In Obama's consideration of his selection for Vice President, among the prospects discussed were retired military commanders, including, Senator Jim Webb of Virginia. Obama must not only select a solid VP, but he needs to bring in a military person in a key position to go toe to toe with John McCain on foreign policy and terrorism, as well as he must find a way to reach the blue collar male voters in states like Pennsylvania and Ohio. And, he must figure out a STRATEGY where he can not only APPEASE the CLINTONS, but UTILIZE them to his political benefit.
Obama is already gaining good numbers on the economy, and I believe his VP selection strategy must focus on the war and terrorism and his selecting a respected military/foreign policy mind. Perhaps someone like Jim Webb of Virgina, who might also help Obama with the blue collar vote. With Senator Edward Kennedy's failing health and age limiting his role as the senior spokesperson in the Senate, Hillary Clinton's new found popularity makes her a shoe-in to take over the leadership of the Senate. She needs Obama to gratefully give her the floor at the right time at the convention, a promise from Kennedy and a few others, and she's set. I believe this would make her very happy as leader of the Senate, though she'll also ask Obama to agree in principal how he would work with her as President. I think Hillary looks taken care of.
Bill Clinton is a different story. I think he and Obama BOTH need to appologize to each other for things that were said in the primary, even though most would agree it was more Bill Clinton's doing. But, Bill is the senior of the two by age and tenure, and Obama should give him this. Next, I think what would make Bill happy, as well as Obama, is if Bill could speak and work within the party (and possibly his campaign) on domestic, states, and economic issues. Bill Clinton has a lot of skill in state matters and governments, and between this, the economy, and kind appothetic words from Obama, I believe Bill Clinton could become very happy. But - Clinton must understand it is Obama's turn at the wheel! Not easy for Bill, but with Hillary happy in the Senate, it increases the prospects Bill could be made happy too. I actually see Bill Clinton helping Obama more in the 2008 general election than Hillary, as he still is the "brand," where Hillary is more an unproven brand, and more the image or brand for the new "woman" in politics. Bill can help heal the chasm in the white working male vote I think more than Hillary, and it won't look like either are kissing ..., and Hillary keep her promise to women, and albeit thru husband Bill and Obama.
That's my proposal. How many of you think it holds water?
Stephen Dolle, California, Former life long Republican
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