Edwards/Obama the Ticket to Beat

by Joel Thompson

"Electability" has ascended to new heights of political importance. No longer a buzz word, people consider its affect on candidates in ways similar to key platform issues.

Person A: I really like Dennis Kucinich's views on universal health care and his plans to get us out of Iraq.

Person B: I agree, but he's not "electable."

This conversation undoubtedly occurs countless times around America, and it's not just the trailing candidates who need worry. Hillary Clinton's front running status has not shielded her from questions of "electability."

An AP article in December contained this quote from a former chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party:
“She’s a senator, she’d be the first woman running, and she’s Hillary Clinton. All of that is almost insurmountable for a general election.”

And that says nothing about the rampant disdain for her among many (dare I say, most) Republicans.

This brings us to today's topic. Among the current field of Democratic hopefuls, what duo offers the best "electability" if they were ticketed together?

Since 2008 is billed as a "change" election, I will eliminate Joe Biden and Christopher Dodd, in the Senate since 1973 and 1981, respectively, from all tickets. I admire both men and think they are fine US Senators, but the 2008 climate calls for fresher faces.

Dennis Kucinich continues to impress, answering questions directly and with clear cut positions on virtually every issue. No one can accuse Congressman Kucinich of flip-flopping, most notably on the Iraq War, which he voted against from the beginning. Unfortunately, Kucinich is too Nixon to other candidates' JFK (appearances only, certainly not on issues). A sad testament to the current state of American politics, Kucinich's inability to "look presidential" may be his downfall, and his attacks on other candidates during the primary season will preclude him from getting a VP nod.

That leaves Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson, John Edwards and Barack Obama in our candidate pool.

A Clinton/Richardson ticket seems destined if Clinton can gain the nomination. Richardson served as Bill Clinton's Ambassador to the UN and was called upon often during those years for his diplomatic skills.

While Clinton remains the leader in national polls, her campaign leaves much to desire. Along with those listed above, the difficulties she faces are classic front runner issues: she fears making mistakes to jeopardize her top status, and that prohibits her from making strong stands on all of the important issues.

A similar dilemma seems to be dogging Barack Obama. Still trying to reconcile his amazing rise to presidential hopeful, Obama seems unwilling to put himself too far on the line for fear of putting his standing in danger. This explains why he continually calls for fresh ideas in Washington while contrasting himself to Clinton, but rarely says what that would mean if he were elected.

John Edwards’ campaign seems unhindered by this overly careful approach. Either because he has been through a presidential campaign before or because he truly believes in his “Two Americas” message, Edwards has managed to gain esteem on some key issues, most notably health care, by taking clearly delineated stands. He can combine Kucinich’s clear positioning with Obama’s youth and swagger.

For this reason, despite his third place standing in national polls, I believe John Edwards possesses the greatest “electability” in the current field.

CNN reports today that Edwards left the door ajar for an Edwards/Obama ticket in 2008. Because 2008 represents a “change” election year, this ticket appeals to me greatly. Both men give a youthful and attractive exuberance, but Edwards knows how to better position himself for the electorate.


Barack Obama continues to emphasize his fresh-face standing in a "change" election.

Obama supporters would happily vote for this ticket knowing that in eight years, his questions of experience would be fully answered, and he would be in an even better position for a presidential bid.

I’ll round out this discussion by naming Bill Richardson as Secretary of State.

I’m not sure that Edwards/Obama will come to fruition, but I would be excited if it did. Their "electability," after all, is exceptional.

Let me know your “ticket to beat.”