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It’s time for a break.

After wrestling a bunch of heavy topics here, and probably upsetting some of my educator friends, or former friends, it’s time for the politicians. Nothing like open season on politicians to provide a little relaxation.

How about candidates for president? Might as well start at the top. For instance, there must be some way to bring this long-running circus of primaries and caucuses to a halt. What a lot of money going down the drain! Have you really learned a lot from them? Are you closer to making a choice? They need help (like from this column).

Take the Republicans. So far, all that the candidates have accomplished is to show that the other guys are incompetent. Every time another wannabe appears on the horizon, they shoot him down. Of course, this is the time-honored tradition of politics: Trash the front-runner. And they are doing a good job of it. They have mastered the art of finding their opponents’ clay feet.

Did Anna Steal My Idea?

The Democrats are more focused, although sometimes it’s hard to tell which are Dems and which G.O.P. because they’ve begun to sound alike. John Edwards, who came out of the chute as the lead dog, is beginning to fade. But he’s still trying to re-invent the Kennedy mystique, namely, the richest of the bunch champions the poor folks. However, it is hard to believe that the Clinton juggernaut can be derailed. Only the Dems’ well-known proclivity to fight among themselves could upset Hillary.

How about the VP running mate? I’ve had the Best Choice ready to unveil to the public for some time — and then that Anna Quindlen spilled this brilliant idea all over the inside back page of Newsweek magazine. I wonder how she found out; I’ve got to tighten my security. Anyway, it’s a no-brainer for all of us brilliant pundits — Hillary has to talk Obama into being her veep candidate. Barack still thinks he has a chance for top billing — and he is doing all right, and he is cute — but he’s not going to run Bill Clinton’s favorite wife off the road. Quindlen calls it a political marriage of convenience — but aren’t they all like that — unless they’re shotgun marriages like JFK and LBJ?

Hillary’s got the power and the leverage with Obama. She can point out that he is from a different generation (a younger one) and has time to go for the Big Kazoo after her two terms. The Veep-to-Pres. route isn’t always smooth sailing, but it’s always a better-than-average start. Sometimes, you have to be lucky and be there when the top guy dies in office, like Harry Truman and LBJ did. But Dick Nixon finally made it to the goal line, and then opened the door for his protege Gerald Ford. George Bush The Elder had to eat some crow as the Loyal Ally, but it paid off. Walter Mondale, Hubert Humphrey, and Al Gore didn’t catch the Gold Ring, but at least they got their chance.

Too Far Out?

Some might complain that pairing a woman and a black on the same ticket is too Far Out, and it certainly isn’t Conventional. But Quindlen says it well when she advises Hillary that, “Anyone who would be put off by Obama isn’t going to vote for you in the first place.” And wouldn’t they make a charming couple, especially with that cute Obama?

Well, there you are, the Ticket of the Century: Clinton - Obama. Since there isn’t room for more this week, we’ll have to postpone further revelations until next week. Try to be patient and wait for the Final Answer on who the Republicans should nominate.

– Vic Jose

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Vic Jose :: Sep.15.2007 :: Uncategorized ::

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