KHON News

Clinton, Obama Democratic Dream Team

By KHON News


Many Democrats say Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton together would be their dream ticket.

The problem, of course, is would either settle for Vice President?

The question was asked in January by CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

“Would you consider an Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket going down the road?” said Blitzer.

“Well, obviously there's a big difference between those two,” said Barack Obama.

With Democrats seemingly divided between the two candidates, why not have both, say many voters.

Hillary Clinton, fresh off her victories in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island acknowledged the possibility of a joint ticket on CBS.

“That may be where this is headed, but of course we have to decide who is on the top of the ticket,” said Clinton.

Barack Obama, with more delegates, has made it clear that he's running for just one office.

“We are on our way to winning this nomination,” said Obama.

Imagine the two of them behind closed doors, working out who gets first billing, who gets second.

Not likely to happen say some analysts.

“Right now if you asked Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama privately, is there any way to do this, they'd both say no way. But the pressure from democrats, nationally and the elite is so strong, it may leave them with no choice but to team up,” said Time Magazine political analyst, Mark Halperin.

It's happened before.

Rivals John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson worked it out.

Some political insiders say an Obama/Clinton, Clinton/Obama ticket might unify the party.

Others say no, it will isolate key voting blocks and threaten a win in November.

Then there are those who suggest she needs him more than he needs her.

“Here's the question the question is why hasn't Barack Obama said this, Hillary Clinton has a vested interest in saying this "ticket of togetherness" argument. Why, it reduces the anger against her particularly with African Americans it makes her easier to maintain momentum and it makes him look like a spoiler. That's why she is doing it and it is smart tactically,” said Henry Schinkopf, a political strategist.

Political insiders say if Hillary Clinton gets the nomination, she'd be under more pressure to pick Barack Obama.

The same is not true for Obama.

His campaign feels she does not represent the kind of change he has promised to bring to Washington.

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