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Barack Obama veers from the norm because he is left-handed, but this will not affect the outcome of his bid to be the Democratic candidate for president in 2008. He will beat Hillary Clinton because of other differences.

He is young, vibrant and charismatic. At 46 years, he is in his prime. He is not a member of the Washington establishment, and the voters are aware that he did not come from a privileged background. He parents were a mixed race couple and they separated when he was just two. He was raised by his grandparents. He has worked as a community organizer in some of the toughest neighborhoods in Chicago. Although he graduated from Columbia University in New York, with a degree in political science, many of the electorate can relate to his troubled early years. He does not have access to unlimited funds for his campaign, but supporters have been generous, because they recognize his potential.

Hillary Clinton is 60. Her parents were financially secure and she excelled in her studies during her early school years. She graduated from Yale Law School, and married Bill Clinton, a young politician from Arkansas, in 1975. Her mannerisms are smooth and polished as one might expect from a seasoned political wife. She served as First Lady of Arkansas for twelve years, and as First Lady of the land for eight years. From lobbyists and wealthy supporters, she has been able to raise, with her husband's help. millions of dollars to conduct her campaign.

Barack and his wife Michelle were married in 1992. They have two small daughters, and appear to be a typical, happily-married couple.

Hillary has had a troubled marriage. Her husband, while President of the United States, had an extra-marital affair with a White House intern. He was impeached by the House of Representatives, he was convicted of lying under oath, and had his license to practice law in Arkansas removed for five years. Through it all, Hillary stuck with him. Many people wonder why. Was it really true love? Did she not believe his transgressions were very serious? Is her code of ethics similar to his? Did she think it would be to her political advantage to remain married to an ex-president, even a bad one?

An obvious difference between the two is the fact that Barack is male, and Hillary is female. There are still many traditional Americans who believe that men do better in leadership positions, while women excel in supporting roles. These voters will be solidly behind Barack.

Hillary undoubtedly has more political savvy, because of her years of experience in government circles, and she has stressed this fact during her campaign.

Barack Obama is a relative newcomer, but he has something very important: he connects with people. He talks to them as though he were a neighbor. He feels comfortable with the average voter and they feel at ease with him. It is very likely that they will also feel comfortable with him as their President.

The fact that Barack Obama is left-handed is only the most minor difference he has to Hillary Clinton. He is young, vibrant, a breath of fresh air; he has no connection to the Washington establishment or previous governments' scandals and misdeeds. Very simply, he relates well to people, and they find it easy to like him and to trust him. For these reasons, it is a safe bet that he will beat her in the race to be the Democratic candidate for President of the United States in 2008.

Learn more about this author, Carolyn Tytler.
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