Yesterday I was lucky enough to see Samantha Power speak at Stacy's Bookstore in San Francisco, during my lunch hour, and she said that the moment she thought things changed around for Obama was when back in July he said that he would didn't want to treat meeting with the US only as a reward for foreign leaders, and we would consider meeting with blacklisted nation leaders such as the leaders in Iran.

I'm phrasing that badly. But I thought it was an interesting point. She said that she thought that Clinton basically agreed with him, but felt that you cannot say that in Washington. I think that this nebulous "inspiration" concept sometimes comes from his willingness to say or think about things in a new way, and I like this in a leader. On the other hand, although his debate performances have become more focused (and everyone praises him for improving) I kind of liked it when he was considering the questions and saying what he really thought, instead of only nailing his salient points, although his answer about denounce and reject were pretty funny and on point.

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Two days ago, when I thought Clinton's supporters had released the photo of Obama in a turban, I was willing to think that she should drop out, to save her own reputation as much as anything. But two days later, and after watching last night's debate, I think she should stay in as long as she needs to. I won't presume to advise her.

It will be interesting to see whether this sparring between Clinton and Obama supporters is going to embitter us against the candidate that didn't win and their supporters in a general election (I fear at least one or two are already embittered on both sides) or whether the sparring will get us in fighting shape for the Republican party in November. I'm hoping for the later.

I do think that Clinton is a fighter and that her fighting spirit may help the Democratic party to win in November, even if it does not cinch her the nomination. I do not believe it will discourage women from running for political office if she doesn't win. I've seen many of my non-political female friends suddenly become on fire for politics during this primary season (even if many are Obama supporters), and I think her presence has contributed to their passion. As Martha Stewart would say, it's a good thing.

I have to admit that I've only become a regular letter reader of Salon since the beginning of this year so I don't know. It seems like a lot of the people who write letters about politics this year are women. I wonder if in past elections women have not been as vocal about their choices...well, it seems like everyone, male and female has become more vocal...

But I just wonder if the glass ceiling hasn't already been shattered. With a woman running for the highest office in the land, women are already in the game now, and loud about our decisions, regardless of who we are supporting. It's our country too.