Predictions for November

The novelty of having a woman and an African American running for president has motivated many previously apathetic citizens to get out of their armchairs and vote. The caucus turnout during the Texas primary is evidence of that. However, so much of the media attention has been on the Democratic party candidates that it is almost easy to forget about the Republican party nominees; and that is exactly what is going to happen in the November election.
This is a critical election. The country is now going into year six of the Iraq war and people are getting tired; tired of sending their sons to die for a fight that some would argue is not ours, and tired of watching more money being poured down the drain to fund this possible hundred year war. People want change, but they won’t find drastic change in another member of the GOP.
In addition, the economy taking a down-turn has the American public worried. History shows that when this happens, the party in power is punished by being removed from power.
Just being of the same party is close enough association to the current president that many voters who are unhappy with President Bush will most likely be turned off to the idea of another Republican president.
Not only will the desire for change generate more activity at the polls but, as mentioned previously, so will the excitement over the Democratic candidate, whether it is Senator Clinton or Senator Obama. Both of them bring something new to the table that may appeal to voters who have not shown an interest in politics before.
To be sure, Republican voters are aware of the heightened activity in the Democratic camp. This is something that will bring more Republicans to the polls in November as well. However, it will likely not be enough to counter the Democratic vote. The Republican nominee will be forgotten this November.