On the surface, one would think Barack Obama would be likely to capture the Presidency - and that would be my early bet. Already, Democrats control a majority of 27 states' House delegations, and the party is expected to pick up additional seats this November - perhaps pushing a couple of other state delegations their way. But it may not be so straightforward. The new Congress would take up the matter quickly in early January, but would have to produce a result by Inauguration Day (20 January). Suppose some large state delegations reach an impasse? Suppose some of the more conservative "Blue Dog" Democrats decide to break with their party and vote the way their districts or states did, presumably for John McCain? The turmoil would be an international embarrassment, at the very least. If a stalemate results, the constitution provides that the vice-president-elect would become acting president until the gridlock is broken. Presumably, that would be Joe Biden since Democrats are expected to have a comfortable majority in the new Senate. However, what if the Senate gets tied up in parliamentary knots? It's been known to happen. Then America is likely to get its first female President, at least until the deadlock is broken. No, she won't be named Hillary Clinton, nor will the acting chief be Sarah Palin. Next-in-line will be the Speaker of the House, Democrat Nancy Pelosi.