Many candidates running in the primaries are able to go back to their political careers nearly unscathed by the political process. It is already clear, however, that this campaign will have a lasting effect upon the political trajectories of both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

As a recent New York Times article comments, Obama’s campaign can be summed up in one word: growth. Obama’s campaign has only added to the inspirational picture portrayed through his two-bestselling books, “Dreams of My Father”, and “The Audacity of Hope”. He is compared to Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King to such an extent that some fear for his personal safety.

Clinton’s campaign, on the other hand, seems to be about mudslinging and accusations. The New York Times featured an article on Hilary’s “5-point attack” leading up to the primaries in Ohio and Texas. From attacking Obama of hypocrisy over campaign ad spending to comparing his foreign policy to that of President Bush, it’s obvious she’s decided to risk it all during these last few months. Should Hillary lose, it’s possible that her tactics during this race will haunt her political career.

Steve McMahon, an independent Democratic strategist comments that:

“There’s a general rule in politics: A legitimate distinction which could be effective when drawn early in the campaign often backfires and could seem desperate when it happens in the final hours of a campaign.”

Clinton would do well to hearken to such advice. Her attacks only allow Obama to improve his image as a leader rising above politics. In response to the uproar over the Somali photo, Obama remarked:

“At this stage of the campaign, there are going to be dust-ups, particularly at the staff level…Certainly I don’t think that photograph was circulated to enhance my candidacy. I think that’s fair to say. Do I think it’s reflective of Sen. Clinton’s approach to campaigning? Probably not. And so at this point, my interest is just moving forward and talking about the issues that are going to be helpful to the people of Ohio.”

Whether a Hillary or Obama supporter you must admit that such a comment plays much better in the media than Hillary’s “Shame on you, Barack Obama” comment this past Sunday.

Much of the excitement over this presidential race stems from its historic nature. With John Edwards out of the race the Democratic candidate for president will either be first female or the first African American. Since, as political commentators have already pointed out, the two candidates’ positions are fairly similar, the race easily boils down to personality and race/gender.

A lesson for the books: While such an atmosphere lends itself to attack ads, moderation is an important quality to keep in mind. Going too far only gives your opponent more opportunities to demonstrate your lack of presidential qualities.