What started out as one of the most exciting presidential races for Democrats in decades has begun to feel heavy, almost preoccupied. The back and forth between Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has uncovered relatively small differences between the two candidates. But it seems to have put a floodlight on issues like racism and sexism.

The race between two highly qualified candidates, one an African-American man and the other a white woman, has shown that racism is still alive and well in America. And that many Americans, including many women, aren't eager to accept intelligent, powerful women in leadership roles.

If it were the fallout of the Republican race, it wouldn't seem quite so ironic. But as a race between Democrats - the party of inclusion and tolerance - it's sort of a head-scratching moment. Have we been outed?

Both Obama and Clinton have toned down their rhetoric, even going as far as saying that, whatever happens, Democrats will unify behind one candidate. That's probably true.

And there's no question that, as many people have pointed out, great strides have been made: African-Americans and women have come a long way in our society.

But in many ways, they're still separate and unequal. And, sadly, neither candidate can change that on day one.