It almost happened in 2008. It could happen in 2016. At some point, and some point soon, we'll see a woman in the White House. And her name might not necessarily be Hillary or Sarah. How's Debbie Wasserman Schultz sound? I know, I know, you're saying, "I've never heard of her. She doesn't have the name recognition of Sarah Palin or the major public policy buzz of Kathleen Sebelius. And while she doesn't have the baggage of a Michelle Bachman, she's not a Governor or U.S. Senator." All true. But listen up: Wasserman Schultz is riding a wave that will only get bigger, and she's got a few advantages that few others in the field -- woman or man -- can match.
Here are five reasons she could be on the Democratic ticket in 2016:
Democratic Unifier
Throughout the 2007 and 2008 primary season, Wasserman Schultz was resolute in her support for Hillary Clinton. Whether on TV, radio, or in the blogosphere, Wasserman Schultz was unflappable. But when Barack Obama won the nomination, Wasserman Schultz quickly endorsed him and campaigned vigorously. None of this has been lost on Democratic leaders. Her tireless efforts to unify the Obama and Clinton camps won her kudos from the party faithful, and instantly made her a power player in national politics.
Florida. Florida. Florida.
Wasserman Schultz represents the Sunshine State in the U.S. Congress; having her on the ticket would give the Democrats the upper hand in the infamous I-4 corridor connecting Daytona Beach, Orlando and Tampa. Grab the middle and you win the state -- Wasserman Schultz could be the Dems' surest bet.
Her Jewish Heritage
Before last fall, nobody thought a Jewish-American would ever have a legitimate chance at the White House. But with the tolerant views of 80 million politically involved millennials who helped elect President Obama, Wasserman Schultz's Jewish heritage won't be a liability. How she weighs in on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict between now and then will have a real impact on her standing in the Jewish community, but if she can find a way to please those folks while maintaining cred with younger voters, she could bring far more voters to the polls than Joe Lieberman did for Al Gore in 2000.
She's Tough ... Seriously!
By all accounts, she's funny, engaging and benevolent. But if you've seen her on cable and network shows, you'll know she's also very skilled at dismantling nonsensical arguments, and, leaving unprepared opponents picking their faces up off the ground. And she has used her tenacity, and tirelessness, to fight for the rights of families, women and children.
The 2016 and 2020 Anniversaries
2016 isn't just a presidential election year, it's also the 100th anniversary of Jeannette Rankin being the first woman elected to the Congress. Her victory was all the more remarkable because women couldn't vote -- that didn't come until four years later. The 2016 and 2020 elections promise to be reflective, euphoric and celebratory periods -- and with her considerable political gifts, Wasserman Schultz could take full advantage of the great national mood.
And yes, I know, it's still very, very early. A day in politics is like an eternity, and one day's worth of political earthquakes could shake up or diminish any predictions. I know. But don't tell me that a woman won't be either president of vice-president seven years from now. I just wouldn't bet against it. And I wouldn't bet against Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz being that woman.