If Hillary were Mike Huckabee, we democrats would definitely be "supporting" his decision to stay in the race, because we would know that it would make McCain look bad. But at the same time, we'd also be able to acknowledge that McCain was going to be the nominee.

Moreover, I'm pretty confident that no one would say that Huckabee was doing a "good thing for his party," or even that "he's got game." We'd all be wondering what the heck he was thinking and why nobody was stopping him (while gleefully laughing at the GOP's problems).

Are Hillary's supporters really willing to say that this year's "identity politics" contest trumps all other values: supporting our party; wanting a democrat in the White House; hoping for change in Washington; hoping to restore America's position in the world; hoping that Americans will remember that we are all citizens of the same great country.

Also, do Hillary's supporters really believe that if the superdelegates actually reversed the results of the primaries and awarded the nomination to Hillary, Obama supporters would just "fall in line"? Those exit polls the MSM keep spouting off about are a canard. Obama's supporters are able to be magnaminous right now because they trust that he will be the nominee. If they felt the election was "stolen" from them, I think those numbers would change quickly and dramatically.

It's easy to see why Obama didn't want this contest to be about "identity politics," because when you focus on something so volatile and divisive, it's bound to explode and divide.

Is that REALLY what we want?

couldn't agree more on this post. I think that the "magnanimity factor" is so seriously underestimated, that the HRC side truly is able to convince themselves otherwise.

thus the danger of identity politics. Thank God Obama tried to keep off of that theme.

would that it could have worked.

I was always an Obamaphile, but I must say that this proves the adage that if you aren't on the field, you can't win the game. Edwards is probably crying himself to sleep every night he realizes that had he stayed in, he may have had a shot as this has dragged on and on.

Interesting thoughts. I have to admit that if Hillary somehow convinced superdelegates to switch at this point, I'd probably vote for McCain. Of course, I've been a McCain fan for a long time, so it is possible I might vote for him anyway, even though my heart is leaning towards Obama right now.

On the other hand, I really think that true liberals, when faced with a McCain presidency will fall into line with the party. Obama supporters might be furious, but they would probably vote Hillary before taking four years of a guy they hate.