"... in reality there is only one candidate. Barack Obama."

So pronounces Bay Buchanan, the political strategist sister of former Republican presidential candidate, Pat Buchanan. She goes on to say "In November he will win or he will lose" (referring solely to Obama) and continues in a recent opinion piece:

"...As for the Reagan Democrats they tend to be socially conservative, economically nationalist, working class white voters. McCain, on the other hand, continues to defend the very trade policies that have sent their jobs overseas. And he further alienated these Americans with his open border immigration policies that depressed their wages with cheap labor and ignored their plight while catering to the 20 million living here illegally. So if he isn’t going to attract these voters with the issues and we know it won’t be with his charm, how does he do it? He doesn’t. Obama does.

As a candidate Obama is bigger than life. Die-hard liberals are euphoric over his nomination. He is seen as the real thing -- a man who believes what he says and says what he believes. His candidacy has mobilized millions of new voters, held massive rallies, and raised money faster than Federal Reserve can print it. Obama is a gifted candidate who has that intangible quality most candidates only dream about -- he moves voters -- which gives his campaign enormous energy and excitement. And he did this all the while fighting and eventually slaying the dragon lady herself!..."

She also writes on what she perceives as Senator Obama's shortcomings and other problems, but I think her initial assessment is dead-on.  This is Barack Obama's election to win or to lose.  Maybe eight years ago, it would have been different, but for this election cycle, Senator McCain is more or less along for the ride.  I give the upper hand to Obama.