Hillary's New Strategy

Hillary Clinton has a new strategy, and on the outset it pretty puzzling, but if you peel a couple of layers off this onion, if not brilliant, it sure is going to be entertaining.

Since Hillary’s wins in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island, Hillary, Bill and Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell have all thrown out the idea of the Democratic Dream Ticket, Hillary AND Obama on the same ticket. Of course, in this scenario, Hillary would be atop the ticket, while Obama would be left at the infamous “heartbeat away from the Presidency.”

If I wasn’t talking about Hillary in this article, I would say this strategy takes some balls. However, in my desire to be more politically correct, let’s just say this strategy takes some guts.

Hillary, if case you need to be reminded, is in second place. Obama leads her in states won, delegates won and total votes. Yet, SHE is the one suggesting that HE would possibly be a good running mate.

Why? Well, I think there are a few reasons, and truthfully, when you need things to continue breaking your way like she does, it isn’t a bad play.

1. She needs the Super Delegates: It’s clear that Hillary will not win the nomination by pledged delegates alone. It’s going to take the Super Delegates to push her over the top. There have been rumors that some of her pledged Super Delegates might be jumping ship to Obama’s campaign. By talking Obama for VP, that may keep some Super Delegates from jumping to Obama’s in the six weeks leading up to Pennsylvania.

2. She’s a uniter, not divider: Clinton knows that many folks on the left are going to be happy with either her or Obama. By talking about Obama being the VP, this may entice some Democratic voters to vote for her knowing that might get them both. It’s kind of a two for one deal. Something Obama hasn’t offered.

3. Perception versus Reality: Elections have a lot to do with perception. Hillary is simply going back to the perception that she is the front runner and inevitable nominee, the choosing of VP is actually a decision she’s going has to make.

4. It’s an attack mechanism: I think Obama, with his response, is actually stepping into this one. He’s repeating the Clinton attack of “he’s not ready.” Obama has attacked Clinton for making this suggestion by saying, “I don't understand, if I'm not ready, how is it you think I would be such a great vice president?" Well, Senator Obama, that is a good point, oh and thanks for reminding us of one of your biggest vulnerabilities.

Look, this is a pretty safe gamble for the Clinton campaign. The worst that can happen is it goes nowhere. However, the way it stands now, it has thrown Obama off message. He is saying he isn’t running for Vice President, and that it’s premature talk, the press is asking questions…oh, and yes, that if he isn’t ready to be president.

Not a bad move by the Clinton campaign in my opinion.

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CNN is weighing in on this same topic. I'm telling you folks, this is typical cut throat politics from the Clintons. I don't think Hillary or Bill either one want Obama as the VP candidate. Typically, presidential nominees do not want their running mate to "outshine" the top of the ticket. Given the mass hysteria that Obama creates, do you not think that Obama would outshine Hillary if he were the VP nominee.