A Running Commentary

Is it possible that after decades of predictable pomp the American people could be treated to not just one but two meaningful conventions in 2008?

On the one side, the Clinton camp’s refusal to recognize the writing on the wall guarantees that the Democrats will go into their convention without a clear nominee. If the 90’s taught us anything about the Clintons, it is that they bear no shame in pursuing and maintaining power no matter the consequences to their party. Would any other President in our nation’s history have not resigned in the face of the Lewinsky affair?

On the Republican side, John McCain’s current position would traditionally equate to cruise control to the nomination. But there are significant rumblings among the conservative party faithful and the furor over today’s NY Times piece at least raises doubts about that eventuality. However much the Times’ piece may fly in the face of sound journalism, where there’s smoke in American politics there tends to be fire. Unfair perhaps, but true.

After weeks of expecting the Democrats to have the only interesting convention it may now be the Republicans who provide the better show. The Clintons will fight hard to the end but it is inconceivable that party big wigs and super delegates would hand Hillary the nomination if Obama maintains his winning ways. A democratic nomination against the popular vote of the party would prove the political end of said party bosses, if not the effective death of the Democratic Party itself.

If McCain becomes mired in scandal all bets are off for the Republican nomination and the convention will be wide open. Romney will certainly reappear, probably as the frontrunner. Huckabee will certainly be a factor and perhaps NYC Mayor Bloomberg as well. Even Giuliani and Thompson may resurface. If McCain can weather the storm my money is still on McCain/Romney. Romney can placate conservatives, answer the Health Care issue based on the successful Massachusetts plan, and demonstrated excellent party manners in first bowing out and then endorsing McCain. But 25 years is a LONG time for anyone to be in Congress, even a straight-shooting maverick like John McCain, and not have any political skeletons.