An argument could be made that the acknowledgement of all voter's choices takes precedence over preservation of 'party unity.' I think it adds excitement and a feeling that your vote finally counts. Certainly it has not been since the 72 election with Nixon that voters in NC felt voting in the primary was even worth their consideration, time, or effort. The turnout was not seen in history. I think the benefits gained in the public caring about voting, discussing the candidates and the issues, and taking action outweigh any party negative. That's really the issue, not any permanent damage to the Democrat party, but unity within the party is the problem. As soon as a candidate is chosen (that has to happen, if not now, then during the convention), then unity will take place. During most elections voter's find themselves holding their nose and voting for the 'best of the available' candidate and not crossing party lines. There are more people on the Dem rolls now than ever. Whether or not they stay there is the question...


>You bet it's good for McCain. And Hillary shows no signs of conceding, to say the least. Last night she was declaring victory and crowing about "On to the White House!" despite getting thumped in North Carolina and squeaking out a 51-49% win in Indiana. I don't see any scenario in which she chucks in the towel before the last of the primaries in early June. (I can just hear her -- "We can't give up this fight before the people of Guam are heard!") She doesn't give a damn what this is doing to her party.
>
>>No need to apologise (unless you designed the web site :-)).
>>
>>So did you vote for Obama ?
>>
>>Looks to me as though the Democrats not electing a candidate cleanly is good for McCain.
>>
>>Nick
>>
>>
>>Sorry, it opened in a new window for me so I didn't even think about it...
>>>
>>>>>>Why is everyone here voting overweight?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>http://www.cnn.com/video/live/live.html?stream=stream4
>>>>>>
>>>>>>(A short 15 sec ad then live camera feed)
>>>>>
>>>>>I _hate_ websites that resize my browser!!!
>>>>>
>>>>>Tamar
>>>>
>>>>Yes I thought it was a popup and closed it losing all my open tabs.
>>>>
>>>>v irritating