Tuesday, January 23, 2007

THE MEN WHO COULD BE VICE KING


Hillary Clinton now has a new dilemma. Who to chose as a running mate. With Bill Richardson throwing his sombrero in the ring, the situation becomes complicated. Both candidates do not have the wherewithal to win the nomination. Perhaps, they are hoping that the odds of that mystical nomination lotto will fall in their favor.
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson does have a long résumé of involvement in international relations and politics, from dealing with the North Korean regime to recently arranging a cease-fire between the government of Sudan and rebels in the Darfur region. He was elected to Congress eight-times representing the Santa Fe area, United State ambassador to the United Nation, and secretary of energy appointed by former President Bill Clinton. He is also a Mexican American.
Senator Barak Obama, is a second year senator from Illinois. He is articulate and extremely charismatic. But he falls short in experience compared to Governor Richardson . If Ms. Clinton choses either, her selection will be interpreted as allegiance to a particular community. Thus, this creates a political landmine that only a skilled politician like her can navigate.

One might liken the situation to a choice of vehicles. Let us imagine for a second that Ms. Clinton has to travel a long distance and has a choice of vehicles in which to drive. There is the new and environmentally efficient electric car. It boasts of innovative hardware and fuel efficiency. It appeals to a younger and more enlightened generation. The problem is that is comes without a sufficient track record. And although it has a novel appeal, she would be taking a chance on driving it for a long distance. The other car is a traditional one. The engine runs on gasoline and although it may cost a bit more, it is a known quantity. More people use this type of car. The chances of Ms. Clinton arriving at her destination without mechanical problems are greater with the latter. This does not preclude the electric car, it just leaves more room for it to be tested.

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