Hugo Jonker

Probably anyone remotely interested in the American presidential elections has by now learned who the running mates for the major candidates are. Did you notice it too? The running mates seem perfectly poised to appeal to the target demographic that the opposing candidate is popular with. Indeed, given the choice of running mates, it seems like both Obama and McCain are making the statement that the other one would make a good vice-president.

Rather ironic, don’t you think?
But perhaps there is more than a small grain of truth to this. McCain seems to have understood Obama’s message of change, and have witnessed the appeal it has, and (by his choice of running mate) seems to indicate that change is necessary. On the other hand, Obama has often been criticised for being inexperienced — which is marvelously addressed by having a senior senator as a running mate.

Either way, both parties now have a unique candidate team. Either a man from African-American heritage (PC mode enabled :S) or a woman will end up in the White House, in a position of unprecedented power for someone with that background (arguably overlooking mrs. Clinton ;)

Given that, I am estimating that mr. McCain has the advantage. Overall, I think more Americans are ready for a female vice-president, than for a president with an African-American (*) heritage.

(*) I dislike Political Correctness, Would love to say “black president” here instead (meaning no disrespect). Would you be offended?