Our opportunity and obligation

We have what's shaped up to be the most unpredictable and competitive presidential election in nearly six decades.

A rare window of opportunity is opening.

Our primary election in Illinois is nearly precisely one month away and we have an unusual chance to have a strong hand in determining who, among wide-open fields in both parties, will be the next leader of the free world.

Truly. No hyperbole there whatsoever. Think about it.

Just last week, the popular Pakistan candidate and two-time former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was murdered before many of her supporters, setting off violence and turmoil in her nuclear-armed nation as well as fear across the globe. That assassination prompted a delay in an election that had been viewed as that country's move toward democracy. And in Africa, in Kenya, neighbors are killing neighbors and rioting in what looks more and more like a civil war in the wake of what was supposed to be a democratic presidential election many believe was fixed.

But in America, we have what's shaped up to be the most unpredictable and competitive presidential election in nearly six decades, political historians agree. There is neither a president nor vice president in the bunch.

Here in the heartland, Iowa voters have had their say and the field likely will shrink a bit now. In the days ahead, more voting takes place in New Hampshire, Michigan, Nevada, Florida and South Carolina. But just a few short weeks away, Illinois will join 21 other states in voting on a moved-up Primary Election Day that likely will end with the anointing of the nominees.

State legislative leaders moved Illinois' voting date up to benefit Illinois' junior senator, Barack Obama, but it's looking more and more like an unintended consequence is that we all benefit by getting to offer decisive input for the first time in many, many election cycles.

We know the winners will be fresh, if not new to presidential politics, governing and leadership. We know a few could make history. There is Democrat Obama, who if elected would be the first black president. Or Park Ridge native Hillary Clinton, the first woman. Or the GOP's Mitt Romney, the first of Mormon faith. There's Mike Huckabee, a former Baptist preacher. And Vietnam war hero Sen. John McCain and Sept. 11 leader Rudy Guiliani to consider with others.

So consider them all we must. Consider where they stand and what they intend to do for us and to us. In these pages, at dailyherald.com and in every other journalism and political publication, details can be found and will be provided on what those who would lead us think about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, about our ever-fragile jobs and economy, about our health care, immigration policy and taxes.

It is our duty to learn about them and make an educated choice. It is our privilege to do so, to participate in a system and a nation that still makes us the envy of the world's humanity. Let's get to work. Let's grab this incredible opportunity before us.