Matt and I went out to the Denver Diner (one of the select few establishments open 24 hours) around 1am Sat night/ Sunday morning. Somehow the topic rolled around to the presidential campaign, which it tends to do often, these days. One of my friends believed that Obama didn't have what it took to be the next president. Her argument was that it would come down to two things: money--of which she believed Clinton had an endless supply, and experience--of which Clinton may have had arguably more.

As for experience, Abraham Lincoln--considered by many historians as one of the 3 greatest presidents of all time--only served in national politics for one (two year) term in Congress before running for president. His experience? Law (same as Obama) and 4 terms in the House of Reps, totaling 8 years. On a side note, those top three presidents are usually George Washington, Lincoln, and FDR.

As for financing, Obama has proven he can keep up with Hilary as well. He had an immense victory in Iowa, almost a tie in New Hampshire where people had recently said he didn't have a chance, and he's continuing to go strong and gain financial and political support. Every day I read more and more accounts of politicians who have dropped out (Kucinich) and cast their votes to Obama, as well as labor unions and other large political factions that are rallying behind Obama. He inspires us, and after 7 years of desperation, inspiration is a very important thing.

My point, however, is not that Obama will win--though I really hope he does--it's that it's still up in the air. It's going to (at least from this vantage point) be a fight to the finish.

But most importantly, I just hope this doesn't end being a huge dividing factor for Democrats. Because the fact is, we have two stellar candidates, both of whom represent a real evolution in American politics: a white woman, and a man of African American descent. Both are fairly environmentally concerned, both are focused on mending our international bridges, and both are concerned about ending the wars in the Middle East and getting our economic state more stable. Honestly, I'm thrilled. So, while I'm big time in the Obama camp, and far more inspired by him: his energy, what he stands for, his vision, his political strategy, I say we're truly fortunate this year to have two very worthy candidates. So--game on.