It ain't over til it's over, but now it's over

If Tuesday night's developments were any barometer, the presidential race may be over pretty quickly.
In delivering his first speech after sewing up the Democratic nomination Obama flexed his oratorical muscles before an energetic crowd of more than 20,000 in the arena that Republicans are scheduled to coronate John McCain later this summer. Meanwhile, McCain's advisors apparently thought he could go toe-to-toe with Obama on the stump by setting the Pander Bear up before a crowd of his own supporters.
Unfortunately for McCain he actually had to speak. It was one of the more brutal political addresses I have witnessed in some time. Not as bad as former Gov. Lincoln Almond, but close.
Unlike Obama's crowd - which was adoring and wild - the Republican afficonadoes appeared to be barely awake and missed several obvious applause lines.
Then, in an even bigger head scratcher, the McCain campaign challenged Obama to a series of town hall meetings/debates across the country. Obama's campaign couldn't say yes fast enough.
Every time Obama and McCain stand next to each other Obama wins. Obama's ability to inspire people with his speech will only look better compared to McCain's wooden style.
Obama's biggest challenge may be in smoothing over the frayed feelings of Hillary Clinton supporters. But, as I've said before, it's hard to believe that those labelling themselves feminists can support McCain over Obama given the tenuous makeup of the Supreme Court. Giving McCain the ability to replace Justice John Paul Stevens would be a disaster of biblical proportions for all the issues Clinton supporters hold dear.
A lot was made of Clinton's refusal to concede Tuesday night. But I think she did the right thing for party unity. Her supporters were still in campaign mode and a concession speech would have exacerbated any ill will they felt towards Obama.
On Wednesday Clinton gave a clearer indication of her role in the upcoming election. Following Obama in a speech before the American Israel Public Affairs group, Clinton was quoted as saying, "Let me be very clear. I know that Senator Obama will be a good friend to Israel."
First, Clinton obviously defended Obama in an area he is considered vulnerable because of his stance that he would hold diplomatic talks with Iran, Israel's enemy.
Second, her use of the terms: "will be a good friend to Israel" was an indication that she has conceded the nomination. She just isn't doing it formally yet for political reasons. And I don't believe it's so she can secure the VP nomination. That kind of policitcal blackmail would not ingratiate one with the party's nominee. And, as ambtious as Clinton might be, I don't think she's crass enough to believe it's in her best interests to do so. No, I just think she's easing her supporters - at least those with wounded pride - back under the party's umbrella.