In one of the closest primary elections in years, neither the Republicans nor the Democrats have committed to a candidate.

Gov. Mike Huckabee is nipping at Sen. John McCain's heels and although the math supports McCain's bid, the margin weakens his influence.

The Democrats are even more divided in a 50/50 deadlock.

Newsweek says America needs a new Harry Truman, but Truman's approval ratings were lower than President George W. Bush's.

Truman's praise came in retrospect, supporting only the indecisive nature of America.

There is no denying that these are definitely Truman-esque times.

Inheriting a war, economic turmoil, and struggling social programs, our next president will find himself or herself in Truman's position.

Ironically, no figure in the throng of presidential contenders could be more Truman than George W. himself. I promise - history will one day recognize the parallels.

America needs a leader with enough courage to risk re-election, fumbling through a term of bold trial and error, redefining outdated policies and practices.

If that candidate exists, he or she is not making a strong enough case to win America over. The victors on both sides are going to need to unify their parties, and I don't believe that any candidate has focused on that enough.

Sen. Barack Obama has perhaps put the most effort into campaigning beyond the party, appealing to centrists and independents. But his “purple states” vision is premature, especially with such a narrow margin separating him and Sen. Hillary Clinton.

As for McCain, I believe that he will secure the Republican nomination, but Huckabee's tenacity will weaken his candidacy for the presidency unless he picks up Huckabee as a running mate.

But the two candidates may not cohere and the outcome could be as disastrous as the ill-fated Kerry/Edwards combo.

I fear this election may turn out to be a painful repeat of indecision 2000.

Regardless of who wins the primaries, if America remains divided, progress will screech to a halt, and we will have nothing to look forward to but more of the same.

Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com