The differences of opinion being expressed by Clinton and Obama may generate some short term advantage for McCain, but I don't think there is any permanent harm being done!

Remember about 2 months ago John McCain was being accused of having an affair with some staff person? Thats all faded and forgotten. Clinton's problem with her husbands wandering eyes and hands seems to have been successfully sacked up for the time being. The recent problems with Pastor Wrights influence on Obama has been smoothed over. The point being, the worlds best spin doctors are at work. The political parties may gain some short term benefit from the debacles exposed, but two - three weeks and its all over!

Another facet of this inner party fight seems to be there is very little to squabble about. The candidates positions on each of the major issues are inches apart. Think about the war, the economy, abortion rights, health care and all the other recently mentioned issues. Both Obama and Clinton have stated positions on these issues and both of them are within inches of each other.

One other re-occurring factor is that each time the Democrats go thru this process we wind up with a donnybrook before the convention! Its happened at least 2-3 times in recent years that one side or another candidate used negative campaigning stirring up issues. By the time the convention was over they were all holding hands and singing Kum-bay-yah! Which is another characteristic of Democratic party politics. We squabble something frantic to get the nomination and then spend lots of time mending fences, saying the right things and everybody goes home feeling better about the whole process.

Issues that benefit McCain will often generate issues that benefit the other side. McCain should not start bad mouthing the opposing candidate until he is sure of his own standing. He has been in public life forever and made his shares of mistakes. If he is the one to start throwing mud, I'm sure the Democratic opponent will find some items along the way, his side would rather not hear about!

Wouldn't it be nice if after all is said and done with both parties conventions, we could have a race for the office that did not include the rancor, name calling, mistake citing and other smallness of mind normally associated with elections? I think the American public would really like to see how that works, or if it works!

Learn more about this author, Fred Tolleson.
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