According to CNN, Barack Obama has enough delegates, and is now the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party. The fight is pretty much over, and the Illinois Senator has won the first battle. Now comes the war.
But first a look back. It truly is fitting that Barack Obama’s last victory came in the state of Montana, since it’s states like Montana that have catapulted Obama to the nomination. Yes, African-American support was crucial to the campaign, but equally critical was the support of the mostly-white Rocky Mountain states. In fact, he dominated throughout the Northwest. Obama won Colorado (67% – 32% by caucus), Montana (57 – 41 by primary), Idaho (79 – 17 by caucus), Wyoming (61 – 38 by caucus), Utah (57 – 39 by primary), North Dakota (61 – 37 by caucus), Washington (68 – 31 by caucus), and Oregon (59 – 41 by primary). Most of these states have small African-American populations. He did well in the Great Plains states too. And the Midwest.
But it was states like Montana that allowed Obama to escape the notion that he was simply “the black candidate.” And how interesting that one of the first states to give women the right to vote is the one that helped push Obama to the presidential nomination. (PS: More exit poll analysis to come. This is just the beginning of the “political party.” Oh boy, horrible joke. My apologies to all of you.)
A little advice though for the Senator from Illinois who continues to struggle among older voters. Perhaps it is time that he spend a little more time talking about things like Social Security. And perhaps he ought to clarify his opinions on Israel, to comfort some of the Jewish voters. And perhaps speak to women’s issues, to appeal to those women who might be frustrated by Clinton’s loss and who might be tempted to attribute her loss to sexism.
And meanwhile, the future. It’s time to start talking vice presidential candidates. I’d be tempted to consider Jim Webb, the senator from Virginia who has both military experience and executive experience. Definitely, Obama ought to pick someone from the Rust Belt, the South, or somewhere else that will give Obama credibility with those voters whom he offended earlier with his “bitterness” comments. In other words, don’t make John Kerry your vice presidential candidate. Maybe Ted Strickland of Ohio. Pick one of these new Democrats, who are fresh yet experienced, who can carry the banner of change yet walk with the air of competence and experience.
There’s more to come, but for now I wish you all a good night. Go America!
