The Most Difficult Race

This presidential race is sure getting interesting. The marathon competition this year has been grueling for the candidates. It has also polarized the Democrats and made them choose to love one candidate and hate the other. When it is finally decided, the winner (Obama is the odds on favorite) will have to suddenly do an about face and make nice comments about the other in an effort to heal all the wounds in his own party. Normally that is routine, but this year the race has been so combative that it will not be easy.

Hats off to John McCain for staying away from the negative crossfire between Clinton and Obama. If the Democratic primary is any indication, this race will have the potential of being the most vicious competition there ever was. It is sickening to witness how brutal the campaigns can become. Some might say it is unfair. But remember, the heat from the campaign is simply training for the heat the winner will take as President. President Clinton took such withering punishment at the end of his term, I couldn’t see how he could still function. President Bush has taken as much punishment and is ending his second term with record low ratings. I am amazed by his continued optimism in spite of the way he has become the world’s voodoo doll. He has never forgotten who he is or what he believes.

I hope that the American people recognize the spirit that each candidate will be bringing. Candidates will say different things about issues to different people. But we can always discern the spirit that they bring. We can also see that spirit the spouse brings as well.