Web Digest Weekly - Point Of View

Point Of View
Web Digest Weekly
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In many ways, a political party can be viewed as an organization. Like formal business organizations,
political parties operate with a clear purpose and mission. Furthermore, political parties consist of
various positions and clear lines of authority, but unlike traditional organizations, political parties in the
United States of America are at the mercy of a democratic electoral system. Positions and power are
determined by the voters. As Abraham Lincoln so eloquently stated nearly one hundred and forty five
years ago in his infamous Gettysburg Address “…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of
freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the
earth.” His words still ring true today in the midst of one of America’s most controversial and highly
debated presidential nomination races. Two formidable candidates, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton,
have fought tooth and nail for the past several months as both aspire to become the Democratic Party’s
2008 presidential nominee.

With relentless mudslinging and abundant political rhetoric being spun from each camp, the conditions
are ripe for a tremendous conflict. What makes this conflict so interesting is that the parties belong to
the same team and both believe in the same set of core political values. As Clinton and Obama jockey
for a run at the oval office, the obvious Republican opponent, John McCain, has remained all but
unscathed as Hillary and Barack have focused their energies on discrediting each other. For the
Republican Party, this has been a welcomed gift, but will it spell disaster for the democratic hopefuls?

The climate in which this conflict has played out is also important to consider. With an African American
man and a white woman as the Democratic finalists, this is perhaps the most diverse party race in
history. An unstable economy, rising gas prices, worries about health care, and an unpopular war in the
Middle East also contribute to the climate of this conflict. Other more personal issues such as Obama’s
quandary with Jeremiah Wright and Hillary’s inflated story about being under sniper fire in Bosnia have
also tainted the conflict.

So how will this conflict affect the outcome of the election in November? Until that time we can only
speculate. Unofficial polls indicate that many Obama supports will not vote for Hillary should she be
become the Democratic candidate and that many Hillary supporters will not vote for Obama should he
continue as the candidate. Regardless of the outcome of the election, this race has been one on the most
heated and conflicted in history. Only one candidate will receive the Democratic nod, but will the
Democratic Party pay the ultimate price in November for a conflict within could very well lead to the
party cannibalizing itself?

The Conflict Within
by
Dan Wright

Dan's Website:
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The Conflict Within is an original writing by Dan Wright
and was reprinted with permission of the author.

The opinions expressed in the writings appearing on the Point Of View
page are not necessarily those of Web Digest Weekly.

Concern with political issues on the homefront is a matter of national
importance nowadays. Dan Wright is a businessman who became a
writer of topics such as these while in college. His commentaries and
views have struck a chord with many in his immediate circle. Keen
observations, combined with a sharp intellect, illicit a point of view
both unique and yet which finds a home within the mainstream as
well. Dan enjoys triathlon, golfing, listening to music, and spending
time with his family. He lives in Georgia.

Photo Courtesy Of Dan Wright