Clinton should not be the veep

Published 9:18 am Friday, June 6, 2008

U.S. Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, both campaigning for the Democratic nomination for president, met privately Thursday night to talk. No doubt Clinton sought to negotiate to be the vice presidential candidate and, failing that, some other post in the government, should Obama win in November over Sen. John McCain.

Obama should not pick Clinton for his vice president. Clinton indeed is near the end of a historical campaign, one that will have a long-lasting impact on American women everywhere. However, Obama has spent months campaigning against Clinton; choosing her would run counter to what he has been saying, making him seem less than forthright.

Also, one of the reasons many Democrats oppose her is they fear the divisive nature of the Bush-Clinton history. They worry it could hurt the ability to garner the votes of conservatives who are tired of spendy Republicans and want a fresh start to the federal government. Obama offers that.

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Clinton deserves a position, whether Obama or McCain is elected. It could be an ambassador spot, a cabinet post or even a nomination to the Supreme Court. She has a brilliant mind and wants to help everyday folks. Talent like that shouldn’t be neglected.