Hillary would be an average president in 2009 and a horrible candidate in the fall of 2008.
Barack Obama implied it this week and he’s right. If Hillary wins the nomination, the droves of Obama supporters, including thousands of young people and African Americans who are new to the process, will be disillusioned and may not return to the Democratic fold in November.
Obama dominated the South Carolina primary last night by appealing to a new group of people. He did it by inspiring a new generation of voters and galvanizing the African American community. These folks believe in Obama. They believe that he will bring an end to partisan bickering and the 50 plus 1 leadership mentality of the Clinton/Bush years.
If Obama loses, especially after the sliminess of Bill Clinton (saying Obama is like Jesse Jackson is shameful), these folks will not simply coalesce behind Hillary. They will stay home in November.
Or, they may find another new kind of political leader in whom to put their faith. If Hillary wins the nomination, it’s a pretty good bet that Michael Bloomberg and his insane wealth will jump into the race. That would spilt the Democratic vote and almost ensure a GOP victory in the fall.
Let’s not forget that fact: A vote for Obama is a vote for a unified Democratic Party fighting against a fractured GOP in November. A vote for Hillary is a vote for another election cycle where Democrats hold their nose, young people stay at home and our nominee spends the summer trying to convince her opponent that she’s as right-wing as he is. Plus, a third-party candidacy could hand the election to the GOP. And, as has been said before, a Clinton on the ticket is the only thing that can galvanize the GOP in the fall.
Not only will Obama be a better president than Hillary, but he will be a MUCH better candidate.