The current political undertones for the Barak Obama and Hilary Clinton campaigns seem to be tension and opposition.

Even though Clinton and Obama share similar views on social topics such as providing health care for all, the two seem to be in a struggle for the Democrat upper hand. But who really has the upper hand? Possibly John McCain. McCain seems to be the lone ranger Republican, sitting back while the Democrats duke it out.

McCain has the benefit of appearing heroic, and as the lone Republican he could possibly benefit from the back-and-forth sparring of the "Clinton vs. Obama" campaign. It is obvious that McCain could use this as leverage, a tactic that would make the Democrats appear to be divided and uncompromising, or even worse leadership-lacking.

But that probably isn't the case. Both Obama and Clinton share many of the same values, and their ideas for public policy are very similar in the areas of energy, economics and social security. However, they also differ in what they voted for during the Bush Administration war campaign. Clinton supported, Obama opposed. But Clinton has said that if she was president she would not be in this war. Clinton also backed off on her fight for universal health care, but alas she has stepped back into the ring for another bout.

The bickering between the two may just fuel McCain's fire, but for the time being it seems that the Democrats are not backing down to the Republicans either. They are very much supported around the country, as is evident in the early caucuses.

McCain will definitely continue on his campaign with his "words of wisdom" with great achievement so long as the battle between the Obama and Clinton campaigns continue. Many Republicans support McCain's ideals, and the undecided, bi-partisan, or Republicans who have potential to join the Democrat ranks are certainly vulnerable to be persuaded into the McCain camp simply because of harsh feelings toward division and the appearance of disorganization or factions of supporters.

The coming months and polls will be the only way to surely get an appropriate estimate. As the campaigns inch closer and closer to the final elections, it will be of great importance to the Democrats to end this divided appearance. The voters just may be swayed by the appearance of unity within the party, but at the same time knowing the clear differences in their policies.

Learn more about this author, Robert Lawson.
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