Elections can shift the balance of political power in favor of democracy and social progress and the upcoming one surely fits into this category. And this is so no matter which of the Democrats is elected. The degree of the shift will depend on who the candidate is, the sweep of the victory at the Congressional as well as the presidential level, and the popular mandate attached to the victory. It will also turn on the extent to which millions remain engaged in the post-election period for neither the right wing nor the 1 per cent will throw in the towel.