It seems like years ago that the American public had a lengthy menu of possible candidates from which to select a presidential nominee. Now, the list of choices at this banquet table of political possibilities has been trimmed, but the fi nal order is still incomplete.

The Republicans have chosen John McCain to represent them in November. His record is typical of a politician who has been an avid Bush supporter and anti-worker, anti-union reactionary. McCain’s self-avowed ignorance of economics should prove uncomfortable even, or especially, to members of his own party. The increasing numbers of McCain misstatements about foreign affairs is troubling to all Americans. Troubling too, is this one-time election reform advocate’s dependence upon 59 lobbyists to fundraise for him.

In the midst of a growing recession, a dismal housing market, a crisis in the home and auto loan industries, we need someone in the White House who won’t be taking Economics 101 when he gets to the Oval Offi ce. Mc- Cain’s backward views on labor and working people clearly place him on the wrong side of the table from the GMP and its membership. His opposition to improved veterans’ benefi ts for Iraq-Afghanistan War era vets is unconscionable. His market-based healthcare proposal is a sop to the medical industries, insurers, pharmaceuticals and so on.

Finally, we must note with dismay that John McCain’s well-known anger management problem seems to have carried over to his sense of foreign affairs and international diplomacy. America needs a strong, logical leader who knows the difference between belligerence and fi rmness.

On the important questions of the day, John McCain is found deficient.

When we go to Column D on the menu and consider the Democratic candidates, we fi nd their policy positions much more to our liking. Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have labor-friendly records. Both are knowledgeable on economics and are striving to truly improve healthcare in the United States. They recognize the need for action to resolve the economic issues overwhelming so many Americans.

Regardless of their earlier positions on the war in Iraq, both are now committed to reasonable policies that will limit and end our involvement there. The harm done to our armed forces, our economy and our worldwide reputation by the Bush administration’s mismanagement requires intelligent national leadership. Either Democratic candidate can provide the needed direction.

Unfortunately, the Democratic contest is no feast for progressive voters. It has descended into a monthslong food fi ght. As this is written, Obama would appear to be the undisputed winner of the primaries, caucuses and super-delegates. But Clinton fi ghts on, hoping for a miracle or possibly a disaster to dump the nomination in her lap.

This is a sorry conclusion to the long preliminary event. The GMP has withheld its endorsement, waiting for a clear winner to emerge. Unhappily, clarity remains absent. We must hope that common sense will unite the Democrats for they are the best hope of working people and the unions that represent them. Continued struggle among the Democrats could likely produce a McCain victory and an empty plate for working people.

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