Do Democrats really want to win in November?

(Cross-posted at Left of Centrist)

Anyone who reads this blog knows I am firmly in the Obama camp. I believe in Obama's message of inclusiveness. I am sick and tired of divisiveness in this country. There are people on the Right who believe ramming their message and agenda down the throats of Americans is the only way to run this country. There are people on the Left who want to do the same thing. What ever happened to compromise? I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, advocating giving in the Republicans, I'm saying compromise. What good will another four years of "our way or the highway" do for this country?

We need to understand that there are people of all stripes in this country. Surely there is common ground to work from. If not, why not just divide the country in half and let the each side have their own government? All I know for sure is that we cannot allow the Republicans to regain control of the White House. We've seen what they have done to us since George W. Bush took control. We cannot afford, both literally and figurativel, to have them back in control. John McCain has made no secret of his desire to keep U.S. troops in Iraq for another 100 years. Who the hell is going to pay for this? Our great-grand children's great-grand children?

We can now be certain that the Republican nominee is going to be John McCain. The question we need to be asking ourselves is: Who can beat John McCain? The vast majority of the polls show that Barack Obama is the only person who can beat McCain in November. Hillary Clinton is either tied with or trailing McCain in the polls. If I can see this, then you know the Republicans see this and are chomping at the bit for Hillary Clinton to get the Democratic nomination. While I have a grudging respect for Hillary's supporters, I have to wonder if they are thinking more about getting the first woman on the top of a ticket or winning in the fall. If the polls are showing her behind John McCain, how can they, in good conscience still vote for her? I'm not saying Obama will have it easy either, but right now he is our best hope in winning back the White House.

Ralph Nader has stated publicly that he will enter the race if Clinton gets the nomination. Is this what Hillary's supporters want? I've heard many Obama supporters claim they would rather vote for McCain or not vote at all if the choice is McCain or Hillary. I'm not one of them. I will hold my nose and pull the lever for Clinton if she gets the nod.

On the other hand, we have Obama who is getting the respect and admiration of people on the left and the right. Independents, moderates and even Republicans have voiced their support for the junior senator from Illinois. It is this kind of support that makes Obama the wisest choice for the Democratic Party.

Don't think for a moment that the Republicans who are upset that McCain is getting their party's nod won't coalesce around McCain if Hillary Clinton gets the nomination. If there is one person the Conservatives dislike more than John McCain, it's Hillary Clinton.

I don't want to have to say "I told you so" this November. Vote smart.