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Ready for Obama?

This means Ohio and Texas are burdened with more than their usual stake this time around since either could serve as the proverbial last nail in Clinton’s coffin. And Obama’s promises of change notwithstanding, one prominent modification the Illinois senator has already largely materialised is that of the power of personality in altering voter sentiment as his rhetoric and energy continue to offset Hillary’s experience card — a charm reminiscent of the Kennedy days.

Some cautious party stakeholders, too, have done Hillary’s tense nerves little good by finding good reason in her stepping down ahead of the apparent make-or-break Ohio slugfest on March 4. With McCain already firmly seated as the Republican contestant, the Democrats’ tight fight had rightly raised concerns of splitting the party by the time a clear candidate could appear. Now, with Obama strongly in command of the initiative and Hillary reeling on the ropes, their argument leverages the greater-party-good line, that all possible precautions must be ensured to avoid a Republican re-run in Washington. But surely such fears were better expressed post March 4, in case of a continued Obama victory run. Maybe Hillary can fall back on her vast experience and use such sentiment against Obama for influencing popular opinion, since attacking the other has been an integral part of her campaign anyway.

Ordinarily, few would think twice about Ohio waltzing to a Hillary win. A suffering economy, soaring energy costs and one of the highest unemployment rates make for real-term lower income groups that have thus far formed the core of Hillary’s vote-bank. And with foreign policy already taking a distant second seat in campaigning, there is little but the state of the economy for the contestants to focus on. However, as mentioned, Ohio too might just bolster Obama’s smooth talking credentials as the nomination race becomes at least as much about personality as agenda.

Whichever way Ohio tilts, the Republican camp is surely watching very closely and taking notes. After the George W Bush disaster, they could do with increased splintering among the Democrats. McCain’s born-again bid owes just as much to political savvy characteristic of a man rich in experience as to the ability to play to specific audiences. Among the Democrats one boasts experience while the other brings charms. And the more they bicker instead of one growing stronger, the more the Republicans relish the contest.