Loving the candidates

Jim Geraghty explains why it isn't a good idea to hold your candidate up as America's only choice, using the 2008 Democrat primary as an example:

I think one of the truly complicating factors for the Democrats is that their party is not just split, but that each half of the base has more or less fallen in love with its ideal candidate. They don't just think of their candidate as a good leader and potential good president, they see their preferred choice as a historical destiny, on course to radically improve America, opposed only by the shortsighted and the sinister. We've talked about the "O-ba-ma, O-ba-ma" chanting cultlike atmosphere of the Illinois Senator's rallies, but Hillary's supporters are pretty much as dedicated and uncompromising, and every bit as uncharitable to their Democratic competition.

Each candidate's base is personally identifying with the candidate, often along the lines of race, age, or gender. Each side is taking criticism of the candidate from the other side personally. One of these two sides is destined to feel like a spurned lover when the opposing nominee takes the stage in Denver and says, "I accept your nomination." Each one may or may not stifle the urge to boo, jeer, walk out or turn off the television.

Emphasis mine. (I'll reference that at the end of the post.)

John McCain wasn't my first choice. In fact, he was my next-to-last choice (Gov. Huckabee occupies that slot). But I can't reject the "good" because it isn't the "perfect". I don't think that's helpful. If your candidate doesn't get the nomination, you should find a way to assert your influence on the person who does get the nomination. Try to encourage them to hire certain advisers, lobby for a vice president on the ticket who will stand up for your views, etc.

Anyway, on to the passage I emphasized. I predict that, depending on the nominee, nearly every media publication and news show in America will be running stories under the headline: "Is America Ready for an African-American President?" or "Is America Ready for a Female President?" Any opposition will be painted as an objection to the Democrat nominees race or gender rather than as a rejection of the far-left policies they would enact. So predictable.