Clinton Clout -- The Hand of Hillary Clinton Behind Obama's Selection of a Vice Presidential Running Mate
While speculation swirls around who Senator Barack Obama will choose for his vice presidential running mate, it is likely that, besides his wife, someone else will also know before the rest of the country - the Other Woman in Obama's life, Hillary Clinton. She may have lost the battle for the Democratic nomination but, as recent events have demonstrated, she has won the war to become the most powerful female politician in U.S. history.
Hillary Clinton's single-minded pursuit of the Democratic Presidential nomination - her surprising stumble at the Iowa caucuses; her stunning comeback the following week at the New Hampshire Primary; her tenacious sprint to the finish line against Barack Obama - have firmly established her as a political force to be reckoned with. The Democratic National Convention's decision to place her name in nomination when it convenes next week - even symbolically - leaves little room for doubt: Regardless of who is elected President, Clinton is now the de facto First Lady of the United States.
A Base of Operation
In her race against Obama, Clinton amassed a formidable base of supporters as passionate and tenacious as she is. To this day, they continue to stubbornly resist fully crossing over to Obama, despite - or perhaps because of - Clinton's somewhat half-hearted call for party unity. Without Clinton's complete and unconditional backing, Obama's chances to beat McCain are significantly diminished. He has been forced, therefore, to extend a series of peace offerings to Clinton, such as giving her husband the podium on the third night of the convention, as well as "symbolically" placing her name in nomination.
But Clinton isn't one to be mollified by symbols alone. Very likely, she has demanded - and gotten - a voice into whom Obama ultimately chooses for a running mate. She wants to make sure he chooses someone who will also be her ally in the White House; someone who will champion her cause until a future time when she can again mount another bid for her former abode. It's the only way she could conceivably become motivated to aggressively and enthusiastically back him.
Despite a recent CBS poll saying a majority of voters would like to see Clinton in the vice presidential slot, she's smart enough to know it wouldn't be the right move for her - and therefore won't push it. The two are philosophically complete opposites and would find it hard to work together. There's also no faster way to shut someone down than to make them a vice president, where they are prevented from overshadowing or bad-mouthing their boss. Clinton would want the independence to criticize Obama and even outshine him, should the opportunity arise.
Politically, it would also not make the most effective ticket. The public senses the tension between them and will consider them insincere whenever they praise one another.
A Mud Bath
Ironically, aside from bringing along her block of supporters, Clinton can be of great value to Obama, both during the presidential race and in the White House (should he win). John McCain has happily discovered that mudslinging is a surprisingly effective weapon against his rival. Obama has hesitated to fully release the hounds that are his surrogate mouthpieces to counter-attack with frivolous accusations of their own - but this is Clinton's milieu. Her many years in the grimy battlefield of Washington have toughened her morally. She is not burdened with the same ethical dilemmas as Obama, who is new to the political game. Clinton can sling mud with the best of them, and could prove an effective wingman for a frazzled Obama, hitting back at McCain below the belt, where he is as vulnerable as any other man.
She is Woman, Hear Her Roar
Hillary Clinton may have failed to spark a resurgence in the popularity of pantsuits among working women, but in her dogged refusal to go gently into that good night, after losing to Obama, she secured for herself something even better - relevancy. Should Obama win the White House, Michelle better make up the guest room, because the First Family is going to have company.
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I Think she may be given a a post that might match her abilities.
I guess it's all relative. From where I sit she doesn't have that much clout. But I'm also not a politician.
In my opinion, Hillary and Bill Clinton, although once did have some clout, have it no longer. The sooner they accept that they are washed up the better. please do not pimp for these two disgusting people. NO ONE is going to buy it. I fervently hope that the people of New York have been aware of the machinations of these two manipulators who believe they are more powerful than they actually are. They are both liars. Even the daughter was programmed to lie (Bosnis sniper fire episode) Sorry, but please stop promoting this despicable couple. We need to move on and they represent nothing but the DC mentality and the quest for power, the country be damned.
Go away Clintons. You had your day in the sun and you are now old.
YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD . AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE , SENATOR CLINTON IS THE BEST . SENATOR OBAMA WILL HAVE TO LISTEN TO HER .
Bull with a capital B...Condoleeza Rice should be thought of as the most powerful woman in the U.S. and she is not for the same reason that Hillary will never be the most powerful. Neither of these women is generally liked and their politcs stink for different reasons. Too many of us see Hillary as divisive within her own party and with a sense of entitlement out of proportion to her skill set. This woman bungled a primary campaign that was in the bag. I have no respect for her based on her recent primary tactics. Those of you who would rather a McCain win than an Obama win live in the twilight zone. Hillary does not for many of us represent the type of female candidate we want to lead this country...she has shown she will do anything to win. She and Mary Matalin are a pair if you want my opinion...and even if you don't!
"SENATOR CLINTON IS THE BEST . SENATOR OBAMA WILL HAVE TO LISTEN TO HER ."
This is the reason why Clinton will get NOTHING from Obama.
1. for the love of mike, would people please stop saying hillary "came back" in new hampshire? she was never, ever, ever behind. all she did was narrowly avoid tanking. oh, she'll come back, all right. like clamydia. but not until denver.
2. obama is not "asserting himself against white america." he's asserting himself FOR white america. mccain the job-shoveler is asserting himself against white america. and black america. and yellow america. and pink america. and brown america. and chartreuse america. and fluffy mauve polka dot america.
3. all of which is beside the point. if "she" can't run, and if mccain doesn't win, it's bye-bye dubai oil wells and cinch-sak kazakh uranium mines and shoo-shoo chinese shoe factories. that's why she must defeat obama at all costs. or at least hamstring his presidency. you know, like kennedy did carter.
http://politiqs.tommyjonq.com
If this is true, it will not be an Obama ticket. The very thought of this is sickening. As each day passes I read more that causes me to out right dislike the Clinton name, to the point of border line hate and distain. These are two very contemptable people. Most people would step back and give honor to the winner, but these two are so power and money hungry that they will stoop to any level to have some sort of control. If anywhere along the line I discover or even think that Obama is or has become a Clinton puppet I will do a write in vote for Powell or someone else. I will not give honor or homage to anyone that becomes a political puppet or attempts to become a puppeteer. This discust me beyond my wildest immigination.
Are you nuts?
You and the rest of the haters keep letting yourselves be influenced by these people.
"if this is true..."
This is an OPINION.
This is part of Clinton Derangement Syndrome... pull out any case, in any way to try to make HRCF and Bill to look bad.
Why do you give these peoples opinions any weight at all.
If he said the same exact thing about Obama you wouldn't react this way.
The fricking punditry and HHaters have you people brainwashed. You behave exactly like the far right wingnuts who were brainwashed into HHate by the neocons-- in fact most of the talking points used are exactly the same.
Please, do your own research.
Why would you listen to someone else when there is plenty of real information on reputable sites that give facts that would disabuse you of all this ridiculous spin.
If you are getting your information from the likes of HurrPo no wonder you are practically delusional with hate.
sheesh.
If I were a betting woman I'd be willing to bet that HRC has NO idea whom Obama has chosen. And if O has chosen Sebilius, she couldn't do a thing to change his decision.
"Hillary Clinton . . . in her dogged refusal to go gently into that good night, after losing to Obama . . . secured for herself something even better - relevancy."
That's true if, by "relevancy", you mean a needless $50 Million campaign debt and the scorn of decent people of all political stripes, fed by her pathological self-absorption and complete disdain for truth and civility.
It is so hard for me to accept that the people who write to this thread can be so childlike in their approach to politics.Politics is about winning not being a nice guy. If Obama fans don't realize this he will never be elected.The Clintons got elected many times because they know that winning is the only thing in politics.They know how to defeat the Republicans and have done it and will continue to do it.Hillary will be elected and reelected in NY for many years to come .
Somehow, I don't think she'll have as easy next time.
I think more of us are tired of the Clintonista brand of politics than you think.
"It is so hard for me to accept that the people who write to this thread can be so childlike in their approach to politics"
If its so hard, BigBen, why do you continue to degrade yourself?
Sorry, I do not accept her war vote as acceptable. I do not accept the excuses for this horrific war and the vote to allow it. If some do, then I can only be very sad that this is accepted as part of the politics of the day. My god---hundreds of thousands are now dead. Soon some 5000 Americans in the prime of their life, will have died in Iraq and now in Afganistan. This is to be accepted as part of the politics of the day? Geebus=== I wonder what is wrong with human beings today that this is perfectly acceptable and excusable as "politics"?
As it happens, politics are not exclusively about winning. You're certainly entitled to think otherwise, but I'm entitled to think that all who do are unprincipled, ill educated or both.
I've followed U.S. politics since JFK ran for President and hold degrees in government, finance and law. I can say with confidence that the Clintons' shameless style of politics may be the only path open to those as driven but limited as they are, but it is not the only path open to those of real talent, vision and integrity.
As for Obama, he played his game while she played hers. Please note who will accept the nomination next week with a tidy sum in his campaign chest, and who lost, has tens of millions of dollars of unpaid campaign debt, and spoiled her own chances for being on the ticket--even as the candidate for VP. If winning is everything, what is she?
This is ridiculous. Do your research. Obama has been in politics longer than Hillary, whose only experience is that of a Senator. Granted his prior experience was not at the national level, but that makes him "new" to politics? There's no mudslinging at state and local elections? Don't be absurd.
And we are to believe there is some surrogate that Hillary wants in the White House as VP to continue to exert her influence?
Even if she had influence to affect the choice of VP, a very questionable proposition for which you offer nothing but conjecture, once that's done, she'd be out - not in the white house for the duration as you suggest - sorry, that's just preposterous.
Actually, they say state Senate is more work than U.S Senate. Last I knew, being First Lady really didn't count as true political experience - it is not an elected or appointed office; it is a benefit of marriage also known as coat tails.
When will we be free from the Cclinton plague? Bill is praising McCain for his Exxon driven energy policy. Hill is still campaigning for Hill.
And all we hear about are ther DLC choices Obama has for VP! Joe Biden is as bad a choice as Joe Lieberrman was. They water their horses out of the same AIPAC and corporate troughs.
Let's have a real America First type VP: Kaine, Sebelius, Richardson, .....
and if you absolutely must go with a DLCer, Bayh is better than Biden.
And I can't stand Bayh.
I do not believe for one second that Hillary demanded to have hand in Obama's VP selection. I don't like her, but I have to be fair. Did he seek her or Bill Clinton's advice? maybe. But to say demand is just wrong.
how can you say that? The Clintons have been demanding since they lost in June.
Joe is no threat at age 65 to a five year younger Hill-- in 8 years he'll be too old to run-- but she won't be too old...
Hmmmm.....let me see.....how about Chelsea for Veep? That way the Clintons could keep their dynasty going. Give me a break, Obama has a few chips to play himself.....
What is it with the sudden flurry of articles in the past couple weeks about Hillary Clinton, all based almost solely on Wishful Thinking? Are the last few holdout Clintonistas only now just realizing that the world has moved on without them, and Hillary? Why all this last minute hand-waving?
Do you think Mario is a clintonista?
did you read the article?
Lord have mercy you people with your CDS have done more to set the Democratic party back, to split it in two then anyone before you.
The Clintons built the party back up after it languished forevah and "the newly energized" voters, the new "base" that Donna and Dean seem to think will now replace the old base of blue collar, working class voters pissed all over it with your stupidly working against your own interests by spewing venom and hate, misinformation, distortion and outright lies and using neocon tactics... aqd all the while projecting the actions you yourselves have been self indulgently engaging in onto the Clintons.
It would be laughable if it wasn't so tragic.
Grow up, you people have ruined what should have been a shoe in with your stupid hate rhetoric and divisive behavior.
You obviously had no idea how to behave in a primary and certainly not after one. You have no respect or loyalty to the Democratic party and are driven by loyalty to personality. If O was a republican you would still be worshiping him and it would be more fitting because YOU, not the C's have been using their tactics--- and O has taken up a couple of their agendas as well.
You're not guided by principles, you're driven by the cult of personality-wanting the new cool kid in the lunch room to like you.
ridiculous!
"Grow up, you people have ruined what should have been a shoe in with your stupid hate rhetoric and divisive behavior."
For the most, I agree.
"You obviously had no idea how to behave in a primary and certainly not after one. You have no respect or loyalty to the Democratic party and are driven by loyalty to personality."
If you are a dem, I must question your level of loyalty. Where is your support for the presumptive nominee? If O could enjoy the same level of blind support as McC, rather than dems ready to jump ship at any sign of trouble, then this race would be the no brainer that it SHOULD be.
I am amazed at how the Dems conjour up new ways to lose. Get a leaf out of the playbook of the only 2 term Democratic president since FDR (i.e. Bill Clinton). If Hilary had won the nomination, you can be sure that she would be using the same single minded determination to unify the party (essential for victory). Yes, because she cares about winning. Instead we have a nominee who would rather make speeches in Berlin than do his homework. The reason why the party is not united is not because of the usual scapegoats (Bill and Hil). It is because BHO has not done enough unify the party.
You should get your head out of ... the sand ... or wherever you are keepinng it!
There is evil in the world. Your Bill is praising McCain now, but why should that surprise anyone; Bill's greatest accomplishment was to push tghe first Bush's NAFTA through Congress. Hill's one big act is still her behind closed doors fiasco on health care.
Better a new brand of politicians.
your posterior is made for sitting not speaking out of, your brains are to be used researching, critical thinking, objective analysis and intelligent discussion... apparently yours are filled with what normally would be coming out of your posterior since you are using that fas a mouth piece.
Agreed.
HRC is doing everything she can to get this party united but these idjits do everything they can to keep it split by parroting the pundits, using the neocon smears, knowing nothing about the C's while the mimic others who know nothing and are mimicing them too.
This ridiculous smearing and hatred is wearing thin... hell, its shredded and what it has shredded is the party that the C's worked their asses off to put back togehter after the years of being in disarray, languishing and completely dysfunctional.
And now we see the same insanity taking over, except worse.
CDS= Clinton Derangement Syndrome started with the far right wingnuts being brainwashed by neocon propaganda in the 90's.
Now the ObamaBots have taken up the same smears and absolute off the wall craziness and the neocons are laughing their a$$es off over it.
They should throw the PINOS (progressive in name only) a thank you party.
I say "in name only" because no Progressive or liberal that I have EVER known has behaved with so much self indulgent, narcissistic ugliness.... and they call the C's self absorbed.
Yeah, they are, self absorbed with decdicating themselves to the good of the country.
And they ask why the party isn't unified?
Take a little responsibility their kids.
Think about it, why would all those you have abused want to join forces with you?
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