Dr. Robert Watson, Ph.D., Director of an American Studies program at Lynn University addressed a sell out audience of 375 members and guests of the Trails and Delray Chapters of Brandeis University National Women’s Committee at Temple Sinai, Delray Beach Thursday evening March 12. This is his first talk of a two part series. Watson, who speaks extemporaneously, is an eagerly sought after speaker on American History, particularly Presidents and their wives.

Dr. Watson was welcomed by Ms. Bernice Wornow, Co-President of the Trail Chapter. Watson opened his wide ranging talk by stating this evening he probably sets a world record for appearances at Brandeis University Women’s Committee groups.

“I have just returned from Washington, D. C. where I interviewed Super Delegates," he began. "It is fascinating to speak to them, seek their opinions and watch the polls. Results are changing practically every minute. The Super Delegates state they don’t know which way they are going to vote.

We are facing the most historic and important election in the history of America. The next President will inherit a nation that is divided at home, is least popular throughout the world; that is facing an education crisis. Florida is the 49th ranking state in education in the nation. If it wasn’t for Mississippi we would be last. Regarding education, consider this: When my four year old daughter is old enough to go to college the cost will probably be $150,000 a year.

Today we have the deepest debt in our history; an energy crisis and a health insurance crisis. We need a Manhattan Project type of approach to the energy crisis to find alternative fuels and reduce our dependence on oil from Venezuela and the Middle East.

A year ago there were a dozen candidates from each party running for the Presidency, the most crowded since 1928. This is the first time in 50 years that a sitting Vice President is not running for the President’s job. History will be made with this election if a Democrat wins: The first woman or the first African American. The country will change after the 2009 inauguration. Incidentally, in the late 19th century Victoria Woodhull and Frederick Douglass ran for President—a woman and an African American. Throughout the world there are women heads of state. Most of our President’s have been of Scotch ancestry, Presbyterian religion.

If John McCain is elected he will be 72 on Inaugural Day, making him the oldest President in history when taking office.

This will be the most expensive election in history. Perhaps over 250 million dollars will be spent by each party. Obama is bringing in $30 million per month currently. The next President will be compromised. Special interest money is electing the next President. He or she will owe the big donors lots of favors. Because of this campaign reform will never go anywhere in Washington.”

Watson cited Washington, Lincoln and Truman were not educated men, but they had character and integrity. That’s what made them great Presidents.

Speaking about the current election situation in Florida, he said Florida’s 210 delegates won’t count. What will happen is the Democratic candidates will continue almost tied until the Convention in Denver. Hillary will be at a disadvantage the longer they campaign. It seems that Obama gains ground in each market when the campaign extends over a lengthy period. Every single delegate will count from here on in. Another advantage to Obama is the Puerto Rico caucus in June. They have 63 delegates. Caucuses have favored Obama. In Puerto Rico they usually vote 63 to 0 in favor of one candidate.

“My solution to the election mess we have now is to have a one week national Primary in the month of August each election year.”

There are 795 Super Delegates. These are elected officials. Bill Clinton is a Super Delegate. They are free agents. “I recommend they vote 796 to 0 for ONE candidate,” said Watson.

He concluded his talk speaking of Israel. “Clinton and Obama are pro Israel, despite all the rumors about Obama’s religious associations.” Warm applause was followed by a lively question and answer period.

Sally Heller, Lakes of Delray resident and a Region Advisor of the Trails Chapter "felt reassured about Obama" after listening to Watson.

Audrey Rubin, Gleneagles Country Club resident said he was "erudite, factual and entertaining."

Watson has published over 25 books and over 100 scholarly articles about the Presidency, civil rights, election reform and environmental policy. He is constantly being interviewed by major media outlets such as CNN, ABC, MNBC, FOX , USA Today, New York Times, and others.

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