My Hopes May Become Real!

I did not want to avoid the hard choices. So, on 31 December I made my predictions for the nominations for the Presidency. I thought that McCain would be the nominee for the Republicans and Clinton would win for the Democrats. I mentioned how much I wanted Obama to win but I did not think that he had the organization and money to overcome the strengths of Clinton.

It is hard to believe that my hopes for Obama would come true and Clinton would fade for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which for the very reasons I though that she would win, viz., organization and money.

It seems that her organization misread the public and Obama completely. They were unprepared to deal with the possibility that the campaign would last longer than 5 February. In contrast to her lack of planning, Obama had his organization set up in the Potomac areas and beyond. Even in Ohio where Clinton has endorsement from state leaders, he has out-organized her! And one can question her competence in managing an organization and finances. She has had to fire her leading staff and her organization does not seem to provide clues to how to handle Obama. Is this a sign of how she would manage other unexpected happenings? And, she ran out of funds to the point she had to lend her campaign $5 million. What does this say about managing the national economy?

Contrary to Clinton, Obama apparently spent his money more appropriately (Clinton's supporters have been upset to find out how much has been spent on consultants, food, and luxury accommodations). And, surprisingly, he has received more donations due to his exquisite Internet mailing system. Apparently, $1 million is pouring in daily from all sorts of donors, including the likes of myself.

Adam Nagourney reports an interesting observation. Clinton never anticipated an Obama! And with the length of time that this primary season requires, his strengths have only been enhanced. She is losing because her strengths (which are many) were not supported by as good an organization or message. She is losing to a better candidate.

While the conclusion fits with my perception, I am amazed that he has achieved his standing with such overwhelming numbers. He has won and won convincingly.

We can only hope that the enormous problems confronting the aftermath of Bush will not prove more than anyone can handle. Should he succeed, he will take on mythical status in our nation and, likely, the world.