Obama, Clinton Secretly Meet
Yesterday evening, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton secretly met with each other. Most details about the meeting are, as of yet, unknown. What is known is that the meeting was requested by Obama’s campaign, because the Democratic nominee wants to unite his party, after a long and fierce primary battle.
We also know that Clintons top advisers want Obama to pay off her debts and that Clinton has given one of her main supporters permission to kick off a Clinton for VP campaign.
Obama’s supporters in the blogosphere, meanwhile, want to have none of it. That, in turn, gives me the impression that too many bloggers do not understand the dynamics of politics. In the end, Obama will undoubtedly pay off Clintons debt and he will seriously consider asking her to become his running mate.
He has not other options.
Interestingly enough, Clinton has “disavowed” the push to make her Vice President. One wonders why she would do such a thing… unless she thinks that being publicly connected to this movement may hurt her image and therefore her chances. As it is, though, it is perfectly logical for Clinton to aim for the second spot on the ticket. Also because the Democratic Party is incredibly divided.
"That, in turn, gives me the impression that too many bloggers do not understand the dynamics of politics."
Michael, if you are going to make such a blanket comment you should not do so based upon a misrepresentation of my position. While I was snarky about doing so, I have been predicting Obama would help pay off Clinton’s debt.
He will also make a show of considering Clinton as VP but is very unlikely to pick her for reasons I’ve discussed in detail in previous posts. It is logical for Clinton to aim for the second spot but it would be a big mistake for Obama to allow her on the ticket. Of course he will allow her to make it look like it was her decision.
Among the challenges: Obama and his campaign cannot, legally, just pay off the Clinton campaign’s debts. At most, he can ask his supporters to donate to the Clinton campaign for that reason. (If I were an Obama donor, I would have severe difficulty bringing myself to do so.)
The suggestion almost looks like a ploy to allow Clinton’s supporters to feel put-upon and outraged when it doesn’t happen.
Actually it’ll hurt his image and his chances. He needs nothing she offers.