I'm an Obama fanboy. I'll admit it. Ever since his 2004 keynote address I've been anxiously waiting for the day he takes his oath, and I've been singing his praises as often as possible. But this campaign for the Democratic nomination has been eating at me. I've always loved the Clintons, but I've been stunned at the cheapshots and low blows they've been leveling at Barak...

...Then I realized that I've been naive...

This campaign is brilliant. The Clintons are a godsend. The Democratic party has been playing the game like a god-damned grand champion.

Barak Obama is a once-in-a-generation leader. The Democrats know this. The Clintons know this. But they also know there are a couple issues that hacks like Karl Rove can prey on (like Rev. Wright, and the Weather Underground). If these issues surfaced in October, the initial bite of them could be devastating. If the issues come out now, on the other hand, the people have enough time to realize that they're meaningless issues, and should hold no weight in judging the man. If the issues come out now there'll be almost no bite when the Republicans try to raise them again in a few months.

My hypothesis: Hillary will stay in the campaign long enough to air all of Obama's "dirty laundry". The talking heads will continue to rant about how dirty this campaign has become, and how the Democratic party is tearing itself apart. But Obama will win (it's a near certainty mathematically) and Hillary will join the Obama ticket. The Republicans will attempt a smear campaign founded on the "dirty laundry" that has already been aired and they'll find that the effect is minimal. Obama/Clinton will win in a landslide. Hillary will have 8 years to define herself (and "find her voice"), and to separate her career from the negative aspects of her husband's presidency. Howard Dean will be behind the scenes whooping like a madman, having silently orchestrated a brilliant win. The Democratic party will have set itself up for 16 years of inspirational leadership.

God bless America.