One hand clapping

This week, the Democratic convention erupts in Denver, and to round out a fortnight of fun and chicanery, the Republicans start theirs a week later in St. Paul. When these affairs bring to an end their remainder of the summer of politics, the real campaign for the presidency will shift into first gear. We have become so tired of politics during the past nineteen months that the real contest leaves us with all the enthusiasm of one hand clapping. There was a short time of suspense, while Barak Obama held us in his thrall while he selected a running mate -- Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, bypassing Hillary and the rest of his "short list." It seems to us that this choice was inevitable, and we hope that after the convention the party will be united and ready to go the distance against John McCain and whoever his running mate will be. We would hope the disappointed Clintons will not create a roadblock by using their not-inconsiderable influence. The super-delegates, still active and still holding their rights to shift their support from pledged to that of a fundamental set of actions could select another candidate entirely. This would create a state of disunity from which they could not recover.

If it is true that politics is the art of the possible, then what has been a prolonged windup may emerge as a wild pitch in the Rocky Mountain state this week. We do not honestly believe that anyone would do the harm of further dividing a party already torn and worn at the edges. With the vigorous support of Democrats everywhere, this election is highly touted as theirs to win in a walk. Joe Biden will serve as the best "attack-dog" we have ever seen in Washington. He will complement the ticket favorably all the way to the White House in the election of Nov. 4. Let's hang in there and see the whole situation through. At stake is the very well-being of our country. Then we can use both hands in sustained applause, when victory happens!

We can be best governed by a one-party congress and executive branch working together along with bipartisan fervor in concert all the way down the line. We deserve it.