Kerry/Clinton 2004 ! Bill we want you back!

[tobius]

March 2, 2004, 10:34PM
Bill Clinton could be just the ticket for Kerry
By STEPHEN GILLERS
With John Kerry's success in Tuesday's primaries, the race for the Democratic nomination for president is all but over -- and speculation about his choice for vice president can now begin in earnest. <snip>

Clinton's strengths would compensate for Kerry's weaknesses almost perfectly. Not only is Clinton the most talented campaigner of his generation, but he is also a Southerner -- and since 1948, when Harry S. Truman chose Sen. Alben Barkley of Kentucky as his running mate, every successful Democratic ticket has included a citizen of a Southern state. <snip>
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/editorial/outlook/2430461

True, if Clinton were vice president he would be in line for the presidency. But Clinton would succeed Kerry not by election, which the amendment forbids, but through Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution, which provides that if a president dies, resigns or is removed from office, his powers "shall devolve on the vice president." The 22nd Amendment would not prevent this succession. <snip>

For Clinton, the appeal of the vice presidency is both political and personal. First, he could help his party win. Yes, Clinton remains a divisive figure in American politics -- but not so much among Democrats. And surely many voters long for the strong economy and economic stewardship that was one of the hallmarks of his administration. <snip>
And from a purely personal standpoint, it might be especially gratifying for Clinton to be part of the team that defeats the man who four years ago promised to restore "character" to Clinton's own White House.

would Bill say yes?

[Kenneth ken]

1. no, we don't.

lost control of the House under his 'leadership.'
almost lost the Senate, too.

[Langis]

2. Hell yea!

I think every freeper would have a heart attack.

[Webster Green]

3. It would sure make for some interesting posts in freeperville....

LOL just thinking about it!

[ComerPerro]

4. The FReepers already think Clinton will be the VP

But, Hillary.

[Spentastic]

5. Hmmm

You just may have found the one certain way to guarantee Bush victory.

Even the mention of Clinton has the right wing frothing at the mouth. They would pull together as never before and BURY a Clinton/ Kerry alliance.

[DarkSim]

6. Agreed...

A Kerry - Clinton alliance would be murder for us Democrats.

[aquart]

7. This is just silly.

[tobius]

8. Kerry hinted that he didn't think he could win in the south

gore lost TN! Clinton would be great for AA turnout.

[bowens43]

12. Not only silly

but despite what the article says, the big dog IS prohibited by the Constitution.

the 12th Amendment says:

" But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States."

[cornermouse]

9. That's a step down for Clinton.

He'd never do it.

[KG]

10. heh.

this is satire, right?

[namvet73]

11. Sounds like a Jay Leno monolog.

<Audience laughter.>

[Fitzovich]

13. Cheerleader and Fund Raiser

I really enjoyed the Clinton years but, I think his role now is to be the party cheerleader and fundraiser. I also think he provides a good choice as an attack dog to go after Bu$h. A role that Al Gore can also fill. The beauty of the Democratic party is that there is a place at the table for everyone. I just don't see the VP slot for Bill, I think he has a significant role but, not in that slot.

[Gman]

14. Excellent idea and to hell with what freepers think

because this year is about turnout of the bases. They can trash Kerry/Clinton like never before but they cannot get around the fact that everyone knows someone unemployed. How does trashing Kerry/Clinton put people back to work? That's the question they cannot answer.

[bowens43]

16. Clinton isn't eligible

See the 12th amendment

[Gman]

18. Its the 22nd amendment and it reads in part...

"1. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. ..."

The ammendment prohibits Clinton fromm being elected to the office of president, not VP. The Big Dog can serve as VP. As VP he can succeed the president should the situation arise and serve out that unexpired term. But he cannot run for election again for president on his own.

[Bombtrack]

15. It's an insane,stupid idea obviously from out-of-touch, whacked out people

Who have no grasp of electoral politics.

[bowens43]

17. and no grasp of the Constitution

[Moderator]

19. Locking

Choosing a VP candidate is still a primary topic. Please take the discussion to that forum.