When is it a good time to bow out? (I imagine there's never a good time to quit)

The talk has gone on for a while now. Barak Obama is in the lead, Barak Obama has raised more money, Barak Obama is getting endorsed by yet another super delegate. It's to the point now that the news media (which seems to be running the election for all of us... but that's another rant for a later date) has pretty much called it for Barak. We are being led to believe that the Democratic Party is inches from being in shambles as a result of Hillary's continued campaign. And so many pundits are trying figure out just how long Hillary could last. That's a good question.

I've been a strong supporter of Hillary. My cars have Hillary stickers (in the heaviest Republican state, that's a sure way of standing out). My family all voted for Hillary in the state's primary. The first time we could vote for a woman, the first time our vote counted for something. It sure doesn't in the general election (also a rant for a later date). And I have stated earlier why I believe that she is a better choice than Barak.

However, I have always liked them both (actually, all three when John Edwards was still in the race). So this isn't an either him or her thing. It's about timing and perception. As far as timing is concerned, that's really tricky. I don't think there is ever a good time to quit anything unless it has become utterly fruitless. This primary campaign hasn't yet reached that threshold, although the pundits would lead you to believe it is. But the evidence is slowly mounting, the endorsements come weekly, and the contributions mount many times higher for Barak Obama. So the concept of Hillary having to bow out is not so far fetched.

For what it's worth, I'll always endorse the Democrat. That doesn't help in a primary election. However, I stand by Hillary as my choice. And will back Barak as vigorously if he should win the nomination. Therefore, I have to consider a few things:

1. This extended primary season will tear the Democratic Party apart. Bull! This is a primary and this is a good way to see who can stand the heat. Besides, what many have already emphasized, is that more Democrats get a say this time who usually don't because the candidate is decided before their state gets to vote. The problem for Hillary is that if she quits at any point (unless she gets tremendously behind... an unlikely scenario) she will be viewed as not having the ability to stand the heat. And that could also set back future women nominees.

[Note: That's one of the big problems with most of the pundits and regular citizens regarding Hillary, or any female candidate. Frequently, I've heard from people from all walks of life say she's too ambitious. But would you say that of a male candidate? Hell no! I want someone who's ambitious! So why is this a bad thing coming from Hillary?]

2. What about all the people who support you? The more Bill, Chelsea, and Hillary campaign and accept contributions, the tougher it becomes to quit. What do you say to the guy who, just yesterday, gave you the legal maximum. Then the next day you quit? This was probably one of the difficult decisions for Edwards. Except for him, the vote tallies clearly indicated that he didn't stand a chance. With this close race, do you stay in for the supporters, or do you bow out for the party? You're kind of damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Frankly, I think Hillary is in trouble, and the choice to quit isn't a very good option either. Regardless of what happens, there is always the issue of timing. And, more importantly, the issue of perception. Not just of Hillary herself, but of female candidates. Like it or not, that's the real world. I really wouldn't want to be in her place. And that's why many of us don't run for office.