I wonder...

if, after the convention controversies are resolved regarding seating the Florida/Michigan delegates and the use of superdelegates to determine the candidate...

if the Democratic party candidate again loses the Presidential race in November, we might see something akin to the birth of the Republican party when the Whigs proved so ineffective over time way back when.

If this one too is lost in November running either current candidate (Clinton or Obama), then surely some might begin to question whether the Democratic party as it has evolved over the past decades with odd bedfellows -- working-class voters and elite liberals; ethnic conservative traditionalists and the more social radicals -- will hold and continue as a unified coalition.*

If so, then perhaps Barack Obama, who is certainly a young man with a political future ahead of him either way, will play more a Lincoln-esque role with a new party than even he conceives right now.

If another loss accrues in the (D) column, perhaps it might indeed prove a good move letting the former party fade away, if something more competitive and effective comes in its place. Because one-party dominance surely is not good. (and yes, I know the recent Congressional elections were all about balance, but really, how effective has the Democratic-majority Congress proven lately either?) I suspect a lot might depend on how well the country fares under a McCain presidency, following 8 years of GWB. If things get bad enough, and the Democrats still are unable to pull together and be effective in their policies, it might be a wise move, no?


(Like I said, just a bit of Saturday wondering...)

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*especially considering the large numbers of cynical citizens (plenty young)** we'll see should a Democratic loss occur -- not to mention the expected rise in citizenship of those currently unrecognized, in this country illegally and not voting.

** Even with an Obama win, I wonder how long it would take to also see that rise in young cynics, much like the huge numbers seen in the 70s and 80s when they realized that the hopes and dreams and promises of the 60s did not fare so well, or occur so quickly, in reality. I might not be articulating it well, but I do suspect we will see that phenomena in years to come. Which is why some of us definitely caution making promises that can't be kept... who wants to experience that "coming down period" all over again? Best not to get so "high" in the first place...***

*** All speculation, of course, but put me on record as urging all: come what may, let's all resolve no matter how bad it gets, we won't strike out by dressing our kids in plaids and stripes... on the same day! (It's a cliche sure, but "Think of the children!")