The Democratic presidential primary race has split the base. Emotions are stressed, resulting in supporters of both candidates reporting that they would not vote for their Democratic opponent in the general election.
The Obama-Clinton contest may derail what appears to be a Democratic year by the acrimony resulting from their rivalry. The policies of both are so close that the contest is defined by personality choices instead of issues. Normally a unity ticket would serve party interests by bringing together opposing supporters, providing a base that could win the Democratic nominee the White House.
The idea of a ticket headed by U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) with U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) as the vice presidential candidate receives little credibility from the talking heads. Weekly they counted Hillary out of the running or defined the Rev. Jeremiah Wright a dagger that would end Obama's campaign. The pundits have less difficulty viewing an Obama-Clinton ticket then the other way around.
Politics is a war based upon strategy, measuring risks versus rewards. Considering the turnout for both candidates and possibility of forfeiting, both Obama and Clinton supporters have little choice but to offer the loser the vice presidency. It is often said that no one runs to become vice president, but when offered, no one refuses.
Only with a united party will the White House become democratic property.
Edward Horn
St. Michael's Cemetery, East Elmhurst
