In this context, the contrast between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton is actually pretty clear. From a purely administrative point of view, I wholeheartedly agree with Hillary Clinton when she says that she's the one who's most prepared to assume the job of President from day one. She is clearly a smart lady, who knows her stuff. However, you only need to listen to Obama speak for a few minutes to realize that he's got the clear edge when it comes to Leadership. Even if people aren't exactly sure of the details behind what he's saying, they sure do come away feeling inspired.
We've just experienced almost 8 years, where more than half of the country was (pretty much continuously) dissatisfied with the occupant of the oval office.
Of all the candidates left in the race (from both parties), Hillary Clinton would be the most likely to inherit (and carry on) this bitter divisiveness. I'm not even sure it's totally her fault; but there's no doubt that Mrs. Clinton elicits some pretty strong feelings from those on the right ... and in many cases the center and left as well.
Obama is just the opposite. For the most part, even those who disagree with his political views can't help but admire what he's doing on the campaign trail. I listen to a lot of talk radio while I'm stuck in my car on the drive to and from work. As it's becoming more obvious that Obama has a real shot at getting the nomination, the right is starting to take their shots at him. But it's obvious that as much as they want to go after him with both barrels, they don't have the same zeal in their attack as they would/do for HRC.
With McCain basically all but having sewn up the Republican nomination, this the first opportunity in a long, long time for those of us (the majority of people in our country) who fall somewhere in the middle of the political spectrum to actually vote for a candidate in November, who is not the "lesser of two evils".
... provided Obama get's the Democratic nomination.
Wouldn't it be great if in the summer of 2009 we have a President with a 60 or 65% approval rating? ... giving him the political capital necessary to tackle some of the truly daunting challenges that our country faces ... and which will surely require bipartisan cooperation to solve.
For the first time in a long time, I'm pretty hopeful about the Future of America.