Who'da thunk that two candidates who are so similar in their philosophies would be locked together in an increasingly bitter struggle that daily reaches new levels of the ludicrous in trying to differentiate one from another.

That one is the first female and the other is the first black to be vying for this position only adds to the drama.

I've heard opinions that said we should elect Sen. Obama because it would show the world how broad-minded we are and it would also raise our standing in the Muslim countries.

Others say we are way behind other countries who have already had female presidents and prime ministers and that would add to our stature in the world.

Someone once told me if you're trying to please someone, you're misguided and likely to fail to do your job correctly or to end up pleasing that person. His advice was to work hard, do the best you possibly can, live with the results. Sounds reasonable to me.

We have had to put up with pundits who observed the vote will determine whether voters hate blacks or females more. What a truly enlightening spin on a situation where neither candidate can deliver the knockout punch.

Is this an indication that both are so powerful that it's difficult to make a selection, or are both so marginalizing in their voting records and outlook that it's hard to make a positive choice? Maybe the pundit had it right for the wrong reasons.

Race and gender are an inescapable part of this primary and one or the other will be a factor in the general election. Is that right? I honestly don't know, but to pretend they are not factors is to be na•ve. Geraldine Ferraro had a valid point about Sen. Obama's race being a factor in his meteoric rise, but she paid the price everyone else pays who dares to approach racial issues from any aspect but that which is acceptable - which is to treat it as sanctimoniously as Mother Earth.

If we can't talk about race honestly, openly, and without limits, we're never going to break down the barriers that divide us.

Right now, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright is Sen. Clinton's best friend, albeit not a willing one. He stated white America doesn't understand the "Black Church." I was heartened to note a number of black ministers who pointed out that Christians go to Christian churches.

It wasn't until Rev. Wright's appearance at the National Press Club where Sen. Obama unequivocally stated his opposition to his former pastor's words and sentiments - far too late.

And if Sen. Obama chooses not to wear a U.S. flag pin or put his hand over his heart at the times nearly everyone else does, that's his right. But he can't expect us not to notice and make assumptions as to why.

We are witnessing the Democrat Party primary equivalent of the 2002 presidential election with votes being counted, not being counted and the super delegates forming their parties' equivalent of the electoral college - without real constraints on the delegates.

Many delegates have already announced their selection, but are admittedly free to change their mind. The party chair, Howard Dean, has said all the delegates will declare by June so they can have a nominee before the convention.

While it looks like Sen. Obama will have a definite lead going into the convention, he's losing support among the white working class. I heard the great political prognosticator, Geraldo Rivera, firmly state he believes Sen. Clinton will be the party's nominee.

I frankly wouldn't bet either way. Maybe they just ought to do it with a coin toss. It can't be any worse than what I've seen to date.

Remember the "old days" when the candidate was actually selected at the convention? Oh for the days of the back room dealing. Oops, I think we might be there again. What happens post-convention may be even more interesting than what's happening now.

Well, that's what's been on my mind.