As we turn the corner into 2007, the race for president is heating up and all the attention seems to be focused on Barack Obama’s potential candidacy. Will he run? Does he have enough experience? Is America ready to elect an African American for president? These are among the many questions dominating the minds of Americans as both the Democratic and Republican fields take shape. The chances of any Republican candidate to become president almost certainly hinges on their ability to capture their party’s nomination and their perceived foreign policy intentions toward countries like Syria, Iran and North Korea. For the Democrats, the key to victory will be a joint Clinton-Obama ticket. Here are the reasons why Hillary and Barack need to run the 2008 presidential gauntlet together.
Chuck Todd, editor of Hotline , the National Journal’s political newsletter recently commented on the effect of Barack Obama running for president:
“It hurts a lot of candidates not named Hillary Clinton. If he got in and she ran, there’d be no room for anybody else. There would be no oxygen left in the room."
As evidenced by the Illinois senator’s media-frenzied visit to New Hampshire (the state that holds the first presidential primary) and a recent USA Today/Gallup Poll reflecting a 31% and 19% support split for Clinton and Obama respectively, the Democratic field seems to offer little breathing room for any other left-leaning hopefuls. However, Republican powerhouse candidates like McCain, Vilsack and Romney see their chances for winning greatly enhanced by going into the general election against a ticket featuring either Hillary Clinton/(minus Obama) or Barack Obama/(minus Clinton). Either of these tickets potentially fractures the Democratic electorate and allows the Republicans the opportunity to woo the disappointed and uncommitted. The Democrats’ best chance for capturing the White House in 2008 would be to run Hillary Clinton for president and Barack Obama for Vice President. Here’s why:
A Clinton-Obama ticket consolidates the excitement and rock-solid support that both of these household names bring to the table. A joint ticket gives committed Democrats, women, African Americans and anyone worried about another pre-emptive war reason to jump on board and support these two candidates. It also signals a reasoned and compassionate approach to the question of immigration control in America. Both of these candidates represent states with heavy Hispanic populations and their own personal experiences with gender and racial discrimination will allow them to approach this issue from both a thoughtful and informed perspective.
A joint ticket softens the image of Hillary Clinton who carries an incredible amount of government experience but is seen as less than an ideal candidate. It would also insulate Barack Obama from accusations of being light on foreign policy experience if he were to run in the general election as a vice presidential candidate.
A joint ticket with these two Democratic frontrunners also allows Obama to serve four or eight years as Vice President, thus giving him invaluable administration experience. This would allow the American public to see him in an executive role and allow the country to warm up to the idea of an African American being elected president of the United States. Proximity to the presidency was good for Al Gore, Hillary, the senior George Bush and a host of others. It will be good for Barack Obama as well.
Finally, a Clinton/Obama administration would bring an incredible amount of brain trust and experience to the White House during what will be critical years ahead repairing America’s foreign policy and domestic neglect brought about by a $400 billion (to date) pre-emptive war in Iraq. Hillary not only enjoyed incredible access during her husband’s eight years as president, she is savvy and smart in her own right. A Hillary Clinton presidency not only brings an intelligent, ambitious woman to the Oval office, it also brings her repentant elder statesman husband to the office down the hall. While Bill is looking to somehow polish a tarnished legacy, both Clintons learned some bitter lessons from their first experience in the White House and will not repeat the mistakes of the past. Rounding out the executive suite with Vice President Barack Obama, a black Harvard-trained lawyer, state and US senator only adds to the White House brain trust and makes for an exceptionally talented administration. As we have seen over the last six years, intellect matters.
Up to this point, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have enjoyed a cordial relationship. She understands the value of his fresh star power and he appreciates the vastness of her experience and political network. Together, they could represent the most formidable presidential ticket Americans have seen in decades. From a historic perspective, it would be unprecedented. The keys will be leveraging each other’s strengths, working together behind closed doors and not allowing the media to draw them into a bloody contest for the nomination. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have the opportunity to do great things with a historic partnership in difficult times. More importantly, they are both smart enough to make it happen.
Joseph Collins is the publisher and syndicated columnist for Double Impact magazine www.DoubleImpact.us . He lives in Austin, Texas and contributes his time and effort to a variety of community and personal projects. He has twenty years of experience as a corporate technology trainer and free lance writer. Joseph is a former Air Force Intelligence Analyst having served America's interests both domestically and overseas, and has a passion for historical analysis and family genealogy. He has a degree in Psychology, volunteers for the Black Faith-based Health Initiative based in Austin, and supports a variety of political campaigns and community-based organizations.
» left by Jeff Pitts from Omaha (2 years 306 days ago.)
A great analysis of the 2008 race. Without something to rally my fellow republicans and conservatives (not as intertwined as I'd like), a Clinton-Obama ticket would be unbeatable. As a conservative, I can say the following: If republicans don't rally to their conservative principles, I would vote for a Clinton-Obama ticket. I would do so partly because they are likely the more moderate of the bunch (besides Bill Richardson) and because republicans won't learn until they take a spanking! Respond to this comment
» left by Joseph Collins(366) Joseph Collins (2 years 305 days ago.)
Jeff, always a pleasure hearing from you! I would love nothing more than to see a C-O ticket get elected and then reach across the aisle to develop a whole slate of bipartisan solutions for this country. We need to get back to joint legislation, compromise and working together. The last 10-15 years has been about winning at all costs and impeaching the other side if one didn't win. As a country, we can do better! Be blessed cousin! Respond to this comment
» left by Jennifer Suits from St. Charles, MO (2 years 305 days ago.)
An excellent article. Well written and argued. I am not sure I agree yet. While I am a supporter of both Ms. Clinton and Mr. Obama I am not sure the Democrats are well organized enough to mobilize enough money, energy and general support to overcome those who deeply "hate" Ms. Clinton and the youth of Mr. Obama. Respond to this comment
» left by Joseph Collins(366) Joseph Collins (2 years 305 days ago.)
Jennifer, thanks for commenting. You very well may be right about that. My hope is that a combined ticket will help each of them to overcome their issues. However, there is alot of talk comparing Obama to JFK. It may turn out that Hillary has bigger problems in the Democratic primary, while Barack's problems will be in the general election going against seasoned republicans. Whatever the outcome, I would like to see each of them get their shot at running the country. Have a good week! Respond to this comment
» left by will fl (2 years 117 days ago.)
You are perfectly correct! I believe Obama's skills would be best used in the Vice President's seat to handle the senate. The wave of change in foriegn policy can only be done by BILL and this means leaving Hill-dog at home to manage the public policy as a President. These positions make for a clear winning team. The Bush legacy has been tainted. The son never employed his father's skills for the country's common good. Respond to this comment
You and I could be good friends! We think almost exactly alike. I particularly agree about your comment about how Jr Bush is nowhere near the man nor president his father was. Sr Bush was conservative and pro-business, but he was honest, seasoned and sincere about his responsibilities to the troops and our country. Jr Bush....well, don't get me started.
The realities of this election are that Obama will probably end up being president via the vice presidency. I hope Hillary doesn't do anything to kill his chances of election like Bill did to Al Gore.
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