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There is a lot at stake in the Democratic Primaries being held in Ohio on March 4th. 161 delegate votes stand to be claimed. Despite the fact that numerically it will not be the decider, the winning of this state will make a significant difference to the future of this close fought race. At presnt the polls may suggest that Hillary Clinton is in the lead, but as in other states, this position has been ateadily declining over recent weeks.

What will be the outcome? Time will be the great decider on that issue. However, asked to predict the situation at this stage, nearly a week prior to the event, several factors suggest that the man from Illinois, the first African-American to stand in this race, will edge it from his erstwhile opponent Hillary Clinton. The reasons for this prediction are based upon the values of the two respective campaigns and the current mood of the voting public.

Hillary Clinton has fought a well-orchestrated and hardy fight, but to many American people, the message upon which she stands is tired. Unfortunately, although experience in office is considered to be a virtue in many such elections, coming on the back of nearly two decades of the Political culture of the US being ruled by two dynasties, it is at odds with the current wishes of the general public.

The voting public are tired of the constant political battles being fought internally in the US, and also by the external military engagements, often in countries that do not want its help. The US voters are tired of losing their sons, daughters and families to wars and conflict that often seem endless. According to the NY times, 94% of voters are approaching this election with a hope that has not been present for a long time. That hope is based upon change, a change not only of the Party structure but also a change in the whole fabric and approach to politics, both nationally and internationally. Unfortunately, Hillary Clinton's campaign just offers them more of the same, especially with husband Bill in the not too distant background.

Barack Obama signifies hope. His message is clear and direct, uncluttered from the political verbiage and burdens of the past. Obama's message is simple and frank. He wants to take the people's hopes and use them to forge a new kind of politics on Capitol Hill. A politics that, at home, takes into account the needs and desires of all the American people irrespective of their position, race, colour and creed. Obama also wants to take that message of hope father afield, throughout the international community, to set an example and show that America can and will change and become more of a friend rather than a nation to feel ill at ease with, which seems to have become the case of late.

Therefore, if the polls are a true reflection of the people's desires and wishes, the win in the Ohio Primaries will fall into the welcome grasp of Obama.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
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