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Thursday, March 6, 2008 12:00 AM

Let 'em duke it out

The Obama-Clinton drama is good for voters and the Democratic Party. And bad for John McCain.

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  • Wednesday, March 5, 2008 10:14 PM

    @ Mr. Spud

    Again, missing the point. First, I did not say that "If you voted for Hillary it's because you are a racist". What I did say was that race was a major factor in this outcome. One of the most important factors in every Democrats mind is "can he/she win the general election". Both candidates have the handicap in the general election, because the Democratic party is on average less sexist and less racist than the Republicans. However, in this race, it really was if Hillary doesn't win, then the Democratic candidate is black. "Can a black win in the general election" was a factor to be considered by every voter, just as is "can a woman..."? However, sexism is less geographically important than race (Texas has had a woman governor, after all) for the simple fact is there is no geographical area that is "predominantly female". I'm just pointing out that the extreme geographical distribution of votes suggests that, at crunch time, a significant fraction of rural white democrats in Texas and Ohio, in their heart of hearts, don't believe that America will elect a black for president. And that this was more of a factor in Hillary's slight win over Obama than just about any of the others all the pundits are coming up with.

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