Our next president (?)

Some Election Reflections

From all that I hear, view and read, it will be convention time before the Democratic Party nominee emerges. Meanwhile, because the struggle between Hillary and Barack is so indisputably a matter of Gender versus Race, the Democratic Party is undergoing serious, perhaps irreversible polarization. And, because the supporters of both candidates are so passionately committed, they will not be disposed to transfer good will to the victor. Indeed, while some may defect to the Republican side, many will simply not bother to vote. In all likelihood, therefore, the end result of this insidious process will be an unelectable Democratic nominee.

On the other side, although each of the remaining candidates is a white male with ostensibly traditional political experience, their tactics are polarizing. McCain’s age, his unequivocal support of our position in Iraq and his persistent alienation of the conservative wing of the G.O.P. is sharply diminishing his ability to lead. Huckabee’s strong identification with Evangelicals detracts from whatever political impact he endeavors to display. Romney, perhaps the most capable of the three has been too contentious and inimical. If, as now seems inevitable, McCain becomes the Republican nominee, look for his overall support to be tepid at best.

In conclusion, with Democrats continuing to defeat themselves, and most voters depending on feeling rather than cerebration, I predict that a less than fully representative Republican candidate will narrowly prevail in the presidential election.