I support Hillary Clinton though every time I see or hear Barack Obama on a videoclip or television, I am deeply impressed. But if I were to vote for him, it would be for his mother, or what I read about her in the International Herald Tribune. What a remarkable woman. Obama seems far more conventional than his mother.

This is such a wonderful picture of them together. (Photo International Herald Tribune)

Of course, he couldn’t have it easy being the child of such an idealistic woman. Living in different cultures, finding his own identity, there were issues he faced that might have never surfaced if he were born into a more conventional family. It’s revealing he has not followed in his mother’s footsteps, sparing his children the same experience.

I admire Obama, so I hope his supporters won’t mind this. But I am surprised Hillary had to apologise for what her supporter Geraldine Ferraro said: "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman, he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept."

Isn’t that true? Won’t Obama make history if he becomes the first African American president? Won’t he make history just by winning the Democratic nomination? Isn’t part of his appeal his multiracial heritage?

There is no other leader in the news who can make the same claim. It is one of the things that makes him exceptional. It has galvanised the African Americans and attracted so many others that he is the frontrunner in the Democratic race. And when somebody points that out, apologies are called for? Strange.    

Even calling him "lucky" doesn’t detract him from his powerful appeal for he is fortunate indeed to possess such charisma. It’s a gift which can’t be earned by hard work.

I just wish this skirmishing ended and Hillary and Obama became running mates for the November election.

Hillary has hinted that she might run for president with Obama as her running
mate. They would make a dream team, as I wrote before reading the report in the
Guardian.

The Guardian reported:

Asked on CBS’ The Early Show whether she and Obama should be on the same
ticket, Clinton said: "That may be where this is headed, but of course we have
to decide who is on the top of ticket. I think the people of Ohio very clearly
said that it should be me."

CBS News reported Hillary was responding to the Early Show
co-anchor Harry Smith who said:

"We talked to a lot of people in Ohio who said there really isn’t that
significant a difference between you two, and they’d like to see you both on the
ticket."

Now the ball’s in Obama’s court.

The Democratic leaders have made it clear they don’t want the contest to drag
on and divide the party when it should be united against the Republicans. Now
here’s a way out. Obama has nothing to lose by sitting down with Hillary. He has
the upper hand as the frontrunner.

Clinton (photo CNN) wins in Texas too! This was the news I was waiting for. The suspense was really killing me after she wrapped up Ohio and Rhode Island. Hurrah for Hillary! No offence to Barack Obama. He is inspiring too. But, as Jimi Hendrix sang, "Are You Experienced"? Hurrah for Hillary! Now, let’s sing My Generation!

Jokes aside, she was outspent, criticised by the media, urged by party leaders in not so many words to quit the race, and yet look where she is now. Full credit to her and her volunteers who, despite being outnumbered by the opposition, conquered three states, all in a day.

The media used to talk of the Clinton machine. Isn’t it time they talked of the Obama machine as well? But, no, that’s called a movement while the Clinton supporters are nothing more than a machine.

Hillary and Obama

Hillary demonstrated today when it comes to the crunch, she has got what it takes to bounce back and win, even when the odds are against her. And that’s what a commander in chief needs, this strength and resilience, as she has been saying all along.

Obama has shown vision, inspiring people and starting a grassroots — okay, let’s give it to him — "movement" that transcended race and class. But the movement has morphed into a machine bigger and richer than his rival’s.

And the idealism too is showing a bit of wear and tear. The controversy over what his chief economic adviser said or did not say about his attitude towards NAFTA at a meeting with Canadian consular officials in Chicago would have been unimaginable a few days ago. And Obama himself has been seen hemming and hawing about whether he will accept public financing for his campaign,as he pledged to do.

Obama is no doubt an idealist and a visionary, but he is also a politician. That’s why we hear him talking about the political arithmetic that, when it comes to delegates for the convention, he has the numbers on his side.

Hillary, of course, is seen as a politician. People and commentators are less likely to talk about her vision and idealism even though she has gone out on a limb before fighting for healthcare reform. She wouldn’t have done that if she didn’t feel deeply about it.

But, never mind what critics say, let’s agree both Hillary and Obama want to be president. The question is, who remains undaunted by adversity and emerges with head held high?

Those are the qualities a US president needs in a changing world seething with challenges. Of course, he or she will have to be an idealist and a visionary and a conciliator as well.

Run together!

The Democrats have two remarkable candidates. Instead of urging one of them to drop out of the race so the Democrats can close their ranks against the Republicans, why don’t the party leaders persuade Hillary and Obama to run on the same ticket? They would be a dream team.

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