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Obama/Clinton Ticket Can and Must Happen
By Tommy ChristopherMar 28th 2008 3:00PM
Filed Under:eHillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Featured Stories, Veepstakes
There is a gathering consensus among political observers that Senator Hillary Clinton cannot win the Democratic Presidential nomination, and that she should step aside soon for the good of the party. Recent polling data shows better news for McCain than Clinton or Obama. As David Knowles reports, Senator Patrick Leahy has joined that chorus urging her to step aside. I agree with Leahy's assessment, with a single caveat. From Leahy's remarks:
"There is no way that Senator Clinton is going to win enough delegates to get the nomination. She ought to withdraw and she ought to be backing Senator Obama. Now, obviously that's a decision that only she can make. Frankly I feel that she would have a tremendous career in the Senate."In my view, Hillary Clinton's most valuable contribution will be at Barack Obama's side as his vice president, not as a senator. The case for Hillary is an easy one to make based on her qualifications. It's a tougher sale to her supporters, and perhaps to the candidate herself. One campaign insider told me he felt there was little chance of Senator Clinton joining the bottom of an Obama ticket, for a number of reasons.
After the jump, I'll make my case to Senators Clinton and Obama, and to you, the readers. Please read the whole thing before you form your opinion.
First, let me address Hillary's supporters, who may take umbrage at the notion that Senator Clinton can't catch up to Obama. I know that this campaign has been the subject of a bitter proxy war between two intensely loyal groups of supporters, and there may be some hard feelings. I would be the first person to urge Obama's supporters to show unity with their fellow Democrats, and set aside the vitriol that has been exchanged on these pages. I would also ask that you judge this argument on its merits. Many of you have expressed the opinion that, because I have voiced criticism of the conduct of the Clinton campaign, I must be anti-Hillary. Nothing could be further from the truth, as evidenced by a perusal of my previous writings.
Hillary's path to nomination, based solely on the math, is a narrow and twisted one even by her own campaign's admission, with some political analysts giving her as little as a 5% chance of success. When you add to that recent polling data that shows Obama's and Clinton's favorability ratings diverging in Barack's direction. The study seems to indicate, and Pew concludes, that Obama has weathered the Reverend Wright storm. Additionally, the demands of a knock-down, drag-out campaign are not likely to improve Hillary's favorability. Barring some huge misshap, it is extremely unlikely that Hillary will make the miraculous gains needed to catch Barack.
The Clinton campaign has grossly overstated the flexibility of pledged and Superdelegates in an effort to keep the race alive, but they ignore the political reality that no delegate will overturn the will of the people if there is a clear leader. I know a lot of political observers seem to relish telling Hillary to give it up, but that's an unproductive attitude. Senator Clinton waged a fierce campaign, she is a great American, and she is owed a graceful exit. Her call to voters not to switch to McCain may have been the first sign that reality is setting in.
The same Pew study showed some surprising numbers on the issue of the Vice Presidency. This is whe
re I would like to address Barack Obama's supporters. A greatly disproportionate number of you don't want to see Hillary on the ticket. I chalk this up to several factors. First, Hillary has unquestionably fought a more aggressive, at times controversial, campaign than Obama. This may be cause for a more embittered Obama base. Her style of politics, like it or not, has served her well, but you should take her at her word that, when the nominee is picked, she will support him.
It reminds me of a favorite scene from that famous political drama, "Rocky 3." Rocky is fighting in an exhibition match against Hulk Hogan, who fights hard and nasty, hurling insults all the while, but at the end, when Rocky implausibly beats him, the Hulkster's demeanor softens, he smiles, shakes his hand, and they're friends. This race seemed anything but friendly, yet at the end of the day, as they both say, they will be friends.
Another contributor to this is that Barack's supporters are disproportionately young, and probably not used to this style of politics. It's not for everyone, I don't like it, but while I researched yesterday's piece, I saw that the 1988 campaign was as bad or worse than this, with a startling number of similarities. The 1990's were a time of brutal politics that make this campaign look like a game of tiddly-winks. To those voters disillusioned by this, I say forgive and forget. Hillary Clinton will benefit you much more than any other VP will.
As I've said before, Hillary can deliver women voters who might otherwise defect to McCain, who also does well with women. This was the crux of my argument with Harold Ickes on Tuesday's conference call. The Clinton campaign has argued that primary losses in battleground states will translate to general election losses, as well. I asked him if he thought that the presence of Senator Clinton on Obama's ticket, or on the campaign trail, would effectively render that argument moot. He responded with simple denial that Hillary could possibly not be the nominee.
Jonathan Alter last night on Countdown floated the notion that the 32% of Hillary supporters who promise to flip to McCain will come to their senses by November, but he didn't address McCain's strong appeal to women voters. 32% of Hillary supporters is a large bloc, certainly large enough to swing the general election. Barack would be a fool to risk that. Conversely, Obama's mainly young supporters are less likely to actually stick with McCain, who does poorly with that demo.
Some wonder if Hillary would accept such a nod, which is, I believe, the biggest possible obstacle. It is, to be sure, a tough sale to ask someone of Hillary Clinton's stature to play second-banana. My vision, though, of a Hillary Vice Presidency, is that of an Anti-Cheney, a powerful political force, but for good, not evil. I am really torn as to whether she would accept, but my instinct is that she would, for the same reason I believe Barack Obama will offer it to her.
This campaign has been called historic, and I would agree with that characterization, but I would do so because I have never seen a campaign between two smarter politicians. An Obama/Clinton campaign is the smart move, and I trust them to make it happen.
Coming Soon: McCain Defectors: Know What You're In For
Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 269)JOHN3:31PMMar 28th 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKpCH7OS2nc OBAMAS REV.WRIGHT
Rob3:33PMMar 28th 2008
NO-BAMA- MANIAC'S
Listen up and listen close . Time to go to PENNSYLVANIA and cast your vote's .
But before you do , make up your mind's , 63 % of American's are not blind . They say the link's to Islam and racism is fake , but brother can you afford this mistake ? The un-doing would be way to great . He's been caught lieing 9 times in this debate ...Best not make a Voting mistake ..... .... ... ....... .. . .. ...
James3:41PMMar 28th 2008
I think it might all depend on just how Obama offered Hillary the VP Nomination. We've all seen the graceful and charismatic manner Obama can deliver on the stump, but we've also seen another side of his political persona, and if those aspects are brought into play again re: Hillary as VP, I PROMISE you many of Hillary's supporters will stay home at best, and at worst actually support and vote for the GOP candidate. And I just might do so as well! }:(
Jaki Baez3:42PMMar 28th 2008
I for one will be very disappointed if Hillary takes second place. I believe Hillary with someone like Webb or Clark can win the election. Hillary will not only disappointed her supporters but alien them to go to Mccain. Obama has too many radicals ties and is not the person to be on top. I would have to think very very deeply if I want him on her ticket. A man who sat 20 years listening to the bashing of whites and America does not deserve second place. So, Tommy, do us a favor, stop putting stupid blog stories to see our reaction. The reaction is as followed: Hillary Clinton will Never go to second- I believe that she will Never endorse this man. He has insulted her by refusing the VP spot once in public- why should she give him the second spot? The voters in all the caucuas and red states are stretching their heads and saying "why didn't the media report all of these ties?" Well, you can blame the idiots on MSNBC- this station should be boycotted by all of us- if anyone is interested in setting a date to boycott- please let us know.
David C3:42PMMar 28th 2008
Your proposal may be pragmatic but I think it is a non-starter because of Bill Clinton. He would never accept the role of being the spouse of the VP (mainly because he wouldn't have free reign of the White House and all the interns), and if he won't agree then Hillary won't either. He is calling the shots for his wife - her negative campaigning had Bill's signature all over it.
D. L. GRAHAM3:43PMMar 28th 2008
THE SUPER TICKET / AL GORE & BILL RICHARDSON
The Democratic Party nomination has gone from a campaign to a food fight, to a knife-fight, to the “Hatfield’s & McCoy’s”, to a full blow war or take no prisoners. And, by August neither candidate will be electable, The Co-Clinton-Presidential Campaign of Former Impeached President (CEO) Snowman Slick Willie William “Bubba” Jefferson Clinton & (COO) (D-NY) US/Senator Hillary Diane Rodham-Clinton, with the public increasingly deciding, with all their baggage we’ve, been there done that, the same old Clinton’s and (D-Ill) US/Senator Barrack “Barry” Hussein Obama, has now been made damaged good’s do to the Clinton “blitzkrieg”, win at all costs and tactical use of the (Bradley and Limbaugh Effects), against the Obama Campaign. The “Uncivil” Civil War in the Democratic Party has gotten to the point were the very fabric of the party is being torn apart.
Now, having said all this and since “We The People”, really don’t have any say in the process “The Sum of All Fear” Democratic Convention, in Denver, Colorado in August could be just that for the (GOP) Grand Old Party, Republican. And, stop the Democratic Party from being torn into, by simply overturning the campaign nomination and putting into place a nominee that reflects, protects and maintains the “Democratic Party Purity of Platform.” A new team made up of Former Vice President, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, and Oscar Winner Al Gore, for President. And, Former Ambassador to the United Nations and Energy Secretary during the Clinton administration New Mexico Governor Richardson for Vice President, problems solved!
George3:44PMMar 28th 2008
The only thing I can think about is the racist and country hater Obama and his wife are; not to mention his lies and poor judement. And, the liar and deceptful person Hilliary is.
No presidential character in either of the two losers!
Ron Abney3:48PMMar 28th 2008
Its the only winning tickets for the Dems, other wise McCain wins
Mary3:50PMMar 28th 2008
I think it is ridiculous that Patrick Leahy and others are asking Senator Clinton to drop out of the race. She has the support of voters who are the heart of the Democratic party. SENIORS She also has won the states which are crucial for the Democrats to win the White House. I sincerely believe that the elitists Democrats in Washington who want her to quit are only looking after their cushy jobs and more power for themselves. WE THE PEOPLE are forgotten about as nothing ever changes regardless of who has control and power in the White House.. I can guarantee Patrick Leahy, Nancy Pelosi and the others who want to take the choice away from the electorate who have not cast their votes yet that we will not vote for their choice. WE THE PEOPLE want to decide for ourselves. I am a senior citizen and I (and many others) will not vote for Barak Obama. I am a Democrat and will not vote for the Republican candidate either. I will stay at home that day.
I hope the power hungry Leahy, Pelosi etc. can live with their decisions. I know I couldn't.
daniel monico3:52PMMar 28th 2008
I SAY YES TO AN OBAMA/CLINTON TICKET. IT IS TIME TO STOP THE CHILDISH NONSENSE AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR AMERICA. WE CAN NOT HAVE ANOTHER 4 YEARS OF NEO-CON RULE. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT MCCAIN THE NEW WAFFLER WOULD BE LIKE. IN ORDER FOR HIM TO GET ELECTED HE WILL HAVE TO ABIDE BY HIS NEO-CON LED PARTY. HE HAS ALREADY STARTED TO DO THAT. WE NEED A NEW DIRECTION. OBAMA WILL BE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR AND HILLARY HAS THE CONTACTS TO GET THINGS DONE. THEY MUST RUN TOGETHER.
charlescph553:53PMMar 28th 2008
Hillary and I get Bill are you so stupid to forget how well our economy was under his watch and I think she's smart enough to ask his advice or even put him in charge of coming up with a economic plan (sort of like when he put her in charge of a health care package. so he got a B-job, J.F.K. got more than a B-job. Our gas prices weren't rising every other day- milk and bread prices were steady, He left our economy in the black, till Bush got his hands in the pot, So my dream ticket is Hillary president, Colin Powell vice president who is well respected around the world and would love to get even with Bush for setting him up with false info to take to the UN. Now if you think about this it does make sense. One more thing before I go all of the people saying what a great speech Obama made yesterday, well all it was just a cover your ass speech, If he did in fact condemn Wrights comments all he spoke of was race ( who's playing the race card seems like his camp is) why is it ok for him to speak of race but don't let any others or your a racists, Not once in his speech did he address the hatred his preacher has for America, REMEMBER GODDAMM AMERICA
ONE MORE THING I THINK HILLARY SHOULD GO INDENPENDENT IF NOT NONMINATED, IF SHE LOVES THIS COUNTRY. JUST TO ENSURE HUSSAIN DOESN'T GET ELECTED, EVEN THOUGH I DON'T BELIEVE HE WOULD ,HILLARY JUST MIGHT WIN AS A INDEPENDENT
I also believe she should fight it out to the convention
RIOT50003:56PMMar 28th 2008
A PARTY OF POUCIES and COWARDS?
DEMOCRAT LEADERS are making McCAIN look beter and better to me, an independent, EVERY DAY.
The Rubicon might be passed soon, and I will have to make a tough Choice, just like other undecideds out there.
George W Third Term might not be that bad afterall, since I do not expect any better tha DEMS, who ALWAYS SCARE and Pussyfoot to come out and be recognised.
What a Party of POUCIES.
OBAMA has tackled even the TABOO Topics that could put a NAIL in the Coffin of any Politician, and did it all with Finesse.
What the PHOCK are these CRACK HEAD SUPERIDIOTS waiting for?
RIOT50004:12PMMar 28th 2008
sblum, GOOD RIDDANCE
OBAMA does not like BUFFOONS voting for him anyway.
He is smart, and does not like the Company of small minded IDIOTS
tom4:13PMMar 28th 2008
Obama’s Church Posts Accusation that Israel Developed “Ethnic Bomb” to kill Blacks and Arabs
Joe Miller4:16PMMar 28th 2008
An Obama/Hillary ticket adds up to an empty suit/do-nothing senator ticket and the independents and Latinos will flock to Mac in droves. So would anybody else intheir right minds.
Diane4:22PMMar 28th 2008
Obama leads Clinton by a small margin, and he does not have a mandate to be the Democratic candidate. Hillary needs to continue...that's what politics is about....I, for one, would vote for McCain over Obama. I can't vote for anyone whochose to belong to an anti-white, anti-American church for most of his life (there are not sound bytes,as Obama says..these truly reflect his church). Furthermore, je jas done nothing in his career, and the pro-
obama mania has been created by a biased press.
Diana4:24PMMar 28th 2008
Tommy......once again, this is an excellent, well-reasoned analysis of the current state of this Primary race and ultimately that of the entire Presidential campaign. You make a very persuasive argument for the merits of that Dream Ticket, although I am skeptical as to whether or not it can realistically come to pass, with the sizes of the respective egos involved. After all, picturing Michelle and Bill living under the same roof is a disturbing proposition. LOL. I don't believe that Bill would be an impediment to such a decision for her, as I believe she would tow the line with him as she did after SC. You could say, 'been there, done that' for her, but.....in the interest of political expediency and future political survival.....who knows? It would be a hard pill to swallow for us Hillary supporters, but we need to be realistic about the situation and especially need to consider the future of our Democratic party in the end. As another commenter aptly stated:
Ron Abney3:48PMMar 28th 2008
Its the only winning tickets for the Dems, other wise McCain wins
charlescph554:26PMMar 28th 2008
I'm just wondering if this isn't about race, how come we don't see the white side of Obama's family, getting out the vote for him. surely he had aunt's ,uncle's,cousin's etc. yet not a peep
out of that side ....has he locked them all up so they can't hurt his black vote. One other thing are we supposed to be stupid to believe he was a member of that church for 20 years and he never knew Wright was and still is a racist.(Maybe after the election and he loses he can become the minister of that church, he preaches so well now).one other thing first Obama came out and said he never heard the Rev. racist remarks even through he was a member of the church for twenty years, Then in his speech he admits to hearing it but says he doesn't approve of it. Well if he doesn't approve of it, he had twenty years to complain or find another church. Don't be stupid people he's caught in a lie and is toast now. Let me try to explain why I'm voting for Hillary Clinton I only have one vote and with that vote I can get two presidents with it. I get Hillary and I get Bill are you so stupid to forget how well our economy was under his watch and I think she's smart enough to ask his advice or even put him in charge of coming up with a economic plan (sort of like when he put her in charge of a health care package. so he got a B-job, J.F.K. got more than a B-job. Our gas prices weren't rising every other day- milk and bread prices were steady, He left our economy in the black, till Bush got his hands in the pot, So my dream ticket is Hillary president, Colin Powell vice president who is well respected around the world and would love to get even with Bush for setting him up with false info to take to the UN. Now if you think about this it does make sense. One more thing before I go all of the people saying what a great speech Obama made yesterday, well all it was just a cover your ass speech, If he did in fact condemn Wrights comments all he spoke of was race ( who's playing the race card seems like his camp is) why is it ok for him to speak of race but don't let any others or your a racists, Not once in his speech did he address the hatred his preacher has for America, REMEMBER GODDAMM AMERICA
ONE MORE THING I THINK HILLARY SHOULD GO INDENPENDENT IF NOT NONMINATED, IF SHE LOVES THIS COUNTRY. JUST TO ENSURE HUSSAIN DOESN'T GET ELECTED, EVEN THOUGH I DON'T BELIEVE HE WOULD,HILLARY JUST MIGHT WIN AS A INDEPENDENT
Diane4:27PMMar 28th 2008
Maybe I would go for this if Hillary was the President. I still might have a difficult time pushing the button if Obama was on top. I truly can not trust him.
http://rezkowatch.blogspot.com/
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David S.3:24PMMar 28th 2008
Yeah, it's possible. You make a persuasive argument. After all, Bush Sr. and Reagan ran against each other in 1980 - and Reagan took Bush as his running mate. Rumor had it Reagan and Bush were not exactly the best of friends. John Kennedy took on Lyndon Johnson as his running mate in 1960. Johnson despised Kennedy, and vice versa. Yet they swallowed their pride and came together for the good of the party.
And both won their respective presidencies.
Something to think about.