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• Editor's note

I don’t have a very good track record when it comes to predicting presidential candidates. In the 2004 Democratic primary race I was an enthusiastic Howard Dean supporter until he took a nosedive with his pro wrestling-style “HYAHHHH!” speech. That same year in the general election I half-heartedly cast my first official vote ever for John Kerry, but, alas, Dubya squeaked by for a second term.

This time around it is uncertain whether or not my losing streak will continue. After a big win in Iowa, my beloved Sen. Barack Obama (IL) lost to Sen. Hillary Clinton (NY) in New Hampshire’s January 8 primary.

The race seems to be even between Obama and Clinton, but I can’t help but think the Democrats are shooting themselves in the foot by picking either candidate. As much as I would like to see a minority or woman president, racism and gender discrimination are still alive and well in our country. By picking a candidate who is historically unelectable, are we posturing ourselves for another eight years of social conservatism and a bottomless pit of war spending?

But it is this fear that keeps electing rich, white men as presidents. It’s time for the people to quit settling for mediocre candidates that are selected for their supposed electability, and open themselves up to the possibility of change.

Only time will tell who will win the nomination. Obama, Clinton, Edwards, any of them are better than Bush. I just hope one of them has the cajones to rumble with the Republicans in November.