What's Race Got To Do With It?

In recent days a real fight has emerged between Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Disagreements between hopefuls are not unusual, however this one has Race at the root. One one side Obama has managed to keep the discussion of perhaps the nation's most vexing problem at a minimum. On the other, Clinton seems to want gain political points by her mentioning of Dr. King and bringing some of her " black friends to the fore to express support for her candidacy.
To use the often quoted term, The 800 pound gorilla in the room is Race and how will this issue be discussed. Will the Presidential elections force a dialogue within the Democratic Party and the Nation ? Will African Americans stay home if they don't feel that Obama was dealt with fairly? Do the candidacies Of Obama or Clinton serve as clear indications of Racial or Gender Progress?
The coming days will force a serious look at ourselves and where we are headed.