The Progressive

A double democracy day

Tomorrow the whole world will focus its attention on the inauguration of Barack Obama, in what will be a reminder of the power of American democracy. Whatever you think of the United States, one cannot but be amazed by the capacity of its democracy to renew and rejuvenate to meet new challenges and end past wrongs. Barack Obama's campaign and election is the latest demonstration of it, but there are many others.   

In the UK, the 20th of January will mark a rather more low profile sign of democratic transformation as the Youth Citizenship Commission closes its consultation on votes at 16. I have written on The Progressive before about the case for votes at 16, so I won't rehearse the arguments, but if you want to have your say you can do so by going to www.ycc.uk.net.

Omar Salem writes in a personal capacity.

Presidential campaign latest: Paris endorses herself

Following John McCain's controversial advert calling Obama a 'celebrity' and comparing him to Paris and Britney, Paris Hilton has humbly announced, that, after taking soundings, she'll be running for the Presidency.

So that makes three candidates who'll be out of their depth. Only joking, Barack.

Paris' surprisingly astute choice of vice-president is Rihanna, who is responsible for some of the most innovative commercial pop music of the past year or so. She could play Cheney to Hilton's Bush ... though obviously less malign.

Rather dorkily, article 2 of the US constitution forbids any such frippery.

It's over Hilary and everyone knows it except you

I will make a bold prediction - Hilary Clinton is not going to be the Democratic nominee for President.
If Hillary wants a dignified and graceful exit from the race to be the Democrat’s presidential nominee she should announce her decision to quit in the next few days and then formally endorse.

The truth that almost everyone (except, it would appear, Hilary herself) recognises is that she simply cannot win the nomination, even if it were to come down to a bloody battle at the convention — after which history and many Democrats would cast her as a villain. If Mrs Clinton were to withdraw then she and her party would be spared the undignified spectacle of former President Jimmy Carter and former Vice-President Al Gore, having to go 'invite' her to step down.

So the choice that confronts the former first Lady is to either stick it out to the end of the summer - and risk serious humiliation at the convention - or to pull out in the next few days with dignity and class, therefore giving herself a shot at redemption.