Stone me if I’m wrong, but I think there is potential for Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to team up after one of them wins the Democratic presidential nomination. Simply put, they will be running mates for the 2008 presidential election. If you watched the recent Democratic debate in Austin, TX, you could see that both senators, for the most part, sure were cozy. In fact, Sen. Obama included some foreshadowing remarks in his opening speech:”it’s a great honor to share the stage once again with Senator Clinton. I’ve said before that we’ve been friends before this campaign started; we’ll be friends afterwards, unified to bring about changes in this country.”If that is not enough proof, how about their reliance on one another? Throughout the debate, Sen. Obama would say something like, “Senator Clinton is right that” and Clinton would say, “I would agree with a lot that Senator Obama just said…” They clearly support each other’s ideas and, when it comes to political differences, they are few and far between. At the debate, both presidential hopefuls pointed out their extreme disappointment with the Bush administration and focused on the much-needed change that they plan to bring about. Both senators want the same changes, but plan to go about them differently. Sen. Obama explains these differences:”Senator Clinton and I both agree on many of these issuesAnd I think it has to be a priority for whoever the next president is to be able to overcome the dominance of the special interests in Washington, to bring about the kinds of economic changes that I’m talking about. And that’s an area where Senator Clinton and I may have a slight difference. But I’m happy to let her speak first and then can pick up on anything that’s been left out.”Could he be any nicer? Sen. Clinton sure can:”And, you know, no matter what happens in this contest — and I am honored, I am honored to be here with Barack Obama. I am absolutely honored. Whatever happens, we’re going to be fine.”This is not a Democratic duel for the 2008 presidential nomination; this is clearly a race to see who will be number one and who will be number two. Some argue that Sen. Clinton would never take the position of Vice President, and I agree to some extent. Sen. Clinton is very strong-willed and definitely wants things done her way, but I think that her devotion to this country is genuine and she would take the number two position if need be. Of course, she will not be number two without a fight and that is why she has attacked Sen. Obama on the most insignificant points. For example, Sen. Clinton’s campaign has recently accused Sen. Obama of plagiarizing some of his speeches. This would be a major political no-no, except that it was only two lines taken from his friend and national co-chair, Gov. Deval Patrick, who suggested Sen. Obama use those two lines as support for an argument. Sen. Clinton’s attack is just plain silly and it is quite clear that this is an under-handed attempt to be number one on the ballot. Democrats are outvoting Republicans two to one in recent primaries. I believe this is a result of incredible teamwork between Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton, as well as the energized youth vote that Republicans wish they had. All things considered, no Clinton or Obama supporter would be disappointed if they were on the same ticket; actually, I’m pretty sure they would be more eager to vote. History-making supporters of this dream team would be those who want an end to high energy costs, a drowning economy and a downright confusing war. It would definitely be a bed-wetting nightmare for Republicans.
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