Who Has the Better Story?

I found myself watching Hardball at around midnight last night (not that there's anything wrong with that), and I was struck by something that Chris Matthews had to say. He pointed out that in the waning moments of this primary season we have stopped talking issues and started talking character. "Who has the better story?"

As far as the media is concerned, there are only three candidates left in this insane marathon to elect a President: John McCain, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton. Which one of the three has the more intriguing storyline? Will we elect the maverick Republican war hero, the first African-American, or the first female and wife of a former President. All make for a great story.

I, however, feel that the shift in discussion leads to a larger question; are these the best candidates the country has to offer, or are we searching for someone that allows us to feel better about ourselves? In the past, we have elected a leader based on who we would most like to have a beer with. And, no matter which side of the aisle you are on, you may have regretted that decision. So, we now turn to our drinking buddy's arch nemesis, the wife of his predecessor, and a relative newcomer.

So, let me know what you think. Are we just looking for a great story, or are we trying to erase the Bush presidency? Are these the best candidates the country has to offer, or are they just the opposite of George W. Bush?