How badly do the Republicans want to win in 2008? How important is it, especially with regard to national security and upcoming Supreme Court appointments, that someone representing the right side of the political spectrum be elected the next president of the United States? And suppose Hillary is the nominee?
What if the Republican nominee selects Obama for the VP slot?
[I'll pause while you catch your breath...]
I am not advocating this move or endorsing the idea, but it is interesting. I floated the idea during dinner party banter. But think about it. From a political junkie’s point-of-view, political strategery of this nature is fascinating to consider.
BENEFITS:
The Republican ticket would win the election.
Republicans co-opt someone who is capturing the imagination of the media, the youth, and the black communities.
Obama is young, smart, articulate. He knows how to communicate (If you disagree with this point, you are so clouded by your partisanship that you may as well stop reading).
In his role as VP, he probably would make a wonderful ambassador of goodwill around the world.
The black community would have a difficult time not voting for the ticket that will include the first black VP and someone about whom they have already lavished praise, endorsements, money, etc.
DISADVANTAGES:
Barack Obama is extremely liberal and this scenario almost guarantees he would be the favorite “incumbant” in 2012.
Intentionally placing an inexperienced liberal one heartbeat away from the presidency is… irresponsible. What if something happened to the Republican president in the near term and Obama was immediately elevated to the office of president (ANSWER: The strategy would have obviously backfired and the Republican would have intentionally jeopardized the security of the country to win an election).
Republicans are in a serious jam this election cycle. Think outside the box people.
Mon, Jan 14, 2008
The Political Arena