Clinton Vs. Obama; Out With The Old, In With The New
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America is a country of contradiction. The innovative and modern in its western culture fails to coincide with the traditional and steady election process and mentality of the American majority. Through 216 years as a recognized nation and numerous strides in racial and ethnic equality, not one commander-in-chief has emerged as a shift from the conventional white-male standard; till now. Both terms, white and male, are being challenged in the 2008 election by two candidates, one of them a woman, one a black male, and both democrats. Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton are both potential presidential candidates representing the views of the Democratic Party. The diversity of both these candidates combined with the controversial issues encircling the election make this of the most crucial ballots of our time. With both already straying from the norm, it is safe to say that the more conservative candidate out of the two will end up taking the democratic candidacy. Although Obamas campaign and ideals hold the support of both the youth and black community, Hilary Clintons more orthodox policies and structure makes her a more likely victor in the 2008 election.
While Obama fronts a neo-political campaign and a popular newness, his ideals may be too turbulent and divergent from the traditions of the United States. It is clear that racism and prejudice in America have clearly diminished, however this doesnt mean that a black man at the head of the government is so easily comprehensible. As this alone is sad but realistically challenging for many to overlook, the addition of a somewhat novel string of policies may be too much for one election. The fact of the matter is, America can only handle so much change at a time. Whether or not Obamas shift in policies is for better or for worse is not the question; it is how the public will react to these prospective changes that will shape the outcome of the election. Obama has preached a newfound relationship within the government, one that will eliminate the hindering distinction between red states and blue states. “ÐThe reason Im running in this race is because I believe we have to bring in independents and, yes, Republicans into a conversation about a progressive, commonsense agenda for change.” This instability in sticking with his own party was discomforting for many democrats and republicans alike to hear. A loose candidate is not someone who democrats would like to have at the forefront representing their party. Even more alarming however, was Obamas stance on foreign enemies. For quite some time it has been our countries policy to shut out both terrorist and communist leaders of other nations and sects. Obama announced an alteration in that policy when he argued, “A strong country and a strong president are not afraid to talk to their enemies.” Although possibly a brilliant notion, this drastic change in a traditional American ideal may again be too atypical and bold for the American people. Obama basically advocated reaching out to leaders such as Fidel Castro, startling other politicians. After this statement Obama received much criticism from other nominees, contesting that Obama is both “naДЇve” and “irresponsible”. These traits are also backed by his inexperience. Barack Obama has been a US senator for the state of Illinois for a mere two years, which many feel is short of the sufficient amount of experience needed to give people faith in a candidate.
Though Obama may not be the most likely to win the election, his certain attributes and attained demographics of voters make him a strong challenger for Hilary. The attractiveness of Baracks freshness and individuality will no doubt appeal to the youth of America. With the youth making up almost 17% of the upcoming election, this represents a huge demographic. Also, as John F. Kennedy took the catholic vote, Barack Obama will take most of the backing of the black community. His racial stance is essentially unique, with many deeming Obama a “post-racial politician”. This basically means that Obama moves away from racial differences rather than focusing on them. He feels that the acknowledgement and fixation on race will only further display its presence. Not only does Obama have the support of these two strong groups, but he has a mark of consistency that highlights his strength as well. To the attack on his political experience Obama replied, “ÐI think the question that people have to ask themselves is: Who has the right experience and who has the judgment to lead this country?” Obama corroborated this with one of his strongest factors going into this election, his antiwar views in 2002. While Clinton campaigned for the war and is now currently against said war, Obama has been unwavering in his stance against the invasion of Iraq from the beginning. To many, this shows steadfast fortitude and independence, both of which other politicians often fail to exhibit.
Clintons more conventional stance, popularity of her husband and strong democratic lead in the polls make Hilary the probable victor in the 2008 election. While Obama advocates a new type of foreign policy, Clinton retains the traditional positions. In a debate in July 2007, Clinton argued with Obama regarding the capriciousness of his controversial idea. Most democrats agreed with Hilary and her other conventional notions and have therefore pitted her to win in the democratic nominations. Their predictions seem to be verified by the Quinnipiac National Polls this past August, which foretold Hilary Clinton as the victor. She beat out former mayor of New York Rudolph Giuliani, the most challenging Republican candidate, with 46% to 43%. Obamas stats ranked lower with a 42% tie with Giuliani. Clearly for the democrats, Hilary Clinton would be the safest choice of a nominee. She displays a higher probability of beating Giuliani, an important factor when deciding whom to pin up against the Republican Party. Clintons experience and relationship with Bill Clinton also enables her to have one up on Obama. Now in her second term as a New York Senator,