Obama would not be Obama after 8 years as VP

[Recursion]

I've argued several times why Obama cannot pick Clinton as VP. I now want to argue why Clinton cannot pick Obama as VP.

What Obama brings to the party is the fact that, in most people's eyes, he's not part of the Washington "club". His lack of "experience" (which at this point seems to simply mean years spent living between the Potomac and the Beltway) is, however much this irritates wonkish people, his main electoral advantage at this point.

Now, imagine him after 8 years of being VP for Hillary Clinton. 8 years of having to triangulate and toe an administration line -- particularly as regards Iraq.

He'd be broken; essentially, at this point he would be the caricature the more caustic Clinton supporters paint him as: an empty suit spilling rhetoric with nothing behind it (it says something to the toxicity of DC culture that it is simply assumed that anyone with lofty rhetoric must be just that).

Obama being VP would essentially undo the lift he has given to the party nationally, and in the process add little or nothing to Clinton's potential ticket (basically, she needs Wes Clark or someone a lot like him).

So, no, I don't want a Clinton/Obama ticket, or an Obama/Clinton ticket. We're facing a huge choice as a party here, and hedging our bets would be disastrous.

[Dogmudgeon]

1. Do you really think he's that flimsy?

I'm a Hillary supporter, but even I don't.

--p!

[MonkeyFunk]

2. He'd still be Obama

just a more-qualified Obama.

[msallied]

3. You make a good point...

And if a Hillary Clinton presidency went disastrously (either for the country or for her reputation, or both), then Obama might end up suffering from the same fate as Gore having to attempt to distance himself from the deeds his former boss.

[jackson_dem]

4. He won't be the same after 8 years in the senate either

He won't be able to play the "I am change because I am new" card ever again. However, he would be a stronger general election candidate if he had experience.

[amborin]

5. in that sense, it's now or never

agree...8 yrs in the senate might doom anyone....

haven't governorships been the route to potus until this year, for just that reason?

whereas, if Hill has a decent presidency, Obama would have the incumbent advantage and be well poised to win in 2016

[Recursion]

6. Essentially, yes

He loses a lot of his appeal after this election.

[shadowknows69]

7. I agree somewhat

The inspiration he's selling is something that has to catch fire now or I fear this country will slip into greater apathy.

[Recursion]

8. I don't think it's now or never for the movement

When the people lead, the times produce a leader. Somebody will fill the slot. But it is now or never for that person to be him.