I feel this primary is about a man, who is mixed, using his ethnic background, in order to win. I think this race will be very demoralizing for the democrats. Hillary or Obama, aren't saints. But Obama paints himself as one. He also is giving high expectations to the African American Community. Using words, like "our time has come" "There is a change comming." These words are especially motivating to African Americans, and its purpose is intentional--to divide, not unite the democratic vote because he knows, in most states, the majority of democrats are african american. I got the sense last night, that when he said the above quotes , he wasn't talking to white people.
The primary showed us this. In every state, where the majority of white voters are republican, he won in a landslide. This isn't because he drew white voters over to his "cause", whatever that may be. This is because in those states, the majority of democrats are African Americans, that is ALL that means. The press is helping this along even more so than him, by not really exit polling the percentage of whites voting for him. I'm not talking about demorats only, I'm talking about ALL the white people in that state.
So, to me he is more polarizing than even Hillary. His message means something different to Black people than white people. That is what is so wonderfully ambigous about his speeches. White people listen to him and think he is talking about bringing everyone together--independent vote. Black people listen to him and believe that it is really possible that he is gonna bring them some sense of respect/pride in the eyes of the nation. So his message of "change" is ambigous at best, it is left open to discussion. That is what is so wonderfull about hope, it gives you a false sense of security.
This is a dangerous proposition, because to be fair, as he protests to be, means he can not favor one side or the other, but he does, he favors independents and minorites. This Polorization will shine through in a National Election. It hasn't shown through yet, because the democratic party will not point this out in fear of loosing the minority support, but especially the African American vote. The republicans have no such claims to the African-Americans. In all those states that he claims victory, the majority of them will never go democratic in the national election, remember that. Even if every African American and white democrat came out to vote for him, he would still loose them.
Once his campaign reaches the national level, he will be forced to make a decision. He won't be able to rely on the "black vote" as some call it. He will actually have to start taking a stand. He will have to answer questions on how his policies favor not only democrats but republicans as well. His message will have to become less ambigous and alot more specific. This is where he looses. He will have to answer to his envolvement with Tony Rezko. He will have to prove that he doesn't recieve money from special interest. He will have to persuade conservatives why they should support the minority. Conservative aren't for BIG CHANGE. they are the old politics he talks about, and in every state he won last night THEY are the majority. They want policies that are the least intrusive. How will he then go from being the man of change, to the man who is experienced enough to give reasoned caclulated policies that benefit everyone, not just the unfortunate few. How can he claim nationalism, when he is fighting a revolution to change the nation. He suggest that the nation has changed THAT much in 4 years. I don't think this is the case.
In the end, he will leave the demorats divided and demoralized. This is even more dramatic when if (and thats a big if) he gets in office and actually has to play the game. It won't be about young people and african americans, it will be about ALL the representation through out the nation. Including white republicans, old people, hispanics, moderate independent voters. He will be forced to moderate or get nothing accomplished. A speech won't get this done, it will take legislation that is both comprehensive and appealing to both sides.
In conclusion, because of the short-sighted way he is running his campaign for the democratic nomination, is the very reason he will loose the general election.
Our govenment is set up on purpose to resist major change. THAT is a fact. Sweeping changes will never be realized with our current government. The "old politics" ARE the politics of america. The best you can Hope for is to get some minor things accomplished. He knows this, if he is as smart as he says. Now ask youself, is he being honest with you.