Hilary or Barack, is that the question?

The race is on ... and yes I am going to contribute my worthless two cents to this outrageous debate. Its absurd that I have to think about who I'm picking as the Democratic candidate this early in the game. And its even more absurd that I am thinking about it. I've been engaging in an ongoing debate about who would be a better Presidential candidate - Hilary or Barack - with the vagrant. I find it interesting that an Indian citizen (vagrant) and an American citizen born-and-raised in India, and might as well be Indian (yours truly) are engaging in this debate. But thats a different story.

The two questions are (1) who are the democrats going to trust to carry the ticket, and (2) who is America going to vote into office? These questions are inter-connected because the Democrats have to put a candidate on the ticket that will win the National vote - so I guess they're the same question. The answer becomes complicated. On paper - Barack and Hilary are obviously qualified, and Hilary may outweigh Barack in this department. They are both tremendously charismatic, but Hilary is carrying alot of baggage - Barack wins on this front.

The tough question that it all boils down to is this - which is American more likely to choose - an African-American, or a woman? Its a tough question. Alot of people, vagrant included, say that America isn't ready for a "Madam President." I weigh in on the other side - I wonder if America is ready for an African-American President. And no, I don't think we've come that far; although, I wonder if they both could pull it off together. Wonder wonder.

Anyhoo, I attended a lecture last weekend by Dr. Sherman Jackson at G-Dubs. I had never heard Dr. Jackson speak before (*shame*) and was eager to hear what he had to say. I could not do justice to his lecture by trying to rephrase his words - but I can say this: there is indeed a prevalent race issue in this country, and Muslims are not immune to it. Dr. Jackson has initiated a critical discussion about race relations that is incredibly relevant to the Muslim community. While I find its value in its relevance to the Muslim community, I also think its a discussion that everyone - regardless of race or religion - needs to be a part of. His lecture reminded me, again, that race is still an issue - and will remain so unless we engage in dialogue. Once again, the burden is on our generation - with the guidance of great minds such as Dr. Jackson - to engage and try to mend the gaping holes that exist. We've learned how to jump over the gaps, and attempt to fill them with cotton - but we need to do better than that -- and we could start by building bridges.

So, is race a bigger issue than gender? Maybe thats the question we should be worrying about ...

*Disclaimer: I have not given in to the idea that there is no other candidate in this race - it is far too early; remember Bobby Kennedy joined the race incredibly late - and was in prime position to sweep it had fate not interceded. Also, I don't pretend to know what I'm talking about - merely my view of the big issue (right now) - its my (diluted) interpretation of a multi-faceted campaign. Finally, it is incredibly shallow to reduce these two highly intelligent people to such things as race and gender - but I fear that that is what its going to come down to. I, have yet to decide who I support - and I promise - it'll be a well thought out decision. [hint: it has something to do with Al Gore and Thomas Friedman ;)]