Out of the night that lurks within us all, a strange gibbering beast beset us this evening. Valiant Preki leapt to our defense and a horrific struggle ensued. At times the cause seemed lost, but our noble hound at last prevailed, ending the loathsome invader’s foray with the inescapable crush of his massive jaws.
I think tomorrow is the end of Hillary, whether she’ll admit it or not. She needs decisive wins in Ohio and Texas in order to remain viable, and I just don’t see that happening. Obama doesn’t have to win both states to deliver the knockout — a win in either one will do, and I believe that’s going to happen, probably in Texas. Sorry, mom.
Even if Hillary ekes out a couple of squeaker victories, it won’t help her much in the long run. It appears that some superdelegates are defecting from Hillary’s side, which is causing Obama’s actual delegate lead to rise behind the scenes. Even if Hillary stays in to the bitter end, she’ll go into the convention considerably behind in the delegate count and momentum, which should sway enough superdelegates to give Obama the nod.
A perfect example of the difference in the dynamic of the two campaigns are the choices of emissaries to Ohio. Obama is represented by Arcade Fire, one of the hippest, hottest rock bands around, which is doing free concerts to support him. Hillary sent Dick Gephart. Dick Gephart? The first thing most people would think about Dick Gephart, if they even remember him, would be: “He’s still alive?” Nothing personal, but Dick Gephart is a stiff. I’m still mad about the way he, when he was still a purported House minority leader, laid down before Bush. The only people who would want to hear Gephard speak in 2008 would be nursing home residents looking for a field trip. Nothing wrong with that, but nothing that’s going to generate any excitement, either. (Thanks to South Loop correspondent Betsy, citing the New York Times, for alerting me to this story and contrast.)
Hillary’s campaign is beginning to remind me of a bag of chips that’s been lying around too long and gone stale. Time to crumple up that bag and throw it away, Hillary. (Again, sorry, mom.)
I’ll give Hillary her props for strength, determination and tenacity. I hope she demonstrates those qualities by getting behind Barack and helping her party’s nominee win the presidency. I know it won’t be easy for her, but she could be of great help to the Democrats as a team player. The earlier she ends her campaign, the better chance the Democrats have to take back the White House.
Having said all that, tomorrow night I’ll probably look like a fool. Again.
