Super Tuesday

Today is "Super Tuesday" in the US presidential nomination races. For the Republicans it could herald an amazing comeback if John McCain maintains his lead over Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee. The battle to represent Republican values will be fascinating. For the Democrats, it is the latest step in a historic transformation of their party. Since John Edwards pulled out last week, the choice was left between a black American (male) candidate and a (white) woman candidate--either choice will be a first for either major political party. That race looks too close to call right now. However, whoever is chosen by the Democrats the candidate will have to do much to hold the racial and gender balances to avoid these issues becoming conflicting forces to hand the Republicans a victory. (An interesting aside to the races will be the special "51st primary" organized in the UK, which is held for America's 200,000 voters there. These votes could be crucial, perhaps moreso for Democrats.)

I have the privlege to be the parent of three girls, each of whom could benefit greatly from the breaking down of race and/or gender barriers. One daughter, born in The Bahamas, could in her time become their first woman Prime Minister; she has an uncle who helped found one of the major parties there, so you never know. Another, born in England, could become the first black woman PM in the UK (thanks to Margaret Thatcher, the UK had already its first woman PM; and the British have had Queens as political leaders for the longest time). The youngest, born in Washington, DC, could still become America's first black, woman president. If they all arrive at their individual places in political history that would be an amazing family hat-trick.

For those who are interested in but not too serious about American politics I can recommend a satirical site that was spun off from Comedy Central. Also, if you want to get the "touch and feel" of being in the US Congress, play at Fantasy Congress. Fantasy (political) football can keep you amused while you go through the tension of the results rolling in tonight.