Is there a silver lining in this gray cloud that seems to have settled over the Democratic Primary? Is there some way to make Lemonade? What is the best way to view the Clinton candidacy for this fall's general election? I have some notions for you to consider...
...First, like it or not, Obama has been vetted by the Clinton campaign and surrogates. It is true that they have done what the GOP would have done, would be doing already. Functionally, I see this as classic Clintonian triangulation, except this time the result will be a lot better than welfare deform and NAFTA. The message has been controlled and framed by Democrats, minimized, yes, minimized to the least explosive and destructive form. The public is so tired of the petty controversies. There will be no October surprise thanks to Clinton.
Second, the democratic primary will go on to the end. Clinton will not drop out until after Puerto Rico. Florida and Michigan will be seated in some form. Every state will have an opportunity to get fired up over the Democratic contest. New voters in the base will be enrolled. State parties will get stronger. Otherwise disengaged voters will vote again and be more likely to vote in November.
Third, the GOP winner take all primary was settled quite some time ago. That contest is irrelevant, not news, like a dusty old book of outdated maps (a metaphor for the McCain candidacy if ever there was one). As a result, McCain is pretty much ignored by the media.
Fourth, the extended primary season will reduce the amount of time the GOP attack machine can fully focus on Obama. Be assured they will do so with far less decorum than has been found in the Democratic Primary.
Fifth, due to the settled nature of the GOP primary, all of McCain's scandals, flip-flops and failings remain relatively unexploited cracked ribs and blind spots. No-one goes in to a title fight without a sparring partner, and a better partner prepares a better fighter. Who has been McCain's sparring partner? Obama has had Clinton and the media.
Sixth, Clinton always provided a contingency for the Democratic Party, just in case the primary was weighted too much on the (first) Super Tuesday results. Had things soured, truly soured since then, which they haven't. there was always Clinton to pick up the standard.
Do you think there are any other unappreciated benefits to Obama from the Clinton candidacy?