John McCain’s surprise pick of Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate has certainly caught the Democrats off-guard. The well spoken, attractive governor of Alaska has captured, at least a significant amount of voters’ interest. The Dems are reeling at the moment, but did it have to be this way? No-this race could have been over.
The Democratic primary was a nasty affair, not unheard of, but due to the historical nature of it all, was much more noteworthy. Here’s my opinion, and it most likely is a fact: If Obama had chosen Hillary Clinton as his running mate, Obama would have a 20 point lead at this point, and the Democrats would be marching into The Whitehouse in November. Now it appears that Obama could actually lose! On the surface this seemed like the logical choice. The votes were split nearly down the middle, and choosing Hillary would have united an excited, energized Democratic party. So why a hack like Biden? Even Biden himself is out on the campaign trail stating Hillary would have been a better choice! So why did Obama not do the obvious and virtually guarantee his ascencion to power?
Because Obama if afraid. He understands that if he wins, Hillary’s dream-a lifetime goal of becoming President of the United States is pretty much gone. Would Hillary sit back and let that happen? During the primary, she was asked in an interview why she remained in the race, despite the fact that it appeared Obama had the nomination wrapped up. She initimated “anything could happen”, and even cited the assassination of Robert Kennedy as an example. I don’t think Obama took that as an off-the-cuff comment, as well he shouldn’t. Hillary wants The White House, and it’s Obama, not McCain that stands in her way.
The Dems fouled this up horribly, and they may pay the price by having another Republican in The White House, something almost unheard of a short time ago. After Bush, it appeared as though all the Democrats had to do is show up, and it would be over. Well, they did show up, but so fractured that even if Obama does win, they’ll be limping into the White House. As it stands now, if McCain wins, Hillary comes back in four years-a reasonable scenario. If Obama wins…I just don’t see Hillary taking a back seat to someone who took her place in line to the throne.
Michael: My father is no different than any powerful man, any man with power, like a president or senator.
Kay: Do you know how naïve you sound, Michael? Presidents and senators don’t have men killed.
Michael: Oh. Who’s being naïve, Kay?
(The Godfather, 1972).
He was being honest, but it adds to his reputation as a loose canon. Wise people just don’t say everything they know and think.
Comment by richardcorke — September 13, 2008 @ 8:48 am