A Chequer-Board of Nights and Days

The rumors that Hillary Clinton may be Barack Obama's running mate are now officially rampant. I am in no position to offer advice to Democrats, but I think that this is inane. We already have Clinton on record as having said that she and John McCain would bring a lifetime of experience to the Presidency while Barack Obama would only bring his anti-Iraq war speech from 2002. At least one of her key supporters--perhaps with Clinton's private backing--is making "nice campaign you got here, Obama. Too bad if anything should happen to it" threats. And even if a Obama-Clinton ticket makes its way to the White House, the new President would need foodtasters. The Clintons are not used to sharing power and don't do it gracefully. Indeed, given this story, one can only conclude that the Clintons are effectively blackmailing Obama into offering her the second slot if only to perhaps keep Hillary Clinton from pressing her case right up to the convention. If this is anyone's idea of a strong potential President, I would collapse from sheer shock.

Vice Presidents add nothing to the ticket. People vote for the candidate at the top of the ticket, not the second banana. To the extent that "balance" is required on the ticket, having two Senators won't provide it. And there are plenty of people out there who are more experienced than Hillary Clinton and who can step into the top job more smoothly should anything happen. Why this pairing is even being contemplated is a mystery.

But hey, it will keep popcorn stocks high, what with the viewer entertainment an Obama-Clinton ticket would bring.