Eating Our Own Face, -how to lose the White House once again-

[mikekohr]

We as a party have lost 7 of the last 10 presidential elections. We are choosing the low ground once again on the the next battle field. With the most favorable political winds at our backs in 70 years, we are poised to once again to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

And if you think losing 7 of 10 presidential election is pitiful, and it certainly is, consider the fact that Jimmy Carter eked out a victory based on the American public's disgust with the Nixon legacy, and Bill Clinton twice rode into office enabled by the presence of Ross Perot on the ballot. We could have easily been shut out of the White House for the last 40 years.

Senator McCain is no push-over. He appeals to the very demographics that determine presidential elections: moderates and independents. In spite of the prevailing political winds he can win in November given the polarizing and divisive nature of our primary race.

After Iowa, the Clinton Camp had to stop the run-away train that was the Obama phenomenon. The "kitchen sink," campaign was thrown under the wheels of the Obama freight train,but unfortunately for our party, our chances for victory in November may have been in that sink. The "kitchen sink,' campaign has had results and consequences.

It is still mathematically possible for Hillary to win the nomination, but it is increasingly unlikely she can win the GE. Without huge pluralities and big turnout in the African-American demographic and an energized youth vote, any Democratic presidential candidate will struggle in November, and reduce or eliminate any coattails that would benefit the entire ticket.

I know that sounds a little cynical but I remind you of the words of Robert F. Kennedy, "You do not need to be a genius to be in politics but you do need to be able to count." Our party is a big tent. Every pole, stake, and section is dependant on the other to stand up in a wind. Tear one of these parts down and the entire thing falls apart. Division, distraction and subtraction during the primary season is one of the primary reasons we so consistently get our ass kicked in November.

Senator Clinton has trailed from day one, not because of her gender, but because the organization she put together, failed her as a candidate. She remains in the race because of her personal qualities of tenacity, determination, and strength. Her inability to instill her personal attributes into her organization explain why she is behind.

Obama has not been in the lead in this race, from the very beginning, because of his race. He has held the lead because of the superior organization and uplifting campaign he has put together. Senator Obama's organizational success' explain why he is ahead and provide insight as to what kind of a president he would be. But that is not the message American is seeing. All that is being overshadowed by the quadrennial spectacle of the Democratic Party gleefully eating itself into oblivion.

mike kohr