Democrats can finally stop sniping at each other. We're down to two, mainstream candidates for the November Presidential election.
Sorry. That should be “presumptive” candidates.
While Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama have each garnered enough delegates to be named as their party's leaders at the upcoming conventions, neither has received the official nod those conventions will bestow.
And, while anything can happen — in theory anyway — it's not likely the convention delegates will buck the trend and throw their support behind anyone else.
And, now, the real fun begins. The politicos can stop sniping at members of their own parties and begin the true business of seeking political office in America: Snipe at the other guy.
We're seeing history being made in this country. The race for the Democratic nomination boiled down to the choice between a woman and an African American.
This is a choice that's been far too long in coming.
There isn't an office anywhere in this nation — with the exception of the presidency — where it's been proven time and again a persons race or gender not only needs not, but should not be a determining factor in who's qualified. From local city councils, Girard's included, to governorships to the chambers of the U.S. House and Senate, individuals of all races and genders have proven, time and again, politics is the great equalizer.
All, if they're competent — sometimes even if they're not — can govern and govern well.
But now the final race for the White House is underway. We hope, even as history is being made in one aspect, it won't repeat itself in another.
Change the status quo from recent years for political campaigns. Let's go back to the days of Roosevelt, Truman and Kennedy.
Talk about the issues. Not whether someone, somewhere thinks one of the candidates is a dirty dog, for what ever reason.
This country is currently facing too many serious challenges — from the war, to gas prices, to the price of a loaf of bread — to not talk about the issues. And, please, don't tell me what your opponent is going to do wrong. Tell me what you are going to do right.
As the election cycle gears up in earnest and the candidates begin their final rounds on the stump, study their positions on the issues carefully. Think back to John F. Kennedy, when he said he wasn't going to be a Catholic president. He was a man, running for president, who happened to also be a Catholic.
He also was the best qualified person for the job. And that's the bottom line that must be decided.
We call upon the candidates and the parties, from the national level on down, to surprise us.
Let's talk issues.
Who knows? It might just catch on and something positive could come out of it.