Obama the Messiah and Cheney Family Values

An interesting dynamic is developing in democratic presidential politics. Barack Obama is turning heads with his potential candidacy. The New York Times, Washington Times, Washington Post and Slate all have articles today about a possible Obama candidacy. Some have even referred to him as the democratic "Messiah". Can he challenge Hillary Clinton for the nomination? It will be interesting to watch how things unfold over the next year and a half if they both get in the race.

On a different front, Mary Cheney, Vice President Cheney's daughter, is expecting a baby. This is newsworthy by some accounts because Mary Cheney is a lesbian. The Houston Chronicle has an editorial lauding the Cheneys family values. James Dobson isn't as supportive.

Each of these news stories have their own interesting dynamics. The Obama v. Clinton campaign for the democratic nomination would pit a person trying to become the first African American president against a person trying to become the first woman president. The other story about family values is also intriguing. The republican party has positioned itself as being more friendly to family values than the democratic party but the second highest ranking republican official has a daughter that is lesbian and is expecting a baby. Is there some inconsistency on the part of the republican party when it doesn't condemn Mary Cheney's lifestyle? Each of these are worth watching to see what comments the pundits have.

Jerome