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Unity or Disaster
Today Senator Hillary Clinton pledged her "full support" for Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama. Needless to say that there's little else to do with one's back against the wall, it is good to know Senator Clinton can look past her harsh words in months past. To do anything else would have been political suicide.
With that, one can only question the sincerity of Senator Clinton's remarks after a race that went down to the wire with everything but the kitchen sink thrown in. I do not doubt Hillary Clinton's well-wishes for the democratic party but I do chuckle inside that the "fairy tale" has become a reality in her face. I do, however, question the nature of such kind words alongside an open spot for Senator Obama's runningmate for the upcoming general elections.
If I were Barack Obama, I would continue to tell the media and all other impatient parties to stop suggesting what they spin as best. Not only because so many Republican advisors would of course want an Obama-Clinton ticket, I personally feel a decision that is pressed can only overlook the personality differences between the Clinton and Obama. I fear that with Clinton on his ticket, Barack Obama will be at the mercy of others and not those that have been with him through and through.
My suggested solution is an Obama-Edwards ticket, which I've predicted since November of last year. As many critics note, the class differences in supporters for Obama and Clinton point to a serious need for someone on the ticket that speaks to the poor and working class in the issues. Yes, Obama can be trusted to lead change in the nature of politics in the nation's capitol but the average citizen still needs countless initatives to address soaring gas, food, and other commodity prices. Most likely, former Clinton supporters will not vote for McCain but to get as many Democrats to the polls for the race already summed as "too close to call," a man for the middle-class like Edwards would get the job done.
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A balancing act...
I 100 percent agree with you that the decision of VP should be Obama's, and his alone.
On that note, though, Obama is going to have to balance the campaign that he has run so far with the wishes and desires of those in the Clinton camp.
Millions of people (myself being one) voted for Clinton in the primaries, and Obama is going to need those votes in the fall.
Are those who voted for Clinton going to vote for McCain in the fall? Probably not at the numbers the polls are predicting, but some will. I personally would be more concerned with people who were so energized in the primaries feeling disheartened and not showing up to the polls at all.
Most of this Obama/Clinton talk is a rallying effect, and people will return to more sensible notions soon- but remember that we have NEVER seen a primary like this- people invested an unprecedented amount of time into their preferred candidate, and that loyalty sticks with you.
Clinton is going to have to step back and realize that the race is over, but Obama is also going to have to realize that he is going to have to court a new set of voters, some of whom are very bitter about Clinton's defeat.
Personally? Although I am not sold on a Obama/Clinton ticket, I think she could be a huge asset to the campaign- she has experience in areas that he does not, and she appeals to a certain set of voters that he is still trying to win over.
And lets not forget that her run was historic as well, and women are going to want a little patronage.
When it comes down to it,though, the general election is about Obama. He ran an incredible primary campaign and as long as he runs his general the same way I truly believe he will be fine.
Much Love-
Beverly
PS...I wouldn't buy Obama/Edwards yard signs just yet...he doesn't seem too interested in the job
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jHjEVBN6L-RrH8z8GByF6tNJ...
VP-president
Obama should make the decision based on the fact that the guy can't carry all the states and he needs a balancing act. Voters just don;t want Obama they need someone who has a team that works well with him. So Obama should no doubt have a very strong VP candidate and though the decision is his and his only, he should be more conscious of the fact that we would applaud him not because he picks a specific candidate, but he picks somebody who can actually win the election and actually work with him. I higly doubt Obama is a plus in every state; therefore a VP should in fact be abale to balance him out. A more practical, less oratory, and more action type of guy would certainly be awesome. The trick is that I'm not sure if it has to be one of the democrats who was trying to get the party's presidential nomination.
If nobody comes to the plate; I can no doubt take the position and fully represent the American people to the best of my ability. This I would do with a profound sense of duty and I would not compromise the integrity of the VP office. My background validates my qualification for the job having been a YP4 fellow and recently finished my undergraduate studies (lol).