11 June 2008

A Female Veep--But Not Hillary?

It was reported last week in the national media that Hillary Clinton would simply not accept another woman on the ticket as Barack Obama’s running mate. If she wasn’t the choice, then Obama would have to select a man.

I am not sure of the accuracy of this report, but the political dilemma is worth discussing. If Senator Clinton still dreams of being the first female president of the United States, it would not be in her interest to have a competitor. And even if Obama loses in November, his running mate would become, along with Senator Clinton, a strong contender for the 2012 election. That would set up a pleasant situation—two women heading the list of possible Democratic presidential candidates. Nothing wrong with that.

If (or should I say when) Obama wins in November we will have a different situation. The nation's first female vice-president would immediately become the heir apparent to President Obama--although 2016 is a long way off. Clearly however, Hillary Clinton’s chances of becoming president would decline precipitously.

But what will the Clinton supporters think of a different women being named Obama’s running mate? In my opinion, they would be unable to criticize this choice even if disappointed. Would they deny another female a spot on the ticket? Even if Clinton is not the choice, wouldn’t it still be remarkable to have an African-American/female team? Much of Clinton’s campaign would be validated to a great degree and her supporters would have to feel some amount of satisfaction.

Finally, could Clinton stop Obama from selecting a female? I suppose she could put enough pressure to do just that. But what if the word got out? It would simply reinforce an image of Hillary Clinton as a selfish and ruthless politician who cared only about her own self-interest—not the party, and not the feminist movement. No, she simply cannot make this demand. If discovered, her future role as a party leader would be diminished severely. Even her chances of running for president in the future would be damaged.

The fact is, this is the perfect time to select a female running mate. Hillary Clinton has opened the door for a woman to be selected immediately. Obama needs to take advantage of that opening. Yes, it would probably end Clinton’s presidential hopes—but her chances are slim anyway. The Clinton 18-million would have to be supportive. And finally, it would give an opportunity for a number of Democratic women (and Republican women also) to run for president in the next few election cycles.

History will give Hillary Clinton credit for making this situation possible now. This might not be what she had in mind--but it isn't a bad legacy. Now Barack Obama must make the next move.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

If not veep, what do you think about Hillary as Sec. of State? She and Bill could spend the next four years traveling around the world schmoozing and try to mend the relationships which W has broken. With the current state of the US image in the world the selection of Sec. of State (not to mention ambassadors actually qualified to serve in their host countries) may be more important now than ever before.

CSP 2003

Anonymous said...

With the sweeping changes which Obama would like to make I believe it is of primary importance that his selection of veep be someone who is in agreement with his policies so that the executive branch can provide a unified front against criticism. As much as I would love to see a women in the executive branch I think Edwards is the guy. He and Obama appear to have similar domestic goals and I am of the opinion that the veep will emerge as the domestic policy leader in the next term; perhaps not in formulation but certainly in implementation. The President will be too wrapped up (in no particular order) the fallout of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the failing global economy, the resource crisis, the foreign relations mess, terrorism, global warming, immigration, border security, it goes on and on... In general Global Issues will become the pervue of the President while Domestic issues will be left to the veep who, thanks to Cheney, has become a much more important figure in our government.

CSP 2003

Anonymous said...

Of course my plan for Edwards may be mute as he may have already made a deal to become Attorney General. However, I believe this would be a waste of his talents as the position has lost a lot of respect in recent years and he would immediately be shaded with the Gitmo mess which was not of his making. Now the Attorney General in the era of Robert Kennedy, when real policy change could be made through the position, would be a better fit, but, that time has come and gone and is not likely to return.

CSP 2003