Alright, I guess it’s time for me to finally weigh in on the US candidate races. I haven’t done so in the past because I didn’t really have much of an opinion. I’m not American and I don’t identify with a lot of the national issues that they face. A lot of things that have been brought up in the debates seem like common sense to me (like universal health care).  But I honestly think that the Democratic party has put forward two remarkable candidates, either of whom would make an excellent president.

1) Barack Obama

Barack Obama is one of the most exciting candidates I have (ever?) seen come out of the Democratic party, aside from JFK in 1960. He is an incredibly powerful, charasmatic speaker who has the rare ability to ignite passion and excitement in young voters — a quality that no other candidate has, or ever will have. In that aspect, I can certainly understand why Ted & Caroline Kennedy would make the comparision to JFK. Obama is a candidate who has the capacity to bring about real change in America.

However. When I hear his positions on the issues, especially when compared to Hillary Clinton, they seem weak in comparison. I disagree with a few of his stances, and I worry that his relative inexperience would hurt him in the White House. Americans need a president that they can feel confident would have the knowledge, experience and skill sets to end the war in Iraq, revitalize the slowing economy, and fix the heathcare crisis in America. And while Obama is exciting and passionate about igniting change and bring people together, I don’t think he’s quite ready for prime time.

Which bring us to…

2) Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton has been the clear frontrunner in the Democratic race ever since she announced her intention to run. She is a powerhouse. 35 years of experience, coupled with the backing of a much-admired former US president, can’t go wrong. Which is why I have to commend for going from Barack Who? to a formidible contender for the Democratic nomination.

But what she lacks in charisma and excitement (something about her just leaves me a bit cold), she makes up for in powerful positions on the issues and clear strategies on how she plans to implement her ideas. Plus, she has the experience and skills to carry everything out successfully. Her ideas make logical sense, and I honestly think that having a white woman as President is an even bigger change that having a black man. Because, really, underneath it all, there isn’t much difference between a black man and a white man — they’re still men. But there is a strong difference between a man and a woman and the ways in which they handle different situations.

So, Barack brings me excitement, but Hillary brings me confidence. What about the Republicans? First of all, I would never endorse a Republican candidate. But I have to say that the McCain-Giuliani partnership (and it is a very clear running-mate kind of partnership) is a very strong candidate for the nomination. I worry that at 72, John McCain may be too old to serve as president. Ronald Reagan was 69 when he took office, and even he seemed like a relic. But McCain has this youthful energy about him that is kind of exciting.

But this race isn’t about the Republicans. They haven’t got a chance. Which brings us back to Obama vs. Clinton. As I said, whoever gets the nomination would make a fine president. So I’m really just looking forward to an exciting, passionate election, more than anything else.