I've spent a good deal of real estate recently talking about what I predict to be the obvious conclusion in 2008 - if our current political trends continue on present course.

Some, even much of the feedback I've gotten on the subject tends to deal with people's personal impressions about Hillary and Obama. (The nation is more ready for a white woman to be in charge than they are a black man... etc., etc.)

In light of such thoughts, and since one of my tenets on Obama's rise has to do with his ability to defeat Hillary in the primary - I felt it would be a service to all of us, if I began a series of blog posts on the Hillary v. Obama value of the days headlines as they pop up.

Since I despise both candidates equally, I think I will be able to judge fairly which of them comes of looking better or worse on the particular day's tally.

So let's start with Hillary...

Arianna Huffington, in her newest syndicated piece scolded the former first lady for her long standing hawkish positions. She also takes after her for purposefully NOT bringing up Iraq as Hillary is now hosting a series of fundraising dinners in early states. These are all issues that carry with them no burden at all for Barack Obama:

With Democrats on the rise, her perfect plan seemed to be working out perfectly.

And then, suddenly, came a rumbling in the distance. A rumbling caused by Barack Obama. Indications are that before the year is out, he will officially be in the race.

All at once, a surge of enthusiasm and support for Obama is threatening to ruin all of Clinton's perfect plans. She thought she had the momentum, but it's Obama who has the wind at his back.

Meanwhile yet one MORE poll shows Hillary losing a general election bid to John McCain. I have not yet seen a poll that has cast Obama vs. McCain - but I have a feeling it would look different.