New Hampshire voters made it clear yesterday: the race for the Democratic presidential nomination comes down to a choice between change and experience.

And that is no easy choice.

Researching candidates' stands on the major challenges facing the country, I've been struck by how little substantive difference there is between the Democratic candidates. And if, as it seems now, the Democratic race has narrowed to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, that race pits Clinton's years in the White House and Senate against Obama's important emotional connection on the issue of freshness and youth.

Clinton's critics keep asking "what experience"? That simply means they haven't done their homework. And it's demeaning; Clinton is a bright, talented woman whose time in the White House involved real work on real matters of importance. (See Newsweek's December 31 article, "Hillary's Hidden Hand.") And she has been a good Senator, respected by many Republican Senators.

But Obama's appeal isn't a small matter. He has touched something important in voters' minds and hearts.

A lot can happen between now and November. A lot can happen between now and Super Tuesday, February 5, when New York Democrats, like those in 23 other states, will decide which Democrat they want as a presidential candidate. Events in the world and events at home can change voters' perception of what they think the country needs. At this point, the choice between Clinton and Obama, between experience and change, doesn't seem easy.