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It would seem that a very popular party nominee like Barack Obama would be a shoe-in against the more unpopular party nominee, John McCain. But Democrats should not celebrate just yet, as there is a lot of work to be done to convince those across the party line that Obama could in fact be a better leader.

The major difference between the two men is experience. John McCain has had a military background and long standing political career; whereas Barack Obama is the new kid on the block. While he does have an impressive list of accomplishments in that short period of time, if Obama should win the Democratic party nomination, rest assured that McCain will jump all over the length of time served to convince the American people that they need a president with a proven track record of leadership.

This is especially true in a time of war. Not unlike Bush and Cheney before him, it seems very likely that McCain will use the Iraqi war (as well as other international conflict) as a platform. If he adopts the Karl Rove tactics of evoking fear; Obama will have a huge obstacle to overcome. In the Texas primary, Hillary Clinton's "3:00 am phone call" tactic proved Obama's undoing.

McCain is also very conservative in his politics and his values. Given the previous elections have arguably been won by the "red states", Obama must find a way to appeal to that which unites Americans rather than divides us.

Fortunately for him, Obama has a history of working together with Republicans (including John McCain) in bi-partisan efforts to create positive change. He has also gone on record with his desire to unite our bitterly divided nation for the best interest of the country. It is a message of hope and of inclusion.

Therefore Obama must communicate to Republican voters that he does respect their differences and their values. It is through that respect that he can bridge the gap; because Republican leaders have proven incapable or unwilling to do this for their Democratic constituents in the last near decade. He has to tear down the "if you're not for us, you're against us" mentality to reach out to those have acted out of fear; manipulated by shrewd leaders who knew which buttons to push.

Whether McCain is made of that particular cloth or not is yet to be seen; but if Obama stands a chance against him he should prepare for such tactics and have a waiting response.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Voight.
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