Never before in the history of the Democratic Party have we seen anything remotely comparable to this amazing race. In every aspect from gender to race to money raised to participation to the closeness of the results, it has been simply remarkable. Clintonobama1

By the end of the day, certainly by the end of the week, we will have an apparent nominee in Senator Barack Obama. There will be a few who, in bitter disappointment or for personal reasons, will not back the man from Illinois in the general election. Sad and unfortunate, but, still, their undeniable right. Yet there is no doubt whatsoever that the entire Democratic Party will unite and vigorously work to defeat Senator John McCain.

But in the bustle of the celebrations, recriminations and preparations for November, let us take a moment to reflect and to congratulate ourselves - and the candidates- for a job well done in the primaries.

We started this long process boasting a crowded slate of outstanding candidates - anyone of whom would be a better President than any of the Republicans running - and I include Alaska's quirky Mike Gravel in that list! Senator Biden with his foreign policy credentials, Senator Dodd's long history battling for children, Governor Richardson's impressive resume and Congressman Kucinich's scrappy honesty all impressed us at one time or another in the debates and throughout the campaign.

My original choice, Senator John Edwards, distinguished himself with his message of bringing two Americas together to create one proud nation. His platform of populism and stand against the War in Iraq set the tone for the debate for the rest of the election.

But in the end, our party produced two remaining candidates - a woman and an African-American - destined to make history. Both inspired millions to new heights of passion in the political process. Both are intelligent and powerful public servants whose dignity reflected well opon us all. Both of these individuals showed strength under adversity and determination under attack. Both of these candidates are militantly committed to justice, equality and peace.

With Senator Clinton and Senator Obama, how lucky can we get? As a party and as a people, we should feel proud that we have participated in this historic journey. What a story we will have to tell future generations of this election. What great movies, books and stories will emerge from this struggle.

However, in the impending hoopla, we can never forget that there is one more act to play out. It isn't over until we end the brutal nightmare of the last eight years by putting a Democrat into the White House. After this primary, we as Democrats, clearly can do almost anything. Here we come, John McCain! Take note.