Obama v. Clinton

In case you missed it, we have serious presidential candidates that are not white men. Hillary and Barak have demonstrated they both attract support from the ultimate deciders, the voters, to hold the top spot in our storied political landscape. Further, the Iowa caucuses and several other venues demonstrate that we are well beyond the simple algorithm of race as a defining, limiting identity.

Our media buffs insist on shading the negative on both facts, wondering out loud if women will vote thus, if blacks will vote such and such. Their backward gaze reveals a basic cynicism and pessimism that is contrary to our actual progress.

Let it go, folks. We the people have moved to the higher ground, and nothing can drag us back to a former, stunted world view. Barak makes us tingle with his soaring language - let's find out if he has the right stuff. Hillary urges us to regard her competence - will that be enough without inspirational leadership.

And all the while, it is our first branch of government that must reassert its role, lately tarnished and stalled by gridlock and deference to a rampant executive. Let's not take our eye off the ball. This is not a constitutional monarchy, as some would have it. There is more than one important race coming this year, and the voters and media must take an informed, expansive look at the field. Our republic is at risk and needs a strong dose of citizen wisdom.