My collected thoughts on "The Dream Ticket"

Ok, here goes:

I'm pretty sure anyone reading this is well aware that I have supported Senator Clinton through this entire primary season. They also should know that it is not because I disliked Obama in any way; I simply liked Clinton more.

However, now we know that the presidential Democratic nominee will be Barack Obama, and that is that. The last few days have been quite sad, as I had really, really wanted Clinton to get the nomination. But here we are, and now the question is: who does Obama choose as VP. I'm sure no one would be surprised to hear me say it should be Clinton, but hear me out.

Do I believe that, in terms of ideology and compatibility, do I believe that Clinton and Obama are the best pair? No, I do not. She is basically the antithesis of his campaign (though I disagree wholeheartedly with the extent to which people demonized her during the primaries). If we are looking simply at his message, and trying to find a VP that meshes with it, then she would not be the best choice.

HOWEVER, do I believe that Obama should choose Clinton if he wants to win? Yes. Right now, he is in a statistical tie with McCain, within the standard of error. However, looking at the electoral college, he will be handily defeated by McCain. Looking at Hillary, she fares a bit better than Obama in populary vote percentages, but beats him in electoral votes by over 100 points! She has the big, important swing states. A big reason for this is because she competes directly with McCain for the working-class voters, and does well. Obama struggles with those voters. Incorporating the two has shown to serve as a one-two-punch, with each of them drawing their own section of voters.

Another thing to look at is the fact that, unfortunately, many Clinton supporters feel that she was treated poorly, and that Obama 'stole' the nomination. I don't necessarily agree with that, but its how they feel. Many of them have announced that they plan to jump over to McCain, for various reasons. Putting Clinton on the ticket will bring them back; I also feel that adding Clinton will upset Obama supporters initially, but I feel that they support him enough (and dislike McCain enough) that it wouldn't really cause a break.

So I can see why people are against the so-called "Dream Ticket," but I am afraid it needs to happen. We NEED to beat McCain. I think this is the only way to ensure that.


Whew... (Anne, don't hate me!)