This year’s Super Tuesday did not correspond to recent historical precedents. At the same stage in 2004, John Kerry all but wrapped up the Democratic nomination, while in 2000 both Al Gore and George W. Bush had effectively sealed their nominations. In the latter contest, the relatively early South Carolina primary proved crucial. Despite some initial setbacks, Bob Dole won the vast majority of state-level contests to clinch the Republican nomination in 1996, while Bill Clinton’s securing of the nomination came with victory in New York.

In short, the 2008 presidential primary season is destined to be one of the longest and most competitive in decades. On the Democratic side, the seeming inability by either major candidate to clinch the nomination stems from the presence of two well-funded, popular and powerful contenders. On the Republican side, the cause is the exact opposite: widespread discontent with the field of candidates.

Despite the relative lack of clarity in both nomination races at this juncture, speculation has already begun on potential vice-presidential nominees. Hillary Clinton is widely expected to offer the vice-presidential nomination to Obama, should she win. There has been a groundswell of popular support for Obama, especially among young, independent and minority voters, many of whom would be alienated should Clinton snub him. Other candidates frequently mentioned as potential Democratic running mates for either Clinton or Obama include Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana, Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio and former governor Mark Warner of Virginia. All are Caucasian males from traditionally Republican or ‘swing’ states, whose presence on the ballot could prove crucial for Democrats in November’s presidential election.

... contd.