I've been out of town for the last several days visiting family. So I've followed the DNC meetings only somewhat and the Puerto Rican primary even less. I've been reading a few online blogs. And it seems to me that the sweet milk of Democratic optimism has curdled somewhat.
Here's my take on it:
Obama's doing the right thing by moving on to begin his general election campaign. Perception is reality and the superdelegates know by now who does -- and doesn't -- have the money, the direction, the agenda, the skill and the drive to get elected in November.
That said, I see nothing to be gained by continuing to fight with Hillary Clinton for the nomination. That goes for Obama's supporters (and any other wise Democrats) who might want to destroy her campaign and sow her village's farmland with salt. Enough already. Cartago Delenda Est does not a campaign slogan make. Besides, a scorched-earth strategy doesn't suit Obama's style -- or his campaign's larger themes. Nor does it suit the Democratic party. A good portion of the country will never vote Democratic and if you add in half the Democrats themselves scorning the party, well, that's not good, is it?
So it behooves Obama to be more than magnanimous. The tough question is how to minimize the damage Hillary can do to his campaign when it moves on to the next phase. How to coax Hillary off the ledge? How to defuse the hostage crisis that lies at the heart of Hillaryland?
Now some of you might feel that Hillary really wants Obama to lose so she can run in 2012. I've felt that myself for quite some time. But after some further reflection, here's what I found: if there is anything that Bill Clinton wants in life, it is to be loved and accepted. And becoming the next Ralph Nader will not do it for him. If Hillary fights Obama all the way to November, the Clintons can kiss their reputations goodbye -- now and in 2012.
So what does Obama do?
Characteristically, Obama has shown some leadership on this. He's been (and continues to be) respectful of her. And lord knows he has plenty of incentive to help her get whatever it is she wants (shy of the nomination). In so doing he'll get what he wants: the nomination and the victory in November.
So I still think offering her the VP slot is the smart move for both of them. I don't think many Obama supporters will jump ship (even if she shocks the world and accepts the slot). Furthermore, it allows Obama to show her the requisite respect that a large number of Democrats still think she deserves.
And (most importantly) from a tactical standpoint it calls her bluff. Because in the end, I think Bill will turn it down. Why? Because it will come with too many strings attached, e.g., full financial disclosure of the Clinton Library donors' list, a radical reshaping of Bill's extremely lucrative speaking (and travel) schedule for at least the next 4 years and so forth.
Of course, whatever she does, it remains to be seen if her supporters will follow her lead and vote Obama in November. What are their alternatives? I guess they could vote for McCain. But I think their passion for him might cool somewhat by October. Or they could stay home (especially if Obama pulls ahead in the polls and it looks like a blowout). I think the former is more likely than the latter. Or, even some combination of the two -- in other words, it may not make a difference one way or the other what Hillary's disgruntled supporters do in November.
So where does that leave us as Democrats? With two incredibly strong candidates each of whom has tens of millions of supporters who -- if they wise up -- can win a victory in November of truly immense proportions.
Bottom line: the stakes are very high. Just consider the kind of SCOTUS justices that McCain would appoint. That alone should scare y'all -- all y'all -- straight.