Dems Debate in S.C. on MLK's day; Florida Awaits G.O.P. Storm

By: Loren Shimanek

For those in the press or campaign teams that watched what was basically a two person debate witnessed a nauseating roller coaster ride between Barack Obama and Hilary Rodham Clinton. The two Democratic hopefuls sparred over who has remained truest to their word over the course of the campaign. Depending on who's side one may already be championing, there didn't seem like there was much resolution for people who are undecided. Not to mention John Edwards could barely get a word in during the verbal jousting. The prospects of "change" were not channeled appropriately on this day of indebtedness to Dr. Martin Luther King who was a practitioner of intrinsic prospects of "change." The day, and the symbolism, especially of the past week's confrontation between Clinton and Obama supporters, ignited all the news organizations to focus, unrelentlessly, on the race issue. In fact, most correspondence from African Americans in the political arena today were not primary about MLK Jr., but whether or not the United States is ready for a minority president. Using the term "minority" in the broadest sense possible because not only is race an issue, whether as a country of collective idealists or individual patriots, but gender is incredibly important. The experiences and perceptions affiliated with an alternative to the white male agenda of the past 200 plus years of this country means "change" regardless of how implementation of policy affects the populous, there will be a new symbolism attached to the flag and the people of this country.


On a side note, which seems incredibly minor to the Democratic debates, the upcoming Florida primary will be a heated foot race between Erica Huckabee, Rudolph Giuliani, Ron Paul, John McCain, and for some reason unknown to SOC 118, Mitt Romney. Everyone is well aware of the role Florida played in the Presidential race between George W. Bush and Al Gore, and the state still carries an influential stigma as a necessary win to advance what will be considered the optimal establishment of a leading Republican nominee. Mayor Giuliani had expected to coast to a win, but recent polls show John McCain pulling ahead of Giuliani and the absentee Romney right along side them. Florida also figures into Huckabee's fundamental stature that has recently taken a step towards a more moderate stance. And, of course, the controversial and wildly popular, at least with 20-somethings, libertarian candidate Ron Paul will siphon needed votes from the other candidates. All will be made clear a week from today as to who will be the presiding leader in the Republican race.