The Democratic Party long ago (2000) decided that Hillary would be their leader this year. They knew that she had to strengthen her legitimate political legs and that meant a term as a Senator. Yes, she had been politically involved and connected for years-she, herself has spoken of her '35 years' of service, which of course was mostly steering along her husband WJC; but, she needed a political record of here own in order to legitimize her run.
The Democratic Party even knew they'd need some sort of contender to be scooting along (just barely) in back of her. Don't for a second fool yourself into some misguided belief that the Dems plan to allow Obama a full win. Neither Clinton nor Obama will have the necessary number of delegates to secure the nomination on their own. The future is as such: A lengthy convention will go back and forth and arguing the world (no, not the wonderful documentary with Daniel Bell, Irving Howe, Irving Kristol and Nathan Glazer) among other things. In the end, Obama will in gentlemanly fashion concede (pretend) that Clinton is indeed the best thing to ever come down the pike and tell us how we should all support her.
Later, in November, Clinton will suffer the full wrath of all Republicans. No, they don't turn out in primaries as heartily as Democrats, they do however arrive for general elections. No Republican wants a Clinton. They are not thrilled by McCain; he has however, managed to be somewhat conservative and he is a longtime Republican-that being the key to their voting for him. I submit that, McCain could say 'abortions for all and homosexual marriages everywhere' and he would win as long as he is listed as a Republican. Democrats I have found, are more likely and willing to cross party lines in elections than are Democrats.
In addition to the Republicans who will not vote for Clinton, there will be the Democrats who loathe Clinton for her at times right-wing leanings. They will then see McCain, who until about now, has been much more center and at times even left-leaning, this will give them pause and then cause to select him as their next President.
The Democrats have created a bigger mess than they had ever thought possible. Clinton goes about with a general sense of entitlement (look at Michigan and Florida) and the Democratic Party, rather than put her in her place allows it. (After all, to smack her would be to smack their god, Bill Clinton-which would mean death to Howard Dean) I believe the Dems never saw the level of ego which Hillary Clinton would display. Neither did they realize that there would be a serious contender (Obama) who would have such wide range appeal. Unfortunately they are now in their self-made quagmire and there is no easy way out, if any way out.
Where does it leave us in the end? 60% chance (I never guarentee anything) of next January watching term #3 of Republican leadership in the form of Johnny McCain and his Veep Mike Huckabee (Huckabee is the key to securing Republican votes, since: A)He can grab the conservatives and fundamentalists and B)McCain is getting up in years, the relative youth of Huckabee will balance that on the campaign trail). It'll be a squeaker; but, McCain/Huckabee will win over Clinton and her baggage.
