember they deserved and wanted and voted for Al Gore once...

JK2006 wrote:
Yes I think it is actually - added to the fact that she is 14 years older and has known most lives (Governor, Senator, President) as well as mixed with those governing and watched the practical difficulties and seen how to cope with them.

I also think being a woman is a huge plus in the US where they have never had a woman leader before - Barack's race actually is a mere cosmetic these days.

I'm not entirely convinced that Hillary is a woman ! A bit like Maggie, I think there are some balls down there somewhere (LOL).

Francis D wrote:

The final decision rests with the American people. They will get the President they deserve, no doubt.

Oh dear !!!

True, but they also support and are quite proud of the system which permits the candidate with the popular vote to be beaten by the one chosen by the electoral colleges. When I suggested to my American friends that they'd be better off with a fist past the post system, they got quite defensive.

So, in that respect, they get the candidate they deserve, even if its not the one they vote for.