WHY OBAMA CAN'T BEAT HILLARY

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are in the midst of a battle for the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nomination. For the first time in American History a major presidential candidate will be from a minority group. America may have its first African-American president in Obama, or its first female in Clinton.

Mrs. Clinton's campaign has had the aid of traditional Democratic liberal entities, thanks to the ties of her two-term former president-husband. Even before Bill left the Oval Office, her sights have been set on returning the White House. Hillary's rise is not unexpected. But Illinois Senator Obama's rise is.

Almost out of nowhere Barack Obama has become an important candidate. His keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention as a freshman senator, launched him into superstar status. So far, in this year's primary season, he was won over voters with his engaging and charismatic style. Omaba has done it the old fashioned way, and believe it or not, because of this, he is in trouble, and probably will lose to Clinton when it it all over.

Obama has not needed the traditional liberal mechanics to win votes. As a black man, he has not consulted African-American advocates such as Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton. The Democratic insiders are either mad or beside their selves. How dare Obama do it by himself! The liberal mantra of a negro needing help by all powerful caring left wingers is not working in the Illinois Senator's case. Racism in reverse! I have always believed that liberals think that Africa-Americans cannot make it alone. Barack Obama is his own man, and his rise says much about his personal character and ability.

There will be a battle, perhaps a bloody one, the rest of the Campaign. Already we have heard mumblings of accusations of racism from the Clinton camp. The liberal Clinton machine will be hard to beat, and there is hope that Obama's grass roots approach can overcome it. Unfortunately, I don't think so.