A Black President AND a Female Vice President?

It is absolutely wonderful that we have arrived (with little haste) to a period in history in which racism has so waned that a black candidate can be a viable runner in a race for the presidency. It is not entirely unlikely, however, that with various pundants and opposing forces doing their best to diminish his polish (of which he shines plenty) with islamic inuendos, that his race may become an issue. That he has come so far in the race--being nominated by the DNC as the candidate to run against the GOP--means that the sweeping majority of Americans have made a complete conversion and have accepted that equality means all men. But does it mean all women?

I would estimate that at least 40% of Hillary Clinton's voting clout was derived from her name and her husband's presidential record, not her senatorial or gubernatorial prowess. To be entirely honest, most Americans when asked, would be forced to admit that they know little of her achievements in the States of New York and Arkansas, and farther still is unknown about her work as first lady. The little that may have been publicized during Bill Clinton's two terms are probably still long forgotten. And so we arrive to the question, why would we elect Hillary Clinton? Is it because we were hoping to have resurgancy of her husband's coronating glory?

If Obama pays heed to the opining of his party and elects to request of Hillary Clinton that she serve as his VP he may be severly weakening his chances this November. No longer eligible for the Oval office as Commander in Chief, Clinton would be seen as simply a bystander of sorts, and the allure of the Clinton empire may loose some of it's steam. She may well become "just another woman", and thereby make for a liability instead of asset. In fact, most political analysts, when speaking of the prospects of her VP candidacy speak more of Bill Clinton's potential contributions to the Obama campaign instead of Hillary's.

It would be far safer to elect a candidate for the Vice Presidency that may not steal so much of Obama's fire, but could still prove a strong candidate, afterall, Huckabee may be in the running for McCain's Vice President, and he has proven to be a strong contender in debates. Perhaps John Edwards, who during the early primaries showed well and performed strongly, would be a wiser choice. Edwards, a moderate democrat, is attractive to those who are more traditional and cut from a more conservative, southern clothe. He has finesse and a suave nature. He presents well but not so well that he would outshine Obama. Also, an all male ticket may be easier to sell to voters who are not entirely comfortable with so much dynamism in this election. Having both a black and a female candidate on the same ticket may seem too much change too quickly for parts of the south in which, for many, women are not entirely welcome at the state level of government. Afterall, in the event that Obama meets an untimely demise, Hillary would assume his office.

I'm not trying to proport that having a female VP would be such a bad idea, but perhaps so much change so quickly would discourage those who would otherwise vote for an already strong candidate. Obama needs to consider the progressive attitude--or retardation in such--that may affect his chances of winning, and ultimately, making history.