It appears to me that the democratic party is in a bit of a quandary.They have two viable candidates, neither of who will be able to garner enough delegates to capture the nomination without assistance from the super-delegates. It's not a pretty picture, and one that could have been avoided had the process not been flawed from the start. On the other hand you have a Republican party that has run a consistent process throughout the campaign, allowing the presumptive nominee, John McCain to now solidify his support towards the general election.
Problem one for the Democrats, They fell in love with a junior senator from Illinois with a gift of gab but not much of a resume. The media in large part also is so enamored with his oratory that they have until recently pretty much given him a free pass. Consequently he was able to build a substantial lead in the early primaries that very well be insurmountable. Be careful what you wish for. a candidate has to also be electable by all parties including independents.
Problem two for the Democrats, A woman candidate whose last name is Clinton. There is a certain number of voters in this country who will not pull the lever that will constitute a vote for anyone named Clinton. The memory of people does not totally dissipate after eight years. Although there was much good in the Clinton administration, lord knows there were many problems also. Far more than just Monica.
Now you have two viable candidate beating each other up. Making the path for the other party easier. Both Democratic candidates are running on a platform of " change" . In my estimation however the change the American voter is looking for is not in party, but in philosophy. The change they are looking for is the person who can get things done that can better this nation regardless of party affiliation. By making " change " the cornerstone of their campaign, they are playing to the strong point of John McCain. He is the candidate with record of reaching across the aisle to get things done that he believes in regardless of party policy. The Democrats, will in all likelihood rethink in the future how they run their primary process.