Bob Beckel, a thoughtful Democratic party leader, opines that it is a no-brainer that Barack Obama should pick Hillary Clinton as his vice-presidential choice. Here is part of his opinion which articulates the reasons why Hillary Clinton should be chosen –
“Hillary Clinton immediately expands the electoral map putting states in play that are currently out of Obama’s reach; West Virginia, Kentucky, and Arkansas. She helps move toss up states to leaning Democrat; New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada (if Obama breaks north of 60% of the Hispanic vote he wins all three, Clinton helps get him there). Clinton helps solidify weak Democratic states including Pennsylvania and Michigan; she can bolster Obama’s lead in Ohio and probably makes Florida competitive which it is not currently. Any other VP candidate that can expand the map like this?
By putting Clinton on the ticket you marry up the best money and organizational operations in the history of the Democratic Party. It wasn’t her national organization that screwed up it was her supposed brain trust. With her money people committed, a $400 million dollar budget is very doable. Does any other VP choice have an organizational and money base like that?
You will sit atop the most unified Democratic Convention since the advent of television. The picture of you and Hillary Clinton together is a nightmare for Republicans. The GOP operatives are yearning for you to pick anyone besides Clinton. You scare them, she scares them, together you are their worst nightmare.
Finally, and maybe most important of all, McCain and the Right have only one hope of defeating you Senator, and that is to make you too naïve and risky to be Commander in Chief. Your vice presidential choice must reek of experience. The argument against Clinton is she represents the past and hurts your change message. Sure the voters want change from what hasn’t worked, but they embrace past success. Most voters recall the Clinton years (from a policy perspective at least) as successful. A message of change combined with a record of past success is a more comforting message than change alone. Can another VP candidate provide that level of comfort? Not even close.”
Tags: Barack Obama, Electoral map, Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Vice-President
