Ok, this is a long shot but, after reading a diary that wanted our opinion on the merits of an Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket, I had this epiphany.
Obama could secure the nomination and run away with the remaining primaries if he makes a committment right now to choose a woman as his running mate. (other than Hillary)
First of all let me state that I'm not a Hillary hater and will vote for her should she become the nominee. However I think, if she were to accept the VP slot (and that's a long shot) with Obama as the nominee, there would be no net gain because of the negatives she's managed to generate with Obama supporters and the number of independents that might leave Obama for McCain.
Now there are a number of highly qualified women who could be a solid vice-presidential choice including people like Barbara Boxer or Janet Napolitano. I'd love to even hear other's thoughts on possibilities. I even remember reading a book (I think it was by Michael Moore or Al Franken) that suggested Oprah would run away with a Presidential election because she'd get all the women and all of the black vote. Now I'm pretty sure she doesn't want any part of it but it's fun brainstorming.
Now, I'm going to get into dicey waters in this next statement but please bear with me. There are women I know that are voting for Hillary and closing their ears to any possible weaknesses she might have just to have the opportunity for the first time in their lives to see a woman at the head of state. I am categorically not saying that this is a majority of women's motivations. I in fact believe them to be heavily in the minority of women voters who I feel often do more political homework than many of the men I know. However, let's just pick a number out of the air and say they account for 10 - 15%.
Just perhaps that bunch would settle for another qualified woman taking the second spot under Obama. Maybe that would be enough of a breaking of the glass ceiling for their emotional needs to be met for now. If that were the case and Obama could get another 5 - 10% in his camp in the remaining primaries, he'd have it nailed.
The cavaet to this is that woman must be squeaky clean and highly competent and have no major negatives.
The media, hearing of his intentions, would make him their story and they'd orgasm in speculation about the possibilities.
I think it's a win-win situation.