My Dad used to tell me that “timing is everything” and I’ve spent quite a bit of time trying to recognize these seemingly invisible opportunities that also serve as turning points in time. The Democratic Party may be at one of those turning points. Not long ago the Presidential bid seemed a shoe-in for the Democrats. But, where we are today is not where we were two weeks ago — the conversation has changed. If the Party fails to recognize this change, then they may very well lose the election in November.
The Party faces a stale mate and its failure to offer a clear candidate speaks to two truths. One, within the Democratic Party there is nearly a 50/50 divide in support between Obama and Clinton and that cannot be rectified by any process. The primary process failed to offer up a clear nominee early enough to allow widespread support. The counts are too close to deliver a mandate and the process to follow will only offer respective supports an unsatisfying decision. Remember, a Democratic victory is premised on an enthusiastic base mandating change. So, while I believe Obama can win the nomination by following the process, he will do so by fracturing the support within his own party.
The split also indicates that either candidate is acceptable to the party. While arguments of support may be heated on both sides, in terms of the longer term goal of winning the election, it only serves to form rifts and divide support within the party. But perhaps the dilemma also offers up a unique opportunity. Unfortunately for two fierce competitors, the medicine is not a tough pill to swallow either.
The only ticket that will satisfy all members of the party is one with both Clinton and Obama on it – but in which order? While Obama leads in delegate count, his age favors him as Vice-President because unlike Hilary, he will be in a prime position to run in eight years. And, having the upper hand in delegate count gives Obama a unique position to broker a deal favorable to him serving as partner in a bold 16 year plan with a focus on this country’s most serious issues such as building a green economy. The obvious upside for Obama supporters is they will have 16 years of him to look forward to! It also offers him a unique opportunity to affect government in a profound way – that is if they make good on their first 8 years of promises.
On the bright side for the candidates, all three seem to have gaping faults which would also seem to level the playing field. Obama’s experience has yet to be seriously vetted, Hilary has a legacy that many people would rather forget and McCain is… old and none of them have the executive experience we would hope for. Bush got in office by garnering the full enthusiasm of his party – a democratic President will now need to do the same. Having said that, I’m not sure even this compromise would be able to challenge a MacCain ticket with Colin Powell as his Vice-President. Now we’re really off in fantasy land. Or, are we?
