As I ponder the complexities of the American political scene right now, especially the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, I find myself gaming out every possible scenario, the positives and negatives of Biden, Warren, Buttegieg, Sanders, etc. Then I think about how any of those might try to balance out the ticket with a VP who could appeal to a key demographic that they miss. Biden-Harris, Warren-Booker, Buttegeig-Abrams, etc. etc.
It’s like trying to construct some kind of demographic Frankenstein, stitching together parts of a fragmented country to make something passably representative and inclusive.
And as I play out all these scenarios, I am haunted by the question “where is the one person who could transcend all of this?” “who is the ideal Democratic candidate right now---at this moment?”
Not that it is rocket science or anything, but it hit me hard this morning: the answer overwhelmingly is one person: MIchelle Obama.
Of course I am not the first person to come to this conclusion. But it really hit me hard today. So I invite you to indulge in a simple thought experiment.
Where would we be as a nation right now and as a party if Michelle Obama had announced her interest in running?
Would she have instantly cleared the field?
Would she, by now, be such a slam-dunk favorite that all but token opposition from Gabbard and Yang would be gone?
What national profile would a Democratic party led, effectively, by Michelle Obama have right now?
And how many points would she be leading Trump in the polls -— 20? 30?
I realize she has made clear that she has no interest in the job and that running would bring its own risks, that it would take her down a few pegs from the untouchable status she now has, the affection and respect felt for her throughout this country.
Still, I cannot help but ponder that question: What if Michelle had run?
Again, this is just a thought experiment. I’m not advocating drafting her to run.
In the real world, she and Barack will be incredibly important to the actual ticket and I hope and trust that they will both see it as a call of duty to their country to do everything possible to elect the Democratic ticket and defeat Trump.
Update: Thanks for all the feedback. Looking at this in light of all the comments made, I realize that I probably should have thought more about this half-formed, early-morning idea. It was never meant to be a serious proposal or call to draft her, just a thought experiment that I probably should have just kept to myself.