the dream ticket?
Obama_Hillary2.jpg, originally uploaded by Sundogg.
Last night I finally got to sit down and watch a debate live. And what a cordial one. No more finger pointing, just a united front that made a Democratic win in November seem possible with either candidate.
From Obama’s opening remarks:
And, you know, it is a testimony to the Democratic Party and it is a testimony to this country that we have the opportunity to make history, because I think one of us two will end up being the next president of the United States of America. And I also want to note that I was friends with Hillary Clinton before we started this campaign; I will be friends with Hillary Clinton after this campaign is over.
From Clinton’s opener:
Well, on January 20, 2009, the next president of the United States will be sworn in on the steps of the Capitol. I, as a Democrat, fervently hope you are looking at that next president. Either Barack or I will raise our hand and swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States.
I’ve never felt like an undecided voter and yet with only a few days away, I’m still firmly on the fence. I see the plusses of both of them and I see their potential achilles heels.
But what about that final question from Wolf last night? 6 months ago a combined ticket seemed impossible, but last night it felt on the table.
Here’s the exchange:
BLITZER: This will be the last question. It will go to both of you, to Senator Obama first.
The more I speak to Democrats out there — not only the Democrats here at the Kodak Theatre, but all over the country — they take a look at the two of you and they see potentially a dream ticket. A dream ticket for the White House. There may have been some nasty words exchanged or angry words or whatever, but the question is this: Would you consider an Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket going down the road?
OBAMA: Well, obviously there’s a big difference between those two.
But, look, let me say this. And I said this at the top. I respect Senator Clinton. I think her service to this country has been extraordinary. And I’m glad that we’ve been walking on this road together and that we are still on that road. We’ve got a lot more road to travel. And so I think it’s premature for either of us to start speculating about vice presidents, et cetera. I think it would be premature and presumptuous.
I can say this about — about who I want not just as vice president but as a cabinet member…. people of the greatest excellence and competence….who are willing to say no to me so, so that, you know, no more yes-men or women in the White House. Because I’m not going to be right on every single issue…BLITZER: So, is the answer yes — it sounds like a yes, that she would be on your short list.
OBAMA: I — you know, I’m sure Hillary would be on anybody’s short list. So.
BLITZER: All right. What about, Senator Clinton, what do you think about a Clinton/Obama, Obama/Clinton ticket?
CLINTON: Well, I have to agree with everything Barack just said.
BLITZER: That means it’s a yes, right?
CLINTON: This has been an extraordinary campaign, and I think both of us have been overwhelmed by the response that we have engendered, the kind of enthusiasm and intensity that people feel about each of us. And so, clearly, we are both dedicated to doing the best we can to win the nomination, but there is no doubt we will have a unified Democratic Party.
The overall message was clear. Together we can win the election. Arianna Huffington’s saw the same unity:
…the lasting impression of the night may turn out to be not the differences between them, but the sense of them possibly coming together to take on McCain and the GOP.
Now the we are down to two candidates behaving with such civility, I am curious how the next few days unfold.
Missed the debate? I just found the NYTimes’ debate analysis tool. Unbelievably amazing. I’m a little obsessed.
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