Washington
24 June 2008
The U.S. presidential election is more than four monthsaway. But the contest between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCainis already shaping up as a clear choice between change and experience. VOA National correspondent Jim Malone has apreview of the general election campaign from Washington.
With the primary battles over, Barack Obama isfocused now on his Republican opponent, John McCain, and the quest to becomethe first African-American president.
"There are independents andRepublicans who understand that this election isn't just about the party incharge of Washington, it's about the need to change Washington," Obama said.
Senator McCain, if he wins in November, would be theoldest first term president in history, but he hopes to emphasize his extensive experience inthe military and in Congress.
"I admire and respect SenatorObama," McCain said, "but he does not have theknowledge, background or judgment to lead this nation in these difficult andchallenging times, and I do."
Obama heads into the election campaign with a slight leadin the polls. Voter worries should benefit Obama, says Thomas Mannof the Brookings Institution.
"Because of a very unpopular Republicanpresident, a public that believes overwhelmingly that the country is off on thewrong track, deep concerns about the health of the economy and an unpopular warin Iraq," he said.
Polls also show Obama gaining, in some states, withwhite working-class voters. They preferred Hillary Clinton during the Democraticprimaries.
Quinnipiac University pollster Clay Richardsbelieves, "At this point, an awful lot of those working class voters seeSenator Obama as the best candidate to turn the economy around, and that is themost important issue in their mind and overcomes their tendency to vote for theGOP [Republican] candidate in other races."
Senator McCain says he has an uphill climb to theWhite House.
He adds, "I know I have to out-campaign myopponent in every respect, and so I do not underestimate. I consider myself an underdog."
McCain has a history of appealing to politicalmoderates and that will make him competitive, says Thomas Mann.
Mann says, "Because of his fascinatingbiography, his reputation for character and independence."
McCain's status as a war hero could appeal to votersconcerned about protecting the country from terrorism. That could give him anadvantage over Obama.
"Some people have doubts about hisqualifications as commander in chief," says Mann. "So, he has a hurdle to clear, a threshold to reach that he istrustworthy on matters pertaining to national security."
The economy, rising fuel prices, health care and Iraqare expected to be the major issues in the campaign. Americans will elect their next president on November 4.