Peace Talks?

Barack Obama spoke to a Portland, Oregon crowd estimated at 75,000 and Hillary Rodham Clinton sat through a Kentucky church sermon about adultery this past weekend. Even as these two states prepare to hold primaries tomorrow, there's word the two sides are trying to make peace. Interestingly, detente is starting among fundraisers for both camps.

There's a growing realization that, no matter who the nominee is, Democrats will lose a great shot at winning the White House if they bicker through the summer. That's why you don't hear Hillary's public mantra about Obama's lack of electability much anymore. Likewise, Obama has turned his fire toward the presumptive Republican nominee, John McCain.

This is as it should be. Over the past few days, the Clinton campaign has grudgingly begun to acknowledge the obvious. Her chances of wresting the nomination from Obama are now slim and none. It now appears she wants to go out with her head held high. For his part, the Illinois senator reportedly will not attempt to declare victory after tomorrow's balloting.

Could it be that the wounds inflicted by both camps on each other will have time to heal? Can those Clinton supporters who have vowed not to support Obama be convinced to change their minds? Perhaps a dignified end to this primary season will cause some on both sides to rethink their hardline positions.

No matter how things look now, Democrats will need all the diverse components that make up the party to win in November.