think many over-state the red-states factor in terms of Obama's
electability. It is true that Obama will find winning any of the
southern states tough, especially if he faces a christian
conservative like huckabee or for that matter any white republican
candidate. However, one can still lose the South and win the
elections, remember Gore. Gore lost all the southern states, even
his home state of Tennese, yet lost the election because of the
Florida debacle (Yes, Florida is in the South, but it doesn't
possess the characteristics of a Southern Bible-belt state, save
the Florida pan-handle). Florida has a huge Hispanic population and
for many of them immigration is a make or break issue in deciding
the candidate they would vote for. Many of the GOP candidates have
taken a tough stance on the issue of illegal immigration,
alienating the Hispanic vote. Hence, if a Obama nomination results
in wins in traditional democratic strongholds and strong showings
in 'middle states' like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Florida,
Mr Obama can still be electable.
However, will he be a uniter as he portrays himself out to be or a
dividing figure when he is President? Although he will be the first
black President, and a true examplification of the triumph of the
civil rights movement, his policies are left-leaning ('universal
healthcare', 'amnesty for illegal aliens') and will be held in
disdain by conservatives. Hence even if his personality personates
change, his policies are still steeped in the great partisan divide
between liberals and conservatives, which would only cast a deep
shadow upon his article of change - his race. I love the man, but I
think what America needs now is a candidate who does not appeal to
his party base, but someone who can compromise and allow people to
sense and see the commonality they share irregardless of their
partisan differences. Unfortunately, with the current system of
having to seek the nomination from one's party faithful, I think it
is difficult for such a goal to come into fruitation.
