Getcha’ Popcorn Ready For Democratic Nomination Fireworks

What will Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton do for an encore?

Did we just witness a Super Tuesday part deux that actually resulted in four winners tonight?  Despite an insurmountable lead, Hillary Clinton emerged victorious today and promised to fight all the way to convention. Mike Huckabee will endorse John McCain and Barack Obama took the expected defeat and began laying the groundwork for the general election.

Tug-of-War Over Democratic Delegates  -  Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont

Today was a big day for Hillary Clinton, there’s no doubt about it.  With the exception of Vermont, Clinton won the remaining three out of four states.  The buzz this week will be about the “3am ad” and how Hillary Clinton on the attack was more effective in knocking off Barack Obama.  If you really think about it, all of the viable candidates in the race are in better shape than they were yesterday.  Barack Obama may be grinding his teeth, but he continued to stay above the fray.

Here’s a recap of how I view today’s results:

John McCain was the big winner today.  Although he was already the presumptive nominee, tonight it is official.  John McCain reached the threshhold to earn the nomination and Mike Huckabee’s campaign said he would endorse John McCain tomorrow.

Mike Huckabee was also a big winner tonight.  He stayed with it and given that John McCain’s dirty laundry was being aired by the NY Times last week, it was probably wise of Mike Huckabee to stick around.  Mike Huckabee made a name for himself throughout this race and seems to have a bright future ahead of him and perhaps another Presidential run in his future or a Vice Presidential offer, who knows?

Hillary Clinton earned the respect of Barack Obama supporters at least from a competitive standpoint.  There is a bitterness in the air over what she is doing and no one believes that Hillary Clinton would force the Super Delegates to make the choice for the party at convention.  However, we’ve seen a lot of crazy things happen over the last decade and the fact that Hillary Clinton is fighting both against and for history will make it difficult for her to let go of her dream.  The bottom line is Clinton’s speech was a beauty tonight, if she’s positioning herself for a “short list” Vice Presidential slot, then she’s done a remarkable job.  If Hillary Clinton’s intent is to help further the Woman’s Right’s movement, then it’s good to help open the door for future female candidates.

Barack Obama has the media behind him and is loaded up on delegates.  Yes, Hillary Clinton is a fighter and she has proven as much.  Barack Obama on the other hand didn’t show a lot of fight this week.  His campaign expected the losses, they even predicted the losses.  That said, one positive note about Barack Obama is that he has stayed above the fray.  Despite the attacks from the Clinton campaign — pretty mild if you ask me — Barack Obama has stayed away from smearing Hillary Clinton or attacking her in any way.  He congratulated Hillary Clinton and tipped his hat politically to his fierce Democratic rival.  Obama also took the time to address issues that would come up in the general election and it looks like he is going to start laying the groundwork for the general election.

Fearless Prediction: John McCain  vs. Barack Obama in November of 2008

Florida and Michigan become critical to the candidates, but no matter what happens, Barack Obama is ahead in the delegate count.   The Democratic party can not afford to lose the demographics they currently enjoy.  Latinos, African Americans, Women, will strongly favor Democrats in 2008 if it doesn’t get too  ugly.  A bitter battle in the primary could slow Democratic momentum and strength in polls versus the crippled Republican party.   There is a chance, however, that an extended Democratic battle will help Democrats with exposure and continued momentum against John McCain. What ever is the case, let’s all kick back and enjoy the show.

The only question we’re left with is what is Hillary Clinton thinking?

Is she going to steal the election by working the super delegates and taking the decision away from the people?  Is she merely positioning herself to be the de facto Vice Presidential nominee should Barack Obama win as expected?  As Terrell Owens says, “Getcha’ popcorn ready!”

Fred Soto is an Attorney and Entrepreneur from the Silicon Valley.
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