Democrats Should Win the Election

Barack Obama is going to be elected the next president, according to Senator Hillary Clinton, who has "no doubt" about it.
"If anybody looks at the mess we're in today - why would they reward the Republicans?" she added, in a recent interview on CBS's 'The Early Show'.

Political pundits would probably agree that the ball is definitely in the Democratic Party's court right now, and has been for quite a while.
Republicans have been accused of incompetence, blunders and criminal activity. There have been many calls from politicians and groups nationwide to impeach Bush. A Vermont candidate for Attorney General has even promised she will prosecute Bush for conspiracy to commit murder, if she is elected. And now with the current economic crisis on Wall Street the Republicans face even more credibility problems.

The Republican Party is crippled - or should be according to these condemnations and the mounting unpopularity of President Bush. Reports from across the United States claim citizens are tired of the Administration's lack of accountability and negligence. The surge of new voters is testament to the fact that people are fed up with mediocre leadership and want to see an end to the status quo in Washington. Even the 18-24 year old demographic, notorious for voter apathy, are showing an interest.

Yet the polls are still tight and it looks like it will be a close race. Many would have expected a slam dunk victory for the Democratic Party this year. But it doesn't look likely. If Obama wins, it will be by a small margin, unless voters dramatically switch sides over the next few weeks.
The question is why?

The answer may be John McCain himself, and possibly his choice of running mate Sarah Palin. McCain, the self confessed maverick, has subtly distanced himself from the unpopular Bush Administration. He is likeable and more importantly he is a war hero with many years experience in Washington. Sarah Palin has bought a new dimension and liveliness to his campaign and her gender is definitely significant. This choice was a smooth and very strategic move for McCain. But then again, will it be enough to sugar coat all the negativity surrounding President Bush?

Then there is the race issue. A recent AP-Yahoo poll found that one-third of white Democrats foster negative views toward black people, including many Democrats and Independents.
In addition to race, the poll indicated more than a quarter of all Democrats doubt that Obama can bring about the change they want.
How much will these prejudices and doubts hurt Obama's bid for president?

Polls can be wrong. They often are. Everyone will just have to wait and see.