Unique Presidential Race
To The Editor:

The three presidential candidates are unique for different reasons. Gender, race and age define them. There are advantages and disadvantages each must confront. Each will be defined by their uniqueness. Regardless of the winner, our next president will be historical.

Supporters find justification for their choice based upon novelty of each candidacy. At a time of national tension, stress, threat and confusion one would hope that voters would be swayed by the competency of any candidate to serve the welfare of the nation.

Senator McCain can be counted upon to run a clean campaign. Yet rabid supporters of McCain and those who hate any Democrat will denigrate the rhetoric with messages of innuendo and hate. Obama and Clinton will confront swift-boaters that will make John Kerry's experience a walk in the park.

McCain's photos with President [George] Bush and his commitment to Iraq for up to a hundred years will be fertile grounds for Democratic attacks. The senator's confession of being weak on the economy will haunt his candidacy. Fear provoking attacks based upon his age will be aired questioning his qualifications to be Commander in Chief.

If left to their own, the nominees would be served best by a shortened campaign season peppered with debates. The nation needs an honest debate that is dignified and respectful. Unfortunately operatives on both sides are preparing commercials that decent Americans will view with disdain and anger. This should be a campaign that is respectful of the voters. Facing the complexity of threats and issues which demand consensus Americans deserve nothing less. Edward Horn Baldwin, New York