So - it's Sen Barack Obama

I am a political junkie, I make no apologies for it.



I firmly believe in the democractic ideal - or I will until something better comes along (which hasn't happened so far). I believe that the right to vote is a responsibility that should be taken seriously and which should be used with thought and consideration. Though I am still struggling to come to terms with Boris......



Although not a citizen of the USA - or even someone who visits that country, I have been fascinated by the US presidential candidate selection race. I am not sure if I prefer a presidential system of government or the more familiar (to me) westminster system, but that is by the by. The United States of America is the worlds super power (the only one for now -- until China really starts flexing), so what happens there economically, socially and politically has an effect on me.



The US has two parties - the Republicans and the Democrats (independents and smaller parties making inroads into the upper echelons of power is almost impossible). Each party will put forward a candidate for the presidency of the US and voting will take place in November. The republicans have chosen their candidate - John McCain a white man in his 70's who is a Vietnam war hero, leans toward the socially liberal, is a libertarian economically and is a defence hawk.



It has been the Democratic nomination race which has fascinated us, it has been political viagra and has been, quite possibly, a defining moment in modern politics. Two candidates vieing for the votes in primaries across the nation. One candidate - a white woman in her 60's, a child of the 60's, a former 'first lady', a two time senator and someone who has clearly been positioning herself for a White House run for at least eight years. Hillary Clinton. In the other corner - a black man in his 40's, also a child of the 60's (but in the real sense), a one term senator, an outsider, someone seems t inspire and who is promising change. Barack Obama.



Barack Obama has won the first race. While Clinton has yet to concede her race is over, it is clear that the woman who felt a great sense of entitlement has had that entitlement removed. It now appears she is positioning herself for the vp spot. Whistling in the wind springs to mind.



I am absolutely certain that Clinton was subjected to sexism from the media and from the Obama camp. That is a disgrace in the 21st century. What is equally unacceptable is for heartfelt Clinton supporters (and there are many - Clinton actually won more votes) to declare that they intend to vote for McCain or abstain from voting. This is petty and childish.


It will be fascinating will be to watch and see what impact race has on the presidential race and it will be fascinating to observe the internet viral campaign against Obama-this has already started.

Will it turn out that while Obama has won the Democratic heart, the rest of the US is not ready? Would Clinton have won against McCain, but Obama won't? Or will this really be a turning point, an indication of how far one country has come in my lifetime - a black president, one born during a time of segregation........

All in all, we political junkies are in for an interesting ride. It's gonna be good