Is it over? Really?

By now it's official news that Chicago's golden boy, Barack Obama, has clinched the nomination for the Democratic Party. In addition, there are unconfirmed reports that at the end of the week Hillary will deliver a concession speech. I think the convention will be a real slobber-knocker, regardless. The main question is no longer who will be the presidential nominee but rather will Hillary Clinton be the VP choice. Many have expressed the sentiment that it's a "dream ticket" and, more importantly, that they would renege their support for Democrats in November if Hillary does not get the VP nod.

First, I think Obama should not feel obligated to pick Hillary as his VP running-mate. The Clintonian spectre would weigh heavily over an Obama presidency and it's difficult to believe that Hillary and Bill would merely stay in the shadows given their high profile. Second, Hillary Clinton would be an easy target for the Republicans, for better or for worse. I don't agree with 95% of the charges leveled against Hillary by conservatives, but at the same time I realize the intrinsic, polarizing nature of Hillary Clinton. In an election year where so much is at stake, Democrats can simply not take that risk this November.

In fact, many of Hillary's purported strengths are mitigated in the general election with John McCain. Much of Hillary's blue-collar and Hispanic supporters will have legitimate reasons to vote for McCain this November. First, blue-collar supporters in states like West Virginia and Kentucky are much more likely to vote for a hawkish, old white man than a woman. In addition, McCain's support for immigration amnesty gives him appeal to Hispanic voters. Many of Hillary's perceived strengths are actually a result of running against a black man painted in elitist colors. This strategy worked in the primary, but will assuredly fail against McCain.

Hence, I plea to delegates and superdelegates to exercise some discretion and not get swept up with this "Hillary as VP" talk. There are other possibly better VP candidates (Bill Richardson, Joe Biden, Evan Bayh come to mind) who may not be as high profile, but would act more like a vice-president than a president.