Hillary Clinton brought women into the political process with an intensity not seen since they campaigned passionately for the right to vote. And what happened to her candidacy is what countless Sandwiched Boomer women have experienced. Finally positioning themselves for the big job, after years of taking care of others - including the families of their partners - it is given to someone else.

Moving into the White House will bring big changes for Michelle Obama and her family. She says that she will be a mother first, caring for her daughters, attending their school events and ballet recitals. But Michelle is a lawyer and a strong woman – a role model in a unique position and committed to helping working families.

When Hillary told her supporters to get behind Barack Obama, she knew what she was talking about. What political issues are most important to your family and what do you hope the new administration will do about them?

Introduced by her daughter, Chelsea, Senator Hillary Clinton began with, “I’m a proud mother…………and a proud supporter of Barack Obama,” setting the tone for her convention speech. She went on to tell the crowd that, no matter who you voted for, we’re all on the same team and none of us can afford to sit on the sidelines.

She addressed the key issues that she has embraced – child care, a universal health plan, balance of work and family, women’s rights. And she emphasized that, as a single party with a single purpose, the Democrats need leaders who can tap into American optimism and confidence.

Clinton challenged her supporters: were you in it for me or for the issues that are so significant to all of us? She said that she ran in order to stand up for those who have been invisible for the past 8 years - and it's time to show ourselves and the world that there are no limits to what is possible.

She tapped into the hearts of the delegates, reminding them to think of the needs of their family, honor the sacrifices of those who came before them and fill the lives of their children and grandchildren with possibility and hope.

Did Clinton fire up her fierce supporters enough to shift their loyalty? Was her speech a sock to the jaw of Democratic disunity? Let us know your thoughts.

The first night of the Democratic Convention was a parade of the past and the future. Senator Edward Kennedy, ailing in the twilight of his 46 year career, displayed bravery and determination as he expressed his support for Barack Obama.

The story Michelle Obama told was the story of the American dream. While in the context of letting us know more about her personal family experience, we saw the uniqueness and greatness of opportunity in this country - how the descendents of slaves can reach the pinnacle of success. She talked about a new tide of hope and fighting for a world as it should be. She referenced others like Senator Hillary Clinton, who put so many cracks in the glass ceiling so our sons and daughters can aim a little higher.

The question is whether or not Michelle's narrative can serve to bridge the divide. Will Michelle become a role model - or, at least, encourage some of the Clinton supporters to begin shifting their loyalty in order to truly unite the party?

A dramatic chase scene in order to elude the press corps, followed by a secret meeting under the cover of darkness - that sure sounds mysterious. Yet makes sense in this complicated political campaign, full of inuendo and little closure.

But doesn't it actually parallel conflict resolution in real life? You have an argument with your partner over some issue that is important to both of you and then - after calming down and thinking it over - a productive discussion follows. But that's not the end of it, even though you both know what the final result should look like. You have to figure out who gives up what, who's really in charge and what do you get in return for compromising.

It's not that easy for Hillary Clinton right now. She is going through a normal letting go process while, at the same time, trying to hold on to her voters and concede the race. Even though she has a 30 million dollar debt, she has played an incredible role in womens' history. Whether or not she wants the vice presidency, she now has no choice but to make a gracious exit and help unite the party.

The dynamics have been turned upside down, with Barack Obama the victor and Clinton the vanquished. These kind of shifts can be tricky, as he gears up to be the democratic nominee. Hopefully their meeting was the first step in mending wounds and moving forward - that includes reaching out and bringing Clinton's supporters into the coalition.

Obama has stated clearly that his plan to choose a vice presidential candidate will consist of an involved process with detailed feedback from close advisors. In the end politics, like relationships, are very much about the people. And that decision is entirely up to him.

The political pundits have been wondering, "What does Hillary want?" There'a a lot of speculation - a guarantee of universal health care, major input on the war and the economy, a place on the November ticket. John Fitzgerald Kennedy once said that "Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan." At least for now, that's not true for Senator Clinton - she brought 18 million voters to the table and she wants an assurance that their voices will be heard.

The bottom line is that change is difficult and involves a process that takes both time and patience. Perhaps Clinton is considereing her options in concert with her family, advisors and closest friends, or working up a strategic plan to help unite the Democratic party, or even taking a few days to reflect on the past 18 months and to savor the positive memories.

Like a kaleidoscope, looking through different lenses may change the experience. It seems that everyone has their own opinion of how, why and when - but there are likely only a few people who really know what Clinton is going through. And she did say last night that she will speak on Saturday. Don't you think she deserves the opportunity to end it her way?

Barack Obama is now the presumptive Democratic candidate yet Hillary Clinton has not given up the fight. It feels like a marriage gone wrong. Any relationship therapist would agree that there are two sides to every story - and the reality is usually somewhere in the middle.

There have been inuendos and accusations - from the quality of character to what constitutes a lie - all in the spirit of being judged more worthy of staying in the race and coming out a winner. Initial counseling sessions often begin with "why are you here and what went wrong?" Hillary had the money, the man and the motivation. But she wasn't prepared for the challenge of someone like Obama who had the message people wanted to hear.

So is Hillary a fighter or a spoiler, having stayed at the party too long? It's never easy to leave the spotlight, pick up the pieces and move on with your life. But no matter what advice others give you or what support you still have, first you have to be ready to let go of dreams and hopes. And apparently she's not there yet.

At the close of the primary season today, do you think the run for the Democratic presidential nomination will finally be over? It's not unlike situations in families where a certain result is expected and, due to complicating circumstances, the outcome changes. There are subsequent feelings of surprise and disappointment - or, on the other hand, excitement and hope.

Life and politics are unpredictable. You have to admire Hillary Clinton's optimism, her fortitude and tenacity. And you can't accuse her of not playing out her hand. But, at this juncture, it depends on the math not the psychology. It is expected that the magic number of 2118 super delegates will soon be guaranteed and Obama will have the nomination.

The buzz is that it's time to unify the party and prepare for the general election. Just like a family in crisis, there are issues that must be addressed - how to let go with grace, treat each other with respect, understand individual needs, assess strengths and resources, determine mutual goals and work together while moving toward achieving them.

Senator Clinton has given her heart and soul to this process and wants to be sure that the dream stays alive. Obama's mantra has been embrace change, even if it's coming from an imperfect messenger. Despite the strange political dynamic, he has declared that they will be working together in November. Obama plans to meet with Clinton when the dust settles, at a time and place of her choosing. Now that sounds like a good start.

Barack Obama has found his voice again - asking the voters to embrace change, even if it is coming from an imperfect messenger. And after Hillary Clinton's very narrow victory in Indiana yesterday, and despite her expressed determination to continue the fight, the political pundits are all but declaring the race over.

Think about how you deal with a difficult situation, as Sandwiched Boomers, when the outcome is inevitable and ultimately you have no choice but to let go. You may be facing the end of a role you took for granted or the control you once had. Every loss, even a symbolic one, needs to be mourned – such as the marriage of your child, which signals the end of your own youth, or caring for an aging parent, which triggers the fear of being a burden to your children.

During a time of loss and grieving, some emotional, physical or behavioral reactions are normal. You may find that you're angry, feel anxious or sad, perhaps even depressed. Without your familiar comfort zone, it’s difficult to be grounded. There can be changes in familiar patterns, like how much or little you sleep or eat. Or you notice a difference in your ability to focus or concentrate and to remain interested in activities or others. If you're not at ease with yourself, you may withdraw or avoid social situations altogether.

Any major life change is challenging and transition is always a process that takes time and patience. But know that what you are experiencing is common and normal, for you and for Hillary Clinton. And, with a positive attitude, there are many hidden gifts to be found along the way.

As Sandwiched Boomers planning your family's summer vacation, does Clinton's proposal of gas tax relief go to the heart of the matter or seem like an emotional ploy to garner more votes? And has what you've heard from Obama this past week made up for some of his former pastor's remarks?

Today may very well signify game change or game over. Instead of taking the race all the way to the convention, let's hope the Democratic party begins to unite behind one candidate for President. It's time to focus on the issues that matter.

Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, you're entitled to understand the candidates' positions on your deepest concerns - health care, education, housing, jobs, food and gas prices. As members of the Sandwich Generation dealing with the challenges of growing children and aging parents, what matters most to you? Now is the time to let your voices be heard.

Be sure to log in on Thursday for our Virtual Book Tour - featuring Anne Kreamer, author of "Going Gray."

The North Carolina and Indiana primaries are on Tuesday and the stakes are high. There's a lot of speculation about the potential outcome but trying to read the tea leaves may be an exercise in futility.

The mantra has been "Hillary can't win," because of the numbers, because Bill put his foot in his mouth one time too many, because she'll go to any lengths in order to get the nomination, because too many people just don't like her. Yet Clinton has stayed in the race and, by not giving up, has recently had a string of wins. She is busy raising more money, winning respect and gaining momentum.

When Reverend Wright's attitude went from wounded to arrogant, it hurt Obama's campaign and "yes we can" was called into question. Pundits wondered how he would unite all Americans with such fierce loyalty to an Afro-centrist church. As he tried to focus on the issues important to voters, rather than the media frenzy, eyebrows were raised about Obama's ability to handle the tough times. Yet he hung in there, stayed calm and on task, eventually speaking out strongly against Reverend Wright.

As Sandwiched Boomers, you have so much life experience under your belt. So - when you're in a race that is too close to call, what personal qualities allow you to pull ahead? What kind of lessons have you learned when certain loyalties brought unexpected consequences? And what have you done to help turn the tide?

Hillary Clinton beat Barack Obama by 10 points in Pennsylvania last night - and the race goes on. She was gracious, her talk emotional and personal, speaking about her family and to the voters. She held herself out as a role model for women, sharing vignettes about a 90 year old woman who was born before women could vote and about parents reassuring their young daughter that she can be anything she wants.

Clinton, echoing the crowd's chant of "yes we will," declared that the tide is turning. She added that she would fight for the country everyday as President and she was ready to lead on day one.

The pundits had said a double digit victory was necessary, and Clinton pulled it off. Pay attention to the psychology, not the math, was Tim Russert's wise comment. And the Clinton camp are experts at that.

I think, by now, we all realize that Clinton is intent on keeping the race going, no matter what. As Sandwiched Boomers, you've got to know that tenacity is a trait that serves you well, especially when you're in a crunch. There are times when, despite how challenging it gets, there's just no way you're going to give up.

Does it matter that Hillary Clinton's track record includes her being a member of the Sandwich Generation? Campaigning last week in Pennsylvania, she stood between her 88 year old mother and 28 year old daughter. While renewing her efforts to engage women voters, she was also personalizing the issues for Sandwiched Boomers facing the demands of parents and children. Do you think her experiences increase the likelihood of her being more sensitive to your concerns?

Clinton's agenda does include efforts to ease the burdens on women who are struggling to balance the practical and financial demands of work and family. Her plan for caregivers includes a tax credit, stepped-up support for unpaid family caregivers, paid family leave by 2016, guaranteed access to sick days and increased support for child care.

Gloria Steinem, one of the founders of the feminist movement, thinks that a redefinition of work needs to take place. As caregiving is 30% of productive labor, a monetary value should be attributed to this work. Do you share her vision that women working together can impact society and make a difference? Why don't you share your thoughts with other readers.

It has been six weeks since the last Democratic primary in Mississippi. As Sandwiched Boomers, you know what can happen when the stakes are high. Much like in arguments you may have with aging parents, growing children and partners, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have gone on the offensive. And Clinton's attacks have had an effect. Obama has put aside his role as a reformer, focused on change, in order to get nasty too.

Emotions are high with the country on the edge of deciding whether Obama will be the next Democratic presidential candidate. Although the polls show that Clinton is up by 5%, if she doesn't win by double digits on Tuesday there will be pressure from the party for her to stop her campaign.

What is the present conflict you are dealing with in your family relationships: Is it time for your Dad to stop driving but he refuses to listen to your rationale? Do you want your boomerang daughter to commit to some house rules without wanting it all her way? Is the discussion with your husband about how to spend your tax return going nowhere?

Think about when you usually pull out all the stopppers in order to win an argument. Evaluate the skills and resources that are to your advantage at these times.

How does it feel to go against your nature so that you can come out on top? What most often works to win the hearts and minds of those who are most important to you? And do you always know when it's time to let it go?

First, Bill Clinton was dubbed the "comeback kid" - now it looks like Hillary has earned that title. Just days ago, it was predicted that she might pull out of the primaries unless she had dramatic victories over Obama in Ohio and Texas. Now, with her wins there, she is back in the race, full steam ahead. The Pennsylvania primary, set for April 22, will be the next big contest between them, with Wyoming and Mississippi scheduled for next week.

John McCain had also referred to himself, earlier this primary season, as making a "comeback," though certainly he is not a kid. That title has become a reality now that he has cinched the nomination for President through the Republican Party.

As Sandwiched Boomers, many of us probably feel that we too are hanging on for dear life, not sure how our struggles will turn out. What lessons can we take from these tenacious, if exhausted, candidates? When we feel like giving up, how do we have the strength to continue and prevail?

Just like the candidates, we need to believe in ourselves and in the importance of our efforts - the decision not to throw in the towel depends on it. In order to make our own comeback, we must learn to take better care of ourselves. We have to rely on the support of those who believe in us and draw upon the resources available to us. We can make our Plan B's, knowing full well that our original plans, made with the best of intentions, may not come to be. As we move forward, meeting objectives on the path toward our goals, we too can score a victory in our campaign as Sandwiched Boomers caring for the changing needs of our families.

In an effort to keep her campaign alive, during the Cleveland democratic debate last night Hillary Clinton referred to herself as a fighter - saying that's the kind of president the country needs in these difficult and complicated times. The debate was contentious and she was feisty, both with Obama and the moderator, Tim Russet. But was that only because she's struggling to stay in the race or was it also because women, by nature, tend to be more emotional and expressive?

Clinton and Obama went back and forth about foreign policy, health care plans and their positions on NAFTA. Neither made any major mistakes nor said much we haven't already heard.

As Sandwiched Boomers, which one do you think is addressing the issues most important to you? Or are you supporting McCain who, according to the latest polls, poses a challenge to either of his potential Democratic opponents?

Today we digress from the subject of male caregiving in order for you to weigh in on new developments in the democratic race.

Do you think the controversial photo of Barack Obama that appeared on the Drudge Report was released by Hillary Clinton's staffers? And what are your thoughts about the shift in her attitude, from gracious to angry to sarcastic? Is the media giving Clinton a harder time because she's a woman? Is there truth to the notion that Obama's oratorial style covers up a lack of substance?

With the Ohio and Texas primaries around the corner, both Obama and Clinton need to further define themselves and their positions without turning off the voters.

Plan to watch the debate tonight and keep these questions in mind - get back to us with your observations.

You never know who is going to win until the game is over. Just like yesterday when the New York Giants, the underdogs, won the Superbowl even though all along the New England Patriots had been favored.

Tomorrow is Super Tuesday and the stakes are high. Who can win the election in November has become a major issue.

Romney has made enough of a comeback to keep the race against McCain going, even with Huckabee still somewhat of a force in the South.

Although Obama is on the move, Clinton is holding her own. It's too close to call as the Democratic voters make their final decision about whether to choose change or experience.

As Sandwiched Boomers, where do you stand? Which of the candidates will best represent the concerns of you and your family? Talk about the issues, keep the buzz going and take the opportunity to make your voice heard.

Last night, both Clinton and Obama came into the Democratic debate with a shift in posture. The Today Show called it a love fest, despite the focus on controversial issue. And the Los Angeles Times entertained the possiblilty of them being the dream ticket in the upcoming election. What can you, Sandwiched Boomers, learn from their change in attitude?

If you or your partner has made bad choices or decisions, the emotional damage can endanger your relationship. The buildup of frustration, anger, or disappointment needs to be faced as you make efforts to repair the situation and adapt to a new reality. As you become more at ease, you will go from being worried about your future to feeling excited about what’s ahead.

Finding perspective is a valuable strategy when you are facing transitions. It helps to take a step back and see the present situation from a different angle. As high expectations are always difficult to meet, try to be realistic - and know that you will both grow from the challenges you are facing.

Grow up America, it's time we stopped polarizing gender roles. Why do we care so much about whether Hillary Clinton's defining moment was a manipulation, too emotional, real or courageous? Let's give her, as well as all the men who are running against her, credit for walking into a room with a smile on their faces after rejection or breaking the no-tears rule. How about removing the double standard where expressing emotion is seen as vulnerability in men but a weakness in women.

We all recognize that Hillary has a deep hunger for the presidency; however, the appetites of male candidates seem to be selling points. Historically, women were supposed to pretend they didn't want anything at all for themselves. And this notion still has legs - the message for Hillary is act aloof to the point of indifference. Try to pursue the nomination without acting like you're a pursuer.

Granted, voters' reactions to her are complex, sometimes ambivalent. Hillary's presentation can grate on the nerves of even those who agree with her ideas. And this can have a polarizing effect in and of itelf. To complicate matters, women who vote for her are called biased if they do, disloyal if they don't.

But, as Sandwiched Boomers, we all know that nothing is exactly as it seems. We've dealt with family conflict and understood the complexity of different opinions on various issues. We'ver cried and been strong, in the end knowing that it's all part of the human experience.

As the day approaches for Americans to acknowledge and pay respect to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his accomplishments, Democrats seem to be going from bad to worse as they wrangle over who played the race card first when evaluating Dr. King's legacy. Supporters of both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama imply the other's comments brought racism into the primaries. It's hard to say who threw the first punch, but clearly the campaigning is getting dirty.

What happens within your own family when you have conflicts? Do you begin to hit below the belt? Learning to fight fairly is important, especially for Sandwiched Boomers who are stressed daily by the struggles of caring for aging parents and growing children. When you are feeling frustrated and exhausted by your responsibilities as a caregiver to your family in flux, resist the tendency to unload your raw anger on those nearest and dearest to you. Make a commitment to address the issues openly and honestly - but without rancor. You can let others know what you need without blaming them for your situation. Talk about how they can change their behaviors rather than attacking their character traits. As you continue to work on improving the relations within your family, you will all grow in respect for one another. And respecting each person in the family of man honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his message every day.