August 22, 2008--Obama's Veep?
Wasn’t Obama’s VP choice supposed to be announced on Wednesday or Thursday morning at the latest? To take advantage of the news cycle and so as not get lost in the weekend news which no one apparently pays any attention to.
So what happened? What might have happened? This may turn out to be old news by the time you read it, but if by then he still hasn't announced his choice, here's what I think—and hope--is going on:
He’s working on a deal with Hillary. Prior to his polling numbers slipping, with most now showing a version of a dead heat, he could finesse things—who might help him win one swing state (Indiana or Virginia) or who might add the appearance of gravitas to the ticket. No one who has been a part of that subtle assessment has the lifting capacity to help him more broadly. Except Hillary. Who, more than Hillary, for example, would do more to help him win Florida; and if he manages to do that, the numbers suggest it would be nearly impossible for McCain to be elected.
I know some may not like this thought considering how personal and low-road she tended to campaign during the primary season, but Hillary might be the best person to have on the ticket if the primary goal on Election Day is winning. Isn’t it a no-brainer that she more than any other possible VP choice can help assure Obama's election?
Then, if he's elected, there is the question of governing. And of chemistry. People worry about both. Won't Bill let loose again in the White House and Hillary thinking about running for president again four years from now undermine Obama? Both concerns, as I see them, are irrelevant because they can be easily managed. If Obama becomes president Hillary’s job, as well as Bill’s, is what Obama says it is. Except breaking ties in the Senate. If either one steps out, whatever deal they might be sticking now, Obama can change his mind and send his VP around to represent the U.S. at state funerals. The traditional role for vice presidents.
I am thinking and hoping that the delay in making the announcement is because they are deep into the details of a complex deal—how many cabinet positions Hillary gets to pick, what specifically will be her role in, say, healthcare legislation, etc.
Again, if I were Obama I’d be eager now to make such a deal, get elected, and then see how things work out. If they don’t, he could then pull the plug on the deals and her assignments and responsibilities.
Once more, like this or hate this, isn’t this the way to give him the best chance to win? It isn’t pretty, but neither are the many messes we’re in, and we thus don't we desperately need to swallow hard and get him elected. It may not be too dramatic to say that our and the world’s future well being depends upon an Obama presidency.
So what happened? What might have happened? This may turn out to be old news by the time you read it, but if by then he still hasn't announced his choice, here's what I think—and hope--is going on:
He’s working on a deal with Hillary. Prior to his polling numbers slipping, with most now showing a version of a dead heat, he could finesse things—who might help him win one swing state (Indiana or Virginia) or who might add the appearance of gravitas to the ticket. No one who has been a part of that subtle assessment has the lifting capacity to help him more broadly. Except Hillary. Who, more than Hillary, for example, would do more to help him win Florida; and if he manages to do that, the numbers suggest it would be nearly impossible for McCain to be elected.
I know some may not like this thought considering how personal and low-road she tended to campaign during the primary season, but Hillary might be the best person to have on the ticket if the primary goal on Election Day is winning. Isn’t it a no-brainer that she more than any other possible VP choice can help assure Obama's election?
Then, if he's elected, there is the question of governing. And of chemistry. People worry about both. Won't Bill let loose again in the White House and Hillary thinking about running for president again four years from now undermine Obama? Both concerns, as I see them, are irrelevant because they can be easily managed. If Obama becomes president Hillary’s job, as well as Bill’s, is what Obama says it is. Except breaking ties in the Senate. If either one steps out, whatever deal they might be sticking now, Obama can change his mind and send his VP around to represent the U.S. at state funerals. The traditional role for vice presidents.
I am thinking and hoping that the delay in making the announcement is because they are deep into the details of a complex deal—how many cabinet positions Hillary gets to pick, what specifically will be her role in, say, healthcare legislation, etc.
Again, if I were Obama I’d be eager now to make such a deal, get elected, and then see how things work out. If they don’t, he could then pull the plug on the deals and her assignments and responsibilities.
Once more, like this or hate this, isn’t this the way to give him the best chance to win? It isn’t pretty, but neither are the many messes we’re in, and we thus don't we desperately need to swallow hard and get him elected. It may not be too dramatic to say that our and the world’s future well being depends upon an Obama presidency.
posted by Steven Zwerling at
6:56 AM
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