Hillary Will Be 'Obama's Cheney'

I find your lack of faith...disturbing. – Tommy Christopher using hackneyed Darth Vader voice

For months, I have been saying that the "Dream Ticket" is inevitable, but the Yeahbuts won't listen. "Yeah, but...okay, but..."

Whether you think it's a good idea or not, or you think Barack and/or Hillary won't go for it, it doesn't matter. It is going to happen. There's no other play. If Obama passes up a sure win in November because Hillary was mean to him, or if she says no because she thinks she's already won by seating deceased delegates whose spirits have not "crossed over," they will both be subjected to Bill Buckner-esque ridicule for the rest of their political lives.

A friend from work asked me an interesting question, though. She said, "Do you really think Hillary will have any power to get things done as the Vice President?"

I thought for a second and said, "Are you kidding me? She'll be Obama's Cheney, only tougher and marginally less evil."

I'm starting to realize that the Vice Presidency might just be the perfect job for Hillary. Her greatest strengths are her political acumen and her toughness, two things that will work better for her from behind the scenes. Just as Cheney completely redefined the role, I think Hillary will stand it on its ear.

I've already described how Hillary will be an asset during the campaign, and once she and Obama take the White House, the fun really begins. Barack Obama is smart enough to take input from Hillary on policy, especially on health care, and they are very close on policy.

Instead, she can work her magic behind the scenes while Obama puts a happy face on the whole deal. If the Blue Dogs want to pee on the rug with the Republicans, Barack can talk about how we need clean rugs, and Hillary will be behind him rolling up a newspaper. A Sunday paper.

When Hillary is out in front, her toughness makes her a lightning rod (due in large part to sexism), but as VP, she's shielded from that.

I've seen some Obama supporters worry that Hillary would undercut Obama as VP, but I really don't see it. The press is sure to notice that, and it would damage her politically. Plus, as I said, they are so close on policy, there would be little point.

Since the Dream Ticket is going to happen anyway, this doesn't really matter, except it might make you feel better about it.