(also posted at DailyKos)

There's been a lot of speculation lately about Hillary trying to knee-cap Obama's chances this year so that she can run in 2012.  Maybe that's what is in her mind but that's not how it's going to work.  First, if Obama loses this year in the GE, blame will be placed at Hillary's feet for "endorsing" McCain so often in this process.  She will be the new Nader.  Nobody will want her to run in 2012.  And if she DID try to make a run in 2012, she would not be able to run for Senate.  So if she lost the nomination process for President, she would not have a Senate seat to fall back on.  Likely there will be a Democratic challenger for her seat.  It's hard to imagine her giving up public office completely.  Maybe she hasn't thought about this prospect very much.  However, one way to get her, and everybody else, to start thinking about that simple fact is to start drumming up support for a challenger RIGHT NOW.

Imagine this.  A youngish, progressive veteran, perhaps a one-term Congressman or woman from New York (are there any?), or a young mayor, sends out a press release stating their intent to begin raising funds and laying the groundwork for a possible run at a Senate seat in 2012.  This is what needs to be said in the press release:

1. Hillary Clinton supported the war and has not and will not apologize for this egregious error (this is why a veteran would be so great).  An understanding of the cost of this war to American lives and treasure is what I will bring to office.  I will be committed to not only extricating ourselves from Iraq, but as Senator, I will work to prevent these types of unnecessary wars from occurring in the future.

1. Hillary Clinton accepts more money from lobbyists than either of her opponents, and does not support ethics reform.  It's time to change the way Washington does business, and transparency and ethics are at the top of my list.  This is the mindset I will bring to Washington as your Senator, and with dogged determination I will work to open the doors to the halls of power.

1. Hillary Clinton is currently using right-wing and Rovian tactics to win the nomination for President.  That type of campaigning against another Democrat is unacceptable.  We will only be able to solve the tough and important issues of today if and when we come together as progressive thinkers.  We cannot pursue a more equitable and just agenda while also questioning each other's patriotism and experience.  All of the candidates are well prepared to be President, and what separates the Republicans from the Democrats are ideas and solutions to help regular Americans.

1. I have lived and worked in New York State my entire life.  I know the people here, I know our struggles, and I will work tirelessly to improve the lives of regular New Yorkers when I am your Senator.

1. It is not yet clear whether Senator Clinton will win our party's nomination and then the White House, or whether she will fall short of that goal and attempt another run in 2012.  Either way, I feel strongly that I am capable and able to grab the reigns in four years and to represent the good people of New York.  I bring with me a lifetime of commitment and service to my country, and a strong record of ethics and responsibility.  This country is ready for change, and ready for new leadership.  I look forward to the next four years of experience working with the great people of this state in my capacity as (______), and I hope that you will consider me a worthy replacement to our current Senator, Ms. Clinton.

I know, it's more of a pipe dream than anything else.  But this would get HUGE press, it would show the country that the progressive side of the Democratic Party has grown a bit weary of Hillary, and she would be put on the defensive in a major way.  Imagine a poll showing a Democratic challenger losing to Clinton by 10 points or so.  That would be damaging.  Imagine if, miracle of miracles, the poll showed her losing (I doubt that).

There might be some initial blowback - that young whippersnapper can't do that!! - but it would actually be a really wise thing to do.  Thing of the amount of money that person could raise from Obama supporters.  I certainly would give that person money.  They would also get a ton of press and would, presumably, continue to get press for the next four years or so.  If you think it's crazy to announce four years in advance, Cory Booker did it in Newark and it turned out pretty well for him.

You may be right - I may be crazy - but it just might be a lunatic you're looking for!!