My Political Prediction for 2012: It’s Obama-Clinton (Robert Reich)

[ProSense]

My Political Prediction for 2012: It’s Obama-Clinton

My political prediction for 2012 (based on absolutely no inside information): Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden swap places. Biden becomes Secretary of State — a position he’s apparently coveted for years. And Hillary Clinton, Vice President.

So the Democratic ticket for 2012 is Obama-Clinton.

Why do I say this? Because Obama needs to stir the passions and enthusiasms of a Democratic base that’s been disillusioned with his cave-ins to regressive Republicans. Hillary Clinton on the ticket can do that.

Moreover, the economy won’t be in superb shape in the months leading up to Election Day. Indeed, if the European debt crisis grows worse and if China’s economy continues to slow, there’s a better than even chance we’ll be back in a recession. Clinton would help deflect attention from the bad economy and put it on foreign policy, where she and Obama have shined.

The deal would also make Clinton the obvious Democratic presidential candidate in 2016 — offering the Democrats a shot at twelve (or more) years in the White House, something the Republicans had with Ronald Reagan and the first George Bush but which the Democrats haven’t had since FDR. Twelve years gives the party in power a chance to reshape the Supreme Court as well as put an indelible stamp on America.

http://robertreich.org/post/14932718385

There always seems to be a Clinton angle to the most persistent criticisms of Obama. The Clintonians who just can't let go.

Suddenly, getting the economy going isn't what's crucial. The goal is to "deflect attention from the bad economy"?

[KaryninMiami]

1. It does make sense actually.

I'd be fine with it- certainly would bring some dramatic new energy to the blue team.

[independentpiney]

4. Agreed, it would definitely bring new energy . nt

[whistler162]

15. In a Republican dream maybe!

[paulk]

18. argue your point

[southernyankeebelle]

17. I would be fine with it as long as President Clinton stays in his place and not do

stuff he should be doing. If Biden is OK with it and Clinton is OK with then I am for it. But you got to wonder what the republicans will play against Clinton. That is the worry.

[rhett o rick]

2. I agree. nm

[RandySF]

3. I think it's more likely that..

Hillary is nominated to the SCOTUS.

[Control-Z]

5. I think I've heard along the way

that she doesn't want that. Too isolated for her. Of course, after years as SOS she might be ready for the quiet.

[former9thward]

8. She could not be confirmed by the Senate.

Most people are predicting more Rs in the Senate next session if they don't end up controlling it. Clinton flunked the bar exam and while eventually passing it made her a lawyer it would be used against her for a SC spot.

[cthulu2016]

10. I'd want someone younger for SCOTUS

[julian09]

6. People will not be defected from economy.

Hillary already said no more elective office. Even if she would help ticket she would not want to play second fiddle. She is worn out from constantly traveling the world.

[mazzarro]

7. Keeping Rethugs From The WH For A Bit Longer Than 8 Years?

What is attractive to me about this is the possibility of keeping the rethugs out of the WH for extended period - possibly 12 - 16 years, maybe more and a chance to somewhat ameliorate the impact the rethugs have had on the SC.

Though the dems keep making the base scramble for antacid to soothe the heart burns they suffer from the constant disappoints of the democratic legislature attempting to please the independents and thus conceding readily to the rethugs so often, I still think keeping rethugs longing for the WH for a long, long while is worth any thing.

[cthulu2016]

9. I doubt it, but there are some obvious upsides

1) I never hurts to put one of the most admired people in the world on the ticket

2) As Secretary of State Hillary cannot campaign, and she'd be useful

3) She has some cred with the slivers of the Dem party where Obama would have the most trouble

[DefenseLawyer]

11. Her negatives are pretty damn high among independents, and progressives too for that matter.

That's a bit of Clinton-love from a Clinton guy, but she doesn't bring much to the table in the a general election.

[cthulu2016]

19. I doubt her negatives can be very high

She hasn't the highest job approval rating of anyone in the administration (in the 70s I think) and was just polled as most admired woman in the world for the 16th time.

That doesn't mean everyone loves her, but she is one of the most popular people in the country.

[Poll_Blind]

12. First time I've disagreed with Reich in a while- and it's mostly out of horror in this case.nt

PB

[Bucky]

13. Bold idea. Too bad Obama's such a cautious dude.

Besides, Biden won't take the seeming demotion--and it will automatically (if unfairly) be perceived as a demotion.

People always predict shit like this. They did it in 1996, they did so in 2004. It never pans out. It would ruffle too many feathers and jeopardize too many career positions and piss off too many party loyalists right in the middle of an inches-close reelection campaign.

Take this to the bank: this will not happen. Clinton may run in 2016. Hell, Biden might, too. I'm still with Elizabeth Warren. But 2012 will be Obama-Biden.

[whistler162]

16. Is bold the new hip word for stupid and moronic?

[Bucky]

24. I appreciate being counted as THE source for what's hip & new

But to be fair, "bold" moves may be either brilliant or moronic. If they work they're brilliant. If they don't, they're moronic. The point is, it's fun to gamble with the future of the Republic... and every pass should be a hail Mary, regardless of tactics, sense, or outcome.

[JDPriestly]

22. I saw Biden in a video recently and thought he looked discouraged.

I'll bet this switch has already been foisted upon him.

I prefer Biden any day to Hillary.

In retrospect, Hillary and Bill Clinton did a terrible job on the economy. The repeal of Glass-Steagall was foolish beyond belief.

No, I do not like the idea of a Clinton as the vice-president. That would just mean more corporate influence in our government. Horrors.

The last thing we need is someone as DLC as Hillary as the successor to Obama.

Obama should not let this happen. It is not a smart move, not at all.

[musiclawyer]

14. Only if Elizabeth warren waits in the wings

Would Hillary Clinton only serve for one term? She will be up there in age

[applegrove]

20. I think there are false flag operations trying to cause a wedge between Obama and his base. That

said, i hope Clinton runs as vp. They would make a great team as they have already.

[JDPriestly]

21. Hillary Clinton cannot stir the passions of those of us who are disappointed in Obama.

Hillary Clinton was Bill's wife when he signed the repeal of Glass-Steagall.

Hillary Clinton was a hawk on the Iraq War and Code Pink made a video that shows Hillary at her snootiest.

I like Joe Biden far, far, far, far better than Hillary Clinton.

[Charlemagne]

23. yeah, agreed....

but, what about those PUMA folks who were almost in full revolt after Obama won AND he didnt pick her. Is that a demographic that is on the fence currently? Will it bring them back in as reliable?

cheers.

[Oldenuff]

25. Oh good grief...

I hope we aren't going to get her foisted upon us..


This a bad bad very bad joke.Right?

[Warren DeMontague]

26. "a Clinton angle to the most persistent criticisms of Obama"??? Sorry, no.

Actually, I think HRC and Obama at his worst share the exact same problems. A dumb-ass, ill-advised move to the so-called "center" which doesn't exist, pisses off the base and wins us ZERO votes.

Swapping Clinton and Biden would be seen as what it would be- a cheap trick, reeking of desperation and nothing else.