One more for the road...

I don't know if Senator Clinton is an optimist or a pessimist or a realist. But no matter how she views the world or her campaign to be the Democratic nominee for President, it would be hard to miss the cue at this point. It's time for Hillary Clinton to step aside. I believe that in her speech given last night, she began to step off the stage, acknowledging on some level that the math itself prevents her from moving forward.

Actually, the speeches from Senators Obama and Clinton struck a conciliatory note, at least to my ear. They each took steps to begin a healing process that will be critical for a Democratic victory in November. There are still some issues on the table. What to do about Michigan and Florida? Obama looks ready to let her have her share of Florida and to split Michigan down the middle. Now that it's clear he can do that without upsetting his lead, or even his now-inevitable nomination, I believe it's the right choice for him to make.

There's a primary calendar that could be problematic. West Virginia on the 13th looks like it will go heavily for Senator Clinton. If she leaves the race today, but still wins in WV, it could be an embarrassment to Senator Obama and a media circus that would benefit McCain.

So, I say stick it out until the 13th, Senator Clinton. Make it one more victory for the road. Continue to be gracious, as you were in your speech last night. Fire Mark Penn. Put the Big Dog's leash back on. Don't spend a dime. You and Bill sit down with Barack and Michelle. Hang out in WV for the week. Win it, and, on the night of the 13th from Wheeling or Morgantown or Charleston -- or maybe even from Chicago -- give the speech we all need to hear. Hang it up, endorse Senator Obama (you are the ultimate Super Delegate), and help him heal the party and head to victory in November.

A Super Hedge

There's been a lot of talk about politics today and in the past weeks. It's no secret that I was early in Al Gore's corner, hoping that we the people could convince him to be drafted into the Presidential race. Instead, he focused on saving the planet and collected his prizes and trophies and awards. I can't hold that against him.

My second choice never went anywhere, though he holds some influence at this point. He's Bill Richardson and his support will be important to the eventual Democratic nominee. The same could be said of John Edwards who, though was never my choice, impressed me in the debates. His support will also how sway in Denver, or sooner.

It's no secret that I cast my ballot for Hillary Clinton. I early-voted here in Florida before all the bad stuff went down in South Carolina. But, then the bad stuff went down and I began to regret my vote, feeling a little buyer's remorse way too soon.

Then I watched the debate in California last week between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. I didn't have buyer's remorse anymore. Hillary rocked the debate. But... but... Barack did too. I was supremely impressed by his responses to questions on Iraq and hope for the future of our country. Forget buyer's remorse: now I want two-for-one! I could support either (or, though unlikely, both) in November.

For the first time in a long time, I feel very good to be a Democrat. We have two fine, capable, wonderful candidates who are ready to lead beginning at noon on January 20th. The Republicans have Huck McRomney. It feels good to win. And I say that nearly two hours before the polls begin to close on Super Tuesday.