What if the Roles Were Reversed?

Looking back on the Democratic Primary thus far, I've been thinking to myself . . . Senator Obama and Senator Clinton . . . what if the roles were reversed?

I mean . . .

• What if Obama lost all of these states by such huge margins (we're talking 25-35% in many states)?
• What if it was Obama who, despite running on name recognition as the inevitable candidate, could only claim his home state and California as major (hard fought) wins thus far?
• What if Obama had negatives in the low to mid 40s?
• What if Obama had low appeal with Independents and virtually no appeal with cross-over Republicans?
• What if Obama lost a majority of the swing states on Super Tuesday?
• What if it was Clinton who lead McCain by 7 points in the latest head to head contest, instead of Obama?
• What if Obama had as much dirt on him as the Clintons do?
• What if Obama brought as much fatigue and divisiveness as the Clintons do?
• What if it was Obama who had to "loan" himself $5 million dollars of his own money just to stay competitive?
• What if Obama trailed in PLEDGED delegates and could only claim a slim (misleading) lead by counting super delegates (party insiders who can change their mind at the drop of a dime and show loyalty through political favors)?
• What if Obama lost 6 out of 8 primaries (perhaps even 8 or 9 in a row) as Hillary Clinton is expected to lose this week?

I tell you what would happen . . . there'd be tremendous pressure on Obama to DROP OUT of the race. This thing would be over, and we'd have the DNC, the media, and party elders all telling Obama to pack it up and try again in 8 years.

I know, we have many more states to go. But that's never stopped the Party from rallying behind a candidate in the past. In fact, we often have a clear-cut nominee as early as Iowa/New Hampshire. Obama has shown that he can win in all parts of this country (black, white, young, old, male, female). He wins in black South Carolina and white Nebraska. He's won key swing states like Missouri and Colorado. He's expanding the Democratic Party every day, bringing new faces to the voting booths. Why hasn't the party establishment embraced him yet?

I first saw someone raise the idea of a Hillary withdrawal in the comments section at the Huffington Post. It seems absurd at first glance. But, like I said, if the roles were reversed, Obama would have been forced to drop out a long time ago.

Just a thought.