It is simple . Each wants to win, no holds barred.

Thus making it entirely obvious to the world that it is all about them and not about leading the country.

The only black candidate capable of attracting enough votes does need to be non-threatening to the majority white population. I believe Shelby Steele in his interview with Bill Moyers called this archetype a “bargainer” (as opposed to a “challenger”). And the truth is nobody does know how to campaign against him. There are minefields laid everywhere. Each camp is guilty of playing the “race card” and the media is eating it up and fueling the flames. Nobody is pure.

And please explain how a black man could run without the subject of race coming up. It’s the 800 pound gorilla in the room. And the other gorilla is the sexist crap that we all overlook.

kiddo and me want these things from the next president:

Stop attacking the people of Iraq.
No bombing of Iran.
Quality education for our children.
Free medical care for those who need it.
Concern for the planet’s health.
Good jobs for our people.
We want the truth.
And other things.

I like your thinking, Lahoma.

Which candidate is for total withdrawal from Iraq…no residual forces, and no forces sitting across the border in Kuwait to attack “Al Qaida” or get involved in a Civil War?

Which candidate has stated that attacking Iran is a no-go option? Which candidates have stated that “NO Options Are Off The Table”?

Which candidate will lift this tremendous financial WAR burden off our country, the major contributor to the deficits that make a improved health care, education, and places Social Security at risk.

Which candidate has spoken of using Federal Tax Dollars to creating affordable education (without perpetual debt) for the poor and middle class attending college? Which has been outspoken against “No Child Left Behind” strategy to shut down (rather than improve through resource allocation) low performing schools, requiring the kids to find others outside their neighborhoods, or attend private schools. Backdoor strategy for subsidies to religious schools…which may be the only option, even for those not of that denomination or unwilling to have their kids indoctrinated)?

Who is in favor of a fully nationalized health-care plan available to everyone rather than some mandates that REQUIRE people to find unbalanced, cheap and poor-quality Private Insurance.

Which candidates are pushing programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through conservation and tax-credits to energy-efficient and Green technology? Which support increasing taxes on heavy polluters and energy producers who don’t transfer to low-carbon technologies, or lock up technological patents to prevent innovation? Which has suggested that energy-saving patents should be restricted to terms of five years before becoming public…and one year if the technology is not manufactured?

Which candidate has actually supported investigations that would lead to the impeachment of Bush Administration Officials, including judges? Which has said that they would rescind Bush’s Executive Order shielding WH and Office of the Vice President from public scrutiny and criminal investigation? Who speaks for the Truth?

I’ve looked at the Democratic Candidates agendas, and while some go some distance to have plans that somewhat deal with your listed issues…all three of the major Democratic candidates are woefully wanting on some of them…particularly Iraq, Iran and other Middle East issues. If that wound is not stanched nothing is feasible elsewhere IMHO.

He got a shout out from Digby too!

Way to go Biodun:

Update: This is the smartest blog post I’ve read about the historical dynamics we are seeing played out in this race.