The choice among Democrats is clearly diverse, though the largest minority group represented is Senators. What isn’t obvious from looking at all the old white men among Republicans is that they, too, are unusually diverse (for Republicans), including an Italian-American and a Mormon. Which party represents change? Which party represents holding your nose and sticking with 8 years of failure?

Of course, where the debates were held also has intentional symbolism. Each location was named after the party’s most revered icon. Democrats met at a historically black college in the South (where they avoided discussing race), in a hall named for Martin Luther King, who represents suffering and struggling along the road to a better world. Republicans met at the Raygun Library, named after a privileged white guy and B-actor they love beyond any understanding.

Do Republicans have the slightest hope of winning any office in 2008? Sure, with swiftboats full of money, you can do anything in America. mjh

’08 Republicans Differ on Defining Party’s Future

There were revealing moments that went past the well-rehearsed lines by all the candidates. Three of the candidates — Mr. Huckabee, Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas and Representative Tom Tancredo of Colorado — raised their hands to signal that they do not believe in evolution. [mjh: splitting the cretin vote]

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070504/ZNYT02/705040353/1005/SPORTS0106