McCain and Obama

In the latest twist to this ever-changing race, it seems to me that McCain's emergence as the GOP front-runner, even presumptive nominee, should clearly help Obama. If the Republicans are prepared to embrace a candidate who is not the establishment pick, why wouldn't the Democrats in a change election? And McCain's powerful appeal to moderate Democrats and Independents makes it all the more important for the Democrats to pick someone who can appeal to moderate Republicans and Independents. The Clintons simply don't do that - especially after the ugly spectacle of their tactics in the last few weeks. That's surely behind Obama's latest rhetorical emphasis.

Even with the war hobbling him, even with the massive advantage of the opposition party in this year of recession and occupation, I'd say McCain could beat the Clintons. With Obama, it's a whole different dynamic - and the narrative of the man in his 40s against the man in his 70s surely helps Obama. The Democrats aren't stupid, are they? The logic of their heads as well as their hearts now favors the senator from Illinois.