| I think it would be a HUGE mistake for Obama to take Hillary as a running mate for a number of reasons. The primary reason is that it undermines the appeal that Obama has -- the reason that Obama has gained such support is that he is pushing a message of inclusiveness and an end to the partisan divisiveness that has characterized the last 2 administrations. There is no way that he could follow through with that with a Clinton on the ticket - way too much history and baggage.
I think that he should privately promise her a cabinet-level position, and leave it at that. She will have more power and influence that way. (Personally, I think she should stay in the Senate where she could be a driving force behind the legislation that he will sign as President -- she would have even MORE power that way -- but I don't know if she's got the sense to realize that. If she really cared about the policy differences they have expressed, like differences in health plans, that's what she would do -- because Congress, not the President, writes the legislation. )
As to a running mate: preferably he should appoint someone from a southern state with strong foreign policy credentials, military experience, and who would appeal to independents as well as dems. It needs to be someone who fills the right gaps but is also going to be perceived as trustworthy, honorable, and part of the "change" message. |