Presidential race must shift to debating key issues
The chatter over the past two days has been on the drama of the moment. The excitement has hovered over the fact that after this punishing marathon of Democratic primaries, Barack Obama finally emerged as the presumed Democratic presidential nominee — and that rival Hillary Clinton is now showing interest in the No. 2 spot on the ticket.
While it seems that this presidential race has already lasted a lifetime, the reality is that the remaining five months offer not much time for the two contenders to present their platforms to the voters, distracted as they may be now by the question of whom Obama or Republican John McCain may pick as vice presidential running mates.
The focus needs to shift now to these two candidates, to their visions for our nation's future and to the issues that should frame the coming debates.
To this point, issues have been discussed throughout the primaries but only in rather general terms. Now, it's time for specifics. A good place to start would be in Congress. The candidates — both U.S. senators — should make their congressional votes count and put on the record how they view the problems facing the nation.
There are bills before the Senate on key issues, and both men should make their positions clear.
Among the concerns that need their attention:
Much has been made of the historic nature of Obama's apparent nomination, and that's as it should be. But it's time to turn the page in that history book and talk about what comes next, as our nation faces some truly monumental challenges.
