Notes on Lessening the Fallout in Not Naming Hillary Clinton Vice President
Barack Obama has a major decision to make. And it could be one that has a major impact on his chance to be president.
Sometime soon, Obama will make his selection of a vice presidential running mate. It now appears certain that Hillary Clinton will not be Obama’s choice.
One thing is certain. If Clinton is not named to the ticket and no successful effort is made to soothe the still fresh wounds of her supporters, many Clinton delegates at the Democratic Party National Convention later this month will be screaming, “Why not Hillary?”
A Clinton rally, harmful to Obama, is already planned outside the convention center on the streets of Denver on the day Senator Clinton is scheduled to speak. This rally would be highly divisive since so many Clinton delegates believe that their candidate was improperly denied the nomination. Hillary Clinton supporters could disrupt the convention with a massive floor demonstration in support of their candidate. Or they could place Clinton’s name in nomination for the presidency and demand a roll call vote that would highlight the party’s divisions.
This would put Obama in a terrible bind. How Obama handles this could prove decisive. One way to diffuse the situation would be to make a totally “out of the box” selection for vice president such as Colin Powell or GOP Senator Chuck Hagel. By reaching across party lines, Obama can make a highly credible point that he is seeking the widest possible tent to bring in GOP and independent voters. The novelty of such an appointment would be a public relations coup that would divert attention from grumblings in the Clinton camp.
But if Obama were to choose one of the Democratic party regulars such as Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius or Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, Obama will have to defend his choice to the Clinton wing of the Democratic Party.
Obama has stated that he will announce his selection to supporters by e-mail and text messages. Soon afterward or simultaneously, Obama undoubtedly will hold a press conference in which he and the VP nominee will make a joint appearance. Obama’s best strategy may be to try to enlist the Clintons’ support at this event. Possibly Bill and Hillary Clinton could be convinced to be on hand when Obama introduces his choice of vice president. For Obama this would be a bold request, but the Clintons would be hard pressed to come up with a reason for refusing to help. A ringing endorsement from the Clintons of whomever Obama chose at the time of the announcement would help calm opposition. If, prior to the convention, Hillary Clinton is seen to be onboard with Obama’s choice, it will be more difficult for her supporters to openly voice their dissatisfaction.
The Clintons will be less than enthusiastic about this project. But it wouldn’t hurt to ask.
Other Voices (Click to be directed to particular article)
McCain, Obama Tiptoe Across Vice Presidential Minefield by Janet Hook of the Los Angeles Times
Obama’s Vice Presidential Dilemma by Michael Duffy of Time magazine
Vice Presidential Choice for Obama Is Pivotal by Brenda Brissette Mata of the Flint Journal
Hillary Clinton, Vice-President Sore Loser by Kelly McFarland of the National Post
Hillary has always had a “hidden agenda”, and her political and personal track record is one to be watched. As a person of color it is beyond me as to why she has such a following. Techonolgy is a short-fall for Black/African Americans. Thus, this population fails to stay informed. As in Hosea 4:6 “..My are distroyed for a lack of knowledge”.
Barack Obama’s color is not a reason for getting the vote, it is his youth, some inexperience, and innovative vision for this nation and its people. Experience seems to be the hype for Hillary and McCain regarding Obama, but they fail to remember that inexperience allows one to have clearer sight of what “real” issues, concerns, and the world” expects form a leader. The past distruction of this nation was based on those with “experience.” People sixty and older (me), should want the minds of the youth to lead for the reason that an old person dismantled our military and the bases.
Go forward Obama, be ever watchful, and stand fast for the truth. I have had my fill of “Clintonism, and the GOP”
Yesterday’s NPR reported Cindy Macain as saying she is an only child when she has a step sister and family. When her billionaire father died she inherited it all except for a paltry sum for the step sister whose son is a fireman and can’t find a job. So she spends her time doing charity for others and ignores/disowns her own family? Are those family values we need in a potential first lady?
TALK ABOUT ELITEST! Why would anyone want the McShames in the White House after everything they have done??????????? Cindy McCain broke up John’s first marriage, stole drugs and now wants to be First Lady! John cheated on his first wife with his second and lied about it……….that alone shows America what kind of President he would be! Just because he was a war hero does not make him the best choice for President. He sounds like a war monger and bully that will threaten all countries with war!!!!!
Great content. I’ll keep coming back for similar posts which I cannot wait to read….