The Deuce

It will now be very interesting to see what Obama decides to do in selecting a running mate. We should all remember that he is under no obligation what-so-ever to select Hillary for the ticket regardless of how close the primaries were. In fact, it may be too difficult for them to both try working this out. History has proven that choosing the first and runner up for President and the VP roles has a history of not working out. Early on in our history, Jefferson did a swell job of undermining the work of John Adams. Now they were from different parties but the essence of the issue rings true. I think it will personally be very uncomfortable with Hillary and Bill occupying the Veep mansion. It is just too much horsepower to have in the garage and by the looks of it, it will be impossible to keep Bill’s mouth shut. Despite really wanting to see the big H play a role, in my opinion the VP role will be counter productive. But think of the other roles that can make a difference- Secretary of State perhaps.

We (as democrats) just don't get it

Democrats need to take heed of the organization that exists in the Republican party if we are to have any chance of winning in November. Here it is March and the Republicans have a single candidate that they can rally behind. All the while we democrats watch the two democratic candidates waste time and huge sums of money pulverizing each other. Why do we continue to do this? Weeks will turn to months, the dialogue will become acrimonious between the two candidates and we'll only providing fodder for the republicans when we have to face them later on.

Now I know we have a tough decision to make but come on... Let's just do it already. Republicans love this part of every election because this is when our own party in fighting wastes precious time and money.

Oh, and don't think that John McCain is resting on his laurels. He is in fighting mode.

My prediction- you have heard it here first- an exclusive... McCain will select long time friend and colleague Joe Lieberman to be his numero dos. And how about that choice? Well it combines north with south, east with west. Two guys hawkish on defense and Iraq. Ouch. That is a hard ticket to beat.

Well I'll sit back and wait while hill and bama trade blows with each other however any campaign dollar spent from now until a single candidate emerges will be a lost opportunity. It is almost not as important which one wins the nomination as long as we do it soon.

And why have they each ruled each other out as running mates? How dynamic a ticket is that? They should just flip a coin and figure out the order otherwise the greatest chance we have to change things will just slip between our fingers...

Iowa Caucus

It has been fascinating to watch the democratic process work from abroad. If anything that I have learned is that there is really nothing fair and balanced about Fox news at all. They report it, we decide if it is true.

Similarly, watching the BBC report on our presidential race, a few truths come out clearly. There is nobody better at fighting off the Democrats than the Democrats themselves. And as a democrat this is somewhat hard to watch.

I am concerned about how early this race has begun and who will have the energy and resources to actually take it to the end and then fight the republicans for the White House. Not to mention the energy, but who will possibly have the money to do so?

It must be fun to be Republican and watch the Democrats bludgeon themselves before the real fight takes place.

It is good to see that the race is heating up and that America is now turned onto politics and electing people. One can only hope that this increased interest turns into much higher voter turn out in November.

Jennifer and I were speaking last night about politics, as we often do, and she commented on how good it was that there were no questions being raised about Hill’s ability to lead as a woman. I personally think this is due to a variety of reasons. First, I think people are just ready for a Woman president and welcome that as a change from what we have now. Secondly, the rest of the world has experienced powerful leadership from Women before so it is really natural for the US to do this now.

I am not sure what the Democratic ticket will be. I think we have good people to choose from. On New Year’s Eve, we had dinner with the Newton’s and discussed a similar issue. Peter raised a good point on the Republican side. He is very astute and watches this closely. As a Canadian he is more aware than many Americans I know. Anyway, he raised the spectre of a McCain / Lieberman ticket. And to be honest, I think that would be a hard ticket for anyone to beat. Nope, have not voted yet, but that seems like a potent combination.