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Senator Clinton's Next Step
I don't see as realistic any scenario where Senator Obama asks Ms. Clinton to be his running mate. I, or course, could be wrong - I supported Sen. Clinton in the primaries here in Georgia (a lifetime ago!) after being forced to give up my hopes for John Edwards. My track record, needless to say, is poor.
It seems to be a fact that Senator Obama will earn a majority of possible convention delegates from primaries, caucuses & etc. When that line is crossed, I'll be surprised if we don't see a rush of super delegates committing to him. All of this is predicted by pundits and insiders, and seems to fit what I see.
That leaves the question of what Senator Clinton will do next.
The opinions I've read and heard so far seem to reflect more of the orator's desires than reality. Most seem to assume she will simply return to the Senate. Others assume she'll run for Governor of NY. And it seems non-supporters assume she is positioning herself for another run in 2012 - as exemplified just today by Richard Cohen in the Washington Post. None of these sounds proper to me.
I want Senator Clinton to take up the office of Democratic Leader or the Senate.
Comments (5)
I think whether she runs for Senate reelection in 2012 is a fascinating topic. If she leaves politics in 2012, it will be all too clear what the Senate position was about. I really don't know which way she will go (and remembering that she will be 65 at that time).
I assume you meant "of" the Senate.
She isn't skilled to be the Dem Senate Leader. That person needs to know how to make legislation get through congress. She has exhibited little ability in this regard over the past 8 years -- and that's with all her previous political connections and name recognition. This would be a disaster for the Dem Party -- even less law will come out of Congress!
At best, she could be the Dem Senate Whip. This is the person responsible for keeping the Dems in order. Much more suited to her skills. However, this is an elected position -- so much remains to be seen in Hillary's behavior over the next 6 months. The Dem Senators will not just give it to her -- and screw their own chances of seeing legislation passed.
Her next move will be one of rehabilitation. As soon as Obama is the nominee, she will become increasingly less relevant -- and if Obama loses, she will be shouldering part of the blame. She needs to commit herself to being a team player in the Dem party. This will be difficult, but not impossible. Richard Nixon pulled it off between 1962 and 1967. But, it will require Hillary to really be a fighter -- one who fights when *not* in the spotlight.
May 20, 2008 4:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
"she needs to commit herself to being a team player in the Dem Party".
This is an important point. A President can't be a unilateral leader and it's increasingly clear that Hillary is not a team player.
The longer she drags this out, the less time the Democratic party has to focus, in a unified way, the less time we have to send our nominee to states to help out democrats in congressional races, the less time we have to build a powerful coalition.
May 20, 2008 4:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Clinton will be seen as too old in eight years time - the 2012 "conspiracy theory" I tend to believe.
May 20, 2008 4:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
There are too many before her for consideration as Senate Majority Leader.
I was thinking ambassador to Bosnia.
May 20, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
FAL! Priceless!
Bill as her charge de'affaires.....
May 20, 2008 6:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
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