Democrats Candidate Unknown: Good or Bad?

While Obama seems to be on the path to claiming the Democratic nomination, it is amazing that we are entering March with such a tight race. Although I have not closely observed many elections, this is the first election I can remember where there is not a clear distinction of who will be the Democratic candidate. This issue led to a discussion within my group of friends. Our question to each other is how this will impact the Democrats campaign for presidency. The conclusion of our conversation showed both pros and cons to the current situation.

Pros:

• The Democratic Party can begin exposing weaknesses in John McCain's campaign and policies. The Republican Party still does not know who they need to target.
• The Democratic candidates are getting more exposure.
• The Democratic candidates are gaining valuable debate experience that will help them prepare for debate during the general election.
  

Cons:

• The Democratic Party is losing time to unify itself between the primaries and the election.
• Obama and Clinton are criticizing one another so much that the Republicans do not have to worry about attacking either candidate.
  
• More exposure leads to more chances to make mistakes that can come back and hurt the candidates later on.
  

Do you think that the Democrats close Primary race is harming or helping the party? Why or why not?

Don't Hold Your Breathe for Gore Endorsement

In the latest installment of Clinton-Obama: March to the White House, CNN is reporting that sources close to Al Gore say the former Vice President will not be endorsing a candidate in the Democratic primaries. Instead, the sources suggest, Gore will have a "role to play" as the Party's "neutral" elder statesman. This is the second time this week (Dean being the first) that Party officials have hinted that the Democratic leadership--not the American voters--will decide who is annointed the Democratic candidate for POTUS.