How would have Hillary done?

[Dan the Roman]

I think people are dismissing the fact that Clinton-Obama was not an either or equation. Obama winning meant that Clinton could not take the VP position, but a Clinton victory would have almost required Obama in the VP position in order for her to unite the party. That combination had the potential to be far more formidable than is being considered here. It would have combined Clinton's blue collar appeal, and credentials, with Obama's ability to motivate African Americans and to lesser extent young voters. This motivation would not have been to the same extent, but I think people underestimate two things:

1. How much young voters generally dislike the Bush GOP.
2. How meaningful it would be for African Americans to have an African American anywhere on the ticket, even in the number two spot.

In such an environment Obama's policies and background would not have come under such attack, nor would they have received such attention. Furthermore, I think the way Clinton has been attacked has inoculated her against many obvious charges. For fifteen years we've been told she is a Lady Macbeth who is ruthless with her enemies. Who would you rather have facing Ahmadinejad across a table? Lady Macbeth, or a senile old man?

I think McCain v. Clinton/Anyone else would be close, but I think McCain v. Clinton/Obama would have been a landslide on par with what happened.