Maybe a scenario most reasonable and real supporters can get behind

[LostinVA]

The Primary is so damned close, and I;m starting to think both candidates need the other to beat McCain, and we sure as hell know both candidates' supporters are needed -- as well as Edwards', DK's, etc.

I was thinking about this on my long, rainy commute this morning, and Bunnies' excellent OP made me think about it more.

What all would you say if something like the following went down before the convention (no flaming, no bashing, no dickishness, please -- we need to start thinking -- we can go back to fighting at noon):

I think there's a possibility this will happen in a "backroom deal" way, depending on the next few weeks. And, I think it will go Clinton/Obama, because of what what each brings to the ticket and because of the senatorial seniority thing. This is pure speculation on my part, but, depending on the next six weeks or so, I think a great scenario would be HRC in the top spot, Obama VP. 12 years of Dem rule, with Clinton serving one term, with Obama promised 100% support in his run as President, and HRC given a USSC appointment if possible... or, at least a Federal judgeship if she wants it.

As Is aid in the other thread, it's fun speculation -- like talking about "Lost."


on edit: I won't comment much, because I'm interested to see what people have to say.

on edit 2: I'm changing the scenario to reflect Kurt's suggestion.

on edit 3: She could serve one or two terms.

[scheming daemons]

Seriously...and non-snarkily....

...I just can't see Obama taking such a deal after all the character-assassination done by the Clinton campaign the past couple weeks.

I think he'll give Hillary the virtual middle-finger.... and it will be deserved.

[Clovis Sangrail]

1. o.o

Do you realize how aristocratic that sounds?
Not the idea of Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton, but the "backroom deal" for support and a USSC appt.

[LostinVA]

9. Not aristocratic at all -- it's politics, unfortunately

It's almost as bad as Olympic figure skating.

[lumberjack_jeff]

2. I think its a reasonable solution

But I have doubt that those who have felt the hug of hope can settle for less than immediate gratification.

[Wayjose]

6. Obama will not take VP, she will take it

and Bill will be UN Ambassador

[IndianaJones]

3. only scenario that will lead to victory in November. nt.

[Uben]

4. Clinton/Obama/Clinton

With a Clinton/Obama ticket, we would also be getting Bill, and the world loves Bill. I was thinking she should agree not to run for prez and back him in 2012. That way, they both win. After that, they could run in 2016 on their own merits as president.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

5. The candidates agree to Clinton/Obama, and that Hillary will serve only one term.

Not going to happen, but it's the right answer.

[LostinVA]

10. I actually think that's fine

Again, it probably won't happen, but it would work, I think.

[democrattotheend]

23. And she can't run again if they lose

That has to be part of the deal. If he steps aside and she loses, she doesn't get another chance.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

25. That's a given... if the Dem candidate loses in 2008 they will be the most hated figure in the party

[Renew Deal]

7. I don't understand the judgeship.

Why would she want that? Also, I doubt she would survive a senate approval.

[Neecy]

8. how is that reasonable?

Obama leads in the pledged delegate count and will continue to lead in it up to the convention. Why would he accept 2nd place on the ticket? Because of Senatorial "Seniority"? Insane.

[LostinVA]

11. Question answered

[democrattotheend]

26. It might be worth it for him

Then in 4 years, he could either run as the VP or be the presumptive frontrunner for the nomination if they lose (that has to be part of the deal...she doesn't get to run again in 4 years if she is at the top of the ticket and they lose). But I can't see her agreeing to only serve 1 term.

[InvisibleTouch]

33. No reason she couldn't serve 2 terms...

...and he gets the 2 terms thereafter. He's young and has time.

[pbca]

12. Seriously, not trying to be dickish but..

I won't vote for Hillary, regardless of the VP - not this year, not in 4 years, not in 8

[LostinVA]

14. Understood

[Apollo11]

30. Some folks don't have to try

In your case it appears to be the easiest thing in the world! :P

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

13. I Agree With You Completely, And Think That May Be Exactly How Things Go.

I think it would be an awesome thing if it turned out like that. It would be exciting as hell!

[LostinVA]

15. I agree!

Poor Johnny wouldn't know what to do.

And, who the heck can they get as VP???

[Phillycat]

16. I would be very happy to vote for that ticket.

It would really allay my dislike for Obama's arrogance in running really before he should have - should have been 2012 or even 2016 before he ran for Pres. Dude was a STATE SENATOR two years ago. If he can show that he is willing to take a backseat and actually learn about federal politics for 4 years, I would have a lot more respect for him - and it would make him more than the empty suit I see now.

[LostinVA]

17. Exactly my main problem with him before The Ex Gay Clown event

Which is why I would get behind him in a Presidential run with four years as VP under his belt.

[Beausoir]

18. I dunno. I just don't know. The only way I would consider it would be Clinton/Obama.

But I have such grave reservations about him. I do not, at this point, think I could get on board.

It would definitely be a nuke to the heart of the GOP. It would definitely energize the country.

[JackORoses]

19. this is Hillary's only hope now since she can't win.

Fuck her! She gets nothing. She deserves nothing.

[LostinVA]

20. Yet another postive message of Hope and Change

[JackORoses]

34. No, It's a message of disgust at a reprehensible Human Being

Hillary can not take this away from Obama, so she wants to force him to share.
Fuck that!

[democrattotheend]

21. If the candidates would agree, that just might work

I can't see HRC agreeing to only serve one term, and while I think Clinton at the top of the ticket makes more sense than the other way around in some ways, I don't think it's fair to ask him to play second fiddle when he has won more delegates. But if she would agree to only serve one term, and not to run again in 2012 if they lose, it might be worth it for him to accept the VP slot, and your plan just might work.

[LostinVA]

36. I think it might, too

Wouldn't it be fun to be able to switch bodies with Howard Dean for a bit?!

[Blue_Roses]

22. I actually talked to somebody last night at the caucus

who was voting like this. She said we can't get Barack Obama in the WH without Hillary. Four years of Hillary as pres with Obama as VP. Weird but I could go for it if all else fails.

[geek tragedy]

24. Pffft. Reasonable for a Clinton supporter.

Completely unreasonable for Obama supporters.

[Eurobabe]

27. Obama will not be Clinton's 3rd wheel. Sorry.

:hi: Just my opinion.

[Apollo11]

32. A "3rd wheel" in charge of chairing the US Senate for the next 4 years.

Sounds good to me! B-)

[Eurobabe]

39. Yeah, I'm sure that's what he's angling for, NOT

:eyes:

[Apollo11]

28. It sure makes sense to me!

I started a thread about this exact same scenario a few hours back:
www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4899922

[LostinVA]

37. I missed that -- sorry!

[Apollo11]

42. No problem

I would be happy if this whole Forum was flooded with threads calling for a Unity Ticket! B-)

[Celeborn Skywalker]

29. That would be fine.

I just want it to end soon. I'm past the point of caring whether Obama or Clinton comes out on top. I just know that this cannot last until late August without seriously decreasing our chances of defeating McCain. I'm not a Hillary supporter, but at this point I'd be happy with a Clinton/Obama ticket so we can get to the business of kicking McCain's ass.

[InvisibleTouch]

31. I would be thrilled and delighted with such a solution. n/t

[Straight Shooter]

35. I'm in agreement because I'm thinking long-term, not short-term

One thing holding a lot of people back is their perception of Obama as inexperienced. I don't understand why only 1 term would be agreed upon for Hillary. Presidents traditionally get their agendas accomplished more decisively in the second term, for better or worse.

FWIW, I was discussing this issue with a friend this morning. He brought the subject up; I didn't. He is extremely well-versed with the world of politics, as cynical and unimpressed by any candidate as a person can be, but he thinks Clinton/Obama is the ticket to the White House.

[Bluehoosiergal]

38. Why its not gonna happen

She cannot overcome his lead in pledged delegates, right? That is pretty much accepted, HRC supporters, you can do the math and even in a best case scenario, it is damn near impossible.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/118240/output/print

Or do it yourself and see:

http://www.slate.com/features/delegatecounter/

I think what HRC is hoping for now is that she will be rescued by the supers who will pressure Obama into being her Veep to ensure democratic rule for the next 16 years. The Dems know they have to have Obama on the ticket because of his extraordinary fundraising and his ability to attract new young voters. That sounds great to me, its just that Obama can accomplish that without her, but she cannot without him. And how many HRC supporters can realistically imagine at this point her accepting to be his Veep? Really, the only way it will work that is fair is he gets top spot because he leads in the pledged delegates at the end. I will accept HRC as the nominee if she ends up with the most pledged delegates at the end, but that is next to impossible.

So here is my hopeful prediction on how she will have to drop out or assume the Veep position. Expect very soon he will have a one-two punch: he will announce the support of the rumored 50 new supers http://thepage.time.com/2008/03/04/tom-brokaw-says-obama-has-50-more-superdelegates-in-his-back-pocket/ and at the same time will announce his never-ever-been-heard-of-before fundraising total for the month of February, rumored to be over $50 mill and possibly as high as $70 mill!

When that happens, the party elders will have a heart to heart with HRC and tell her that there is no way she can win and must drop out now so we can prepare for the GE without her taking more cheap shots at Obama and giving the 'pubs more fuel to attack himin the GE. She will never accept his Veep offer and hopefully will just go back to being a Senator. You heard it here first. Gobama!

[Apollo11]

41. So Hillary should quit because Obama raised more $$$?

I think Superdelegates pay attention to the popular vote in all these primaries, and especially in battleground states.

I also think Superdelegates pay close attention to national polls and who can beat John McCain in November.

Hillary's numbers have been improving steadily over the past few days (see Rassmusen Reports for example).

All of these factors will be taken into consideration by the superdelegates, as far as I know. B-)

[Iceburg]

40. Reasonable, and smart /nt