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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama now looks like it could stretch on for months and is becoming increasingly bitter.
The Wall Street Journal reports groups that for months have energized the Democratic campaign – like blacks, women and young voters – are "increasingly sniping" at each other. They point out that more Republicans now say they're satisfied with John McCain than Democrats are with either Clinton or Obama. This is a big change from January, when many more Democrats were satisfied with their choices.
Some Democratic activists insist that this is normal, and after the convention, "we will all come together." But not everyone is convinced. Strategist Donna Brazile says, "I am fearful; we are heading into uncharted territory", adding that the mood and tone of the campaign have shifted in the past few weeks.
For example: Black radio talk shows are getting callers who say they'll stay home in November if Clinton wins the nomination. When it comes to women, some Clinton supporters say if Obama gets the nomination, they'll vote for McCain instead. As for the youth vote that Obama has mobilized in record numbers, some Clinton backers worry that they wouldn't turn out in the same numbers for her in a general election.
Here’s my question to you: If the Democratic candidate you support does not win the nomination, for whom would you vote in the general election?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Patrick from Charlotte, North Carolina writes:
If Obama doesn't win the nomination, I will not vote. My reasoning is simple: I do not believe that a Clinton or McCain presidency would bring the leadership or vision that our country needs. It is time we hire a president who does not get bogged down in the here and now. Instead, we need a president who will plant the seeds for a safe and competitive America 50 years from now. McCain is a commander and not a chief. How can he be a leader if he's starting to learn about the economy after he's clinched the Republican nomination?
Melinda writes:
I am an ardent Hillary supporter, and I will vote for John McCain if Obama wins the nomination. I really do care about experience, and it is more important that someone lead the country and the military rather than give speeches full of empty rhetoric. I am a very well-educated white woman not easily swayed by campaign promises.
Joy from North Carolina writes:
McCain! I am an African-American Republican female who feels that Obama, despite his party affiliation, is best for our country at this point in time. However, if Obama does not get the nomination, I will return to my party and vote for McCain. I simply do not trust the Clintons. Period!
Travis from Augusta, Georgia writes:
If the insipid, inexperienced dolt Obama somehow manages to use Bush-like deception and trickery to pull the wool over people’s eyes (regarding the lack of substance in his message) and win the nomination, I wouldn't vote Democratic if you paid me. Hillary Clinton remains the only one with the experience to stand up to John McCain.
Debbie writes:
I support Obama. I always felt that I would vote for Clinton if she gets the nomination but the way she has been conducting her campaign the past few weeks has changed my mind. I will either vote for McCain or Nader. It will be the Clinton’s fault if the party ends up divided.
Bill from Macon Georgia writes:
Jack, I’m a life-long Democrat. If at the end of this primary, the superdelegates are not given to the person having the most pledged delegates, for the first time in many years, I will not vote.