Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

The day after Super Tuesday, things are looking good for the Democrats. They have two major candidates, either one of which should beat any of the Republican candidates in the general election (I believe Obama has the best chance of winning in the fall, but Clinton will be formidable in the general if she's nominated). So, how can the Democrats screw this up, as is their habit?

I believe the Clinton camp can hand the general election to the Republicans if they resort to self-serving tactics to win the nomination at the convention. First, there are a large number of "Super Delegates," party regulars who are not elected by voters. The Clinton camp could use intense pressure to bring them into line behind her candidacy. Secondly, the Clinton people are already talking about seating the Florida and Michigan delegates, despite the previous decision to take away their votes. Fighting for those delegates, who just happened to go her way, despite their flouting party rules, would rightly be seen as unfair.

Either action would be seen as dirty politics and very un-democratic (small "d"), as well as insider-politics-as-usual. It could tear the party apart (once again!) and discourage voters, particularly the young, newly-enthusiastic voters Obama has brought to the primaries. Unfortunately, if the Democratic nomination is not decided before the convention, I don't see any way that Clinton would not stoop to these tactics.

Therefore, if Obama does not sew up the nomination before the convention, I hope that he withdraws for the good of the party.

I know, it's a long way to the convention, and hopefully the remaining primaries will decide the issue within the next month. But if they don't, prepare for another round of Democrats eating their young....