Guest Host Blogger Jennifer Lorenzo: Has the Presidential Campaign Become a Culture War?

The 2008 presidential election, while offering voters the clearest liberal vs. conservative choice since Carter-Reagan in 1980, may also be interpreted as a culture war.  Sarah Palin's presence re-introduces the gender issue while adding on a small town vs. big city dynamic.  Palin herself represents an internal gender conflict -- the outdoorsy "one-of-the-girls-who's-one-of-the-boys" vs. a more traditional notion of what women candidates should be like. The generational conflict between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in the Democratic Party (so ably chronicled by Steven Stark early in the primaries), is now between the 72 years old John McCain and the 47 years old Barack Obama.  Racial preferences are found in many Whites backing McCain mostly because of his racial heritage while many persons of color back Obama for the same reason. Pro-choice and pro-gay rights positions are represented by Obama while McCain is firmly against both.  Religious righties, because of Palin, now firmly back McCain while Obama has his share of true believers, young idealistic voters who are understandably affected by Barack's lilting rhetoric and call to participate.  McCain campaigns on experience while Obama downgrades the value of experience. Obama campaigns on inspiration while McCain seemingly ignores the value of inspiration. The federal bailout bill pits those who championed government intervention against those who either rejected the notion outright or bit the bullet in saying it was necessary even though they were otherwise opposed.  We have an Ivy Leaguer (Barack - Columbia University, Harvard Law School) against a service academy grad (Johnny Mac - Annapolis).  Additionally, one served with distinction in the armed forces (McCain) while the other did not so serve (Obama).  While a few of these distinctive differences may be found in most political campaigns, it's their number and the demographic groups they represent that is surprising.  Looks like either the Obama or McCain demographic support groups will surge over the other in gaining public favor, giving their candidate a clearly defined victory on Election Day, November 4.