Progress in Regress

Wasn't the Democratic Party supposed to be the party of tolerance? The party without racism? The party of togetherness?

Early in this presidential campaign, it was often predicted (usually by Democratic talking-heads) that Republicans would use racist and sexist tactics to win the White House over Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

There is no doubt in my mind that some Republicans will, indeed, use those tactics come the general election.

But the Democrats themselves have already kick-started this immature, unproductive and shallow politics.

Former congresswoman Geraldine A. Ferraro's comments about Obama are not only borderline racist (and sexist), they are just down-right stupid:

"If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position," Ferraro said. "And if he was a woman of any color, he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept. "

The only winner in this? John McCain.

As the Arizona senator sits in his couch tonight, he can rest assured Barack Obama is taking plenty hits without his involvement.

Sen. Hillary Clinton and some of her supporters are doing his work for him.

It's been said that the Democratic party is the only party that can snag defeat from the jaws of victory.

These kinds of attacks do nothing for the party, nothing for the candidates' reputation, and nothing for the future of this country.

So much for the party of progress.