by Ted Sherman

Created on: May 04, 2008

Barack Obama has an excellent chance to win against John McCain in November if .... and there are many, many big ifs that won't be answered until all the ballots have been counted, maybe some time just before midnight on November 4. Let's examine some of those ifs. First, of course, the first biggest if. Obama won't be able to run for President this year if he can't find a way to defeat Hillary Clinton in the remaining primaries, get a majority of the so-called super delegates, and then be chosen by the delegates at the Democratic National Convention by August 28 in Denver, Colorado. His chances look excellent at this time, but many unexpected events and political maneuvering can happen between May and August.

Assuming he'll succeed in becoming the Democratic candidate, Senator Obama will have to face an opponent who won't be bothered by many of the name-calling and mud-slinging restrictions Mrs. Clinton had during the primaries. One particular area where she tip-toed around the subject involved Obama's spiritual advisor and pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. When hit with the unexpected subject, Obama stumbled through denials and excuses. He never expected the videos of Wright's screaming, hateful tirades against whites and America to cause him so much damage.

McCain, a true war hero and patriot, will not hold back on the questions, right or wrong, of Obama's loyalty. If, actually when, McCain throws that challenge in Obama's face, the Democratic nominee must give strong, positive answers proving his patriotism. If McCain questions Barack Hussein Obama's African and Muslim heritage, along with his 20 years of listening to Rev. Wright's words, the younger candidate must be prepared to defend himself with vigorous answers that American voters can accept.

McCain, whose image is that of a regular American guy, will use it in every argument against an untested opponent, the first black man to run for the White House, and who looks different than any other candidate in the history of Presidential politics. However, Obama, who can be a compelling speaker, is being coached by the same team that brought another obscure young Senator, John F. Kennedy, to prominence. Obama's Kennedyesque head movements, chin way up and arm gestures seem a bit too contrived at times, and in debates against McCain, he must tone them down to try to create a more regular guy image.

Another Kennedy trait is that Obama speaks in short, inspirational cliches, and you can almost hear him say, "Ask

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