Obama and Hillary in Pennsylvania

The Obama/Clinton machine rolls onto a much sought pugilistic moment, the April 22 Primary in Pennsylvania.

Could Clinton have ever imagined having to fight this hard, so late in the race for the Democratic candidacy? She thought she was a lock, and would have it all wrapped up by Super Tuesday if not before.

Could Obama have imagined that he would get soft soaped by the media just long enough for his inspirational message to resonate with American voters?

And even now, as the two candidates twist and turn, name calling and underwriting why one another are not capable of holding the highest political office in the world (which is why this is relevant for people like myself, an African), one has to ask: has it been worth it?

Has the Democratic Party of the United States done itself any favours by allowing this battle to rage on?

Admittedly the media exposure has been great, and the campaign war chest has been phenomenal, probably far larger than anything a single candidate could have raised in battling John McCain.

But with the race and fight turning bitter (there is THAT word again) and nasty to ever increasing degrees by the day, will either candidate be able to present their platforms as something fresh and positive come election day in November?

All this time, the Republican election machine is able to study and collect 'mind bullets' to fire at either candidate once one is chosen. Is it still too late to ask for a compromise candidate, like, let's say (since its Earth Day and all...) Al Gore? To really throw this election into the cement mixer of chaos?

Democracy is a funny thing, and American democracy is a very 18th century version at times. Perhaps the Democratic candidates have engorged themselves too much on the blood and fat of the cable news channels. Americans think that they know John McCain, as they think they know the Democratic candidates, but only once the two party race begins, after the Democrat horse trading has ended, will the true dirt get dug up on all sides.

As for today... the polls say Clinton has it.

I can't help wishing there is a surprise on the day, if for no other reason then to end this primary race by letting Obama take it. I'm tired of the opening comedy act, someone please bring on the band!