Worried Democrats wish for 'dream team ticket'

[DeepModem Mom]

USA Today: Worried Democrats wish for 'dream team ticket'
By Susan Page, USA TODAY


(Jessica Rinaldi/AP)
Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton talk after the Texas Democratic Party's presidential candidates debate in Austin in February. A recent poll of Democrats and independents who lean toward the party indicated that 45% would find an Obama-Clinton ticket acceptable and 44% would approve of the reverse.

WASHINGTON — What are the odds Democrats will field a "dream team ticket" with Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton combining forces? London bookmaker Ladbrokes is taking bets at 8-1, but leading Democratic insiders aren't ready to put down their money — yet. The conundrum: The need for a coalition ticket that could mend the party's divisions becomes more urgent as the primary battle stretches on and takes a harsher tone. Yet as their fight gets fiercer, it becomes harder to imagine the two ever getting together....

Growing alarm among some Democrats that the rancor could squander what had seemed like a near-certain win in November makes them yearn for a ticket with both Obama and Clinton, in either order. A nomination contest that continues to the August convention could split the party in two just as the general election begins in earnest....

(Matt) Bennett and other Democratic analysts worry that voters under 30, energized to turn out for Obama in record numbers in this year's primaries, could tune out if he isn't nominated. While African-American voters who now support Obama by nearly 9-to-1 aren't likely to support the Republican candidate, some might choose not to vote unless the Illinois senator leads the ticket. And white women over 50 who are part of Clinton's base — and among the nation's most reliable voters — could become disenchanted with the Democratic Party if she doesn't prevail....

Party harmony already has taken a hit. In a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll taken March 14-16, 30% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents called an Obama-Clinton ticket their "first choice," and a similar number said that of a Clinton-Obama ticket. However, one in four said an Obama-Clinton ticket was "not acceptable." Another one in four ruled out a Clinton-Obama ticket. Voters were most resistant to the idea of having the candidate they support accept the No. 2 slot. A third of Obama supporters rejected a Clinton-Obama ticket, and a third of Clinton supporters rejected an Obama-Clinton ticket....

As resentments swell, the imperative for a joint ticket could overwhelm other factors that nominees customarily consider in choosing a running mate — including tapping someone with whom the nominee has good relations. In 1980, despite frosty feelings, Ronald Reagan put primary rival George H.W. Bush on the ticket in a pragmatic political move....

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-03-24-Dreamteam_N.htm

[DJ13]

1. No, Hillary doesnt have enough experience

Since she made a point of saying how much experience McCain has that Obama doesnt she has forced Obama to look for real experience in foreign affairs.

[LibDemAlways]

2. Not my idea of a "dream team." I'm a

former Edwards supporter, and I don't like either of them. My dream scenario is a deadlocked convention and a telephone call to Gore who would then put Wes Clark in the #2 spot to counter McCain's military advantage.

I realize that's not going to happen, but I think it would be a good outcome and would shock the shit out of the GOP.

[snappyturtle]

3. At one point, maybe a month ago, a combo ticket might have been

acceptable enough to be a winning ticket however, the venom spewed has done too much harm. I don't consider a reconciled ticket marketable anymore because it would make our ideals look too scattered or in disarray. imho

[pbca]

4. Innacurate

They couldn't find 50% of any group that wanted a 'Dream Ticket' - their numbers show that no one wants this - not that it has support.

[iiibbb]

5. Who becomes disenchanted?

Obama is ahead... he's winning by all measures.

Women voters will be disenchanted if the person who wins fair and square wins?

She's only going to win by taking the nomination by force (legal or political). I suspect if this were to happen Obama would take the high road.

I can't guarantee that I will. Clinton is awful.

[wtmusic]

6. "Worried Democrats". Thus begins the meme. nt

[stray cat]

7. not anymore - maybe Hillary and McCain dream team

[cornermouse]

8. Too late.

I was not excited over either of them but too many of the Obama supporters have been and still are aggressively hateful. There's been some activity from the Clinton side, but mild in comparison to what I've seen from the Obama side.