WHERE I STAND:

Brian Greenspun has a proposal for a ticket to unite Democrats

And it doesn’t involve Clinton giving up and going home

Sun, May 11, 2008 (2 a.m.)

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I am not a pundit. I am not an expert. I am simply an American who wants what he believes is best for America.

And what I think is best for this country is the first election of a woman to the presidency of the United States. And just like that, I have shown my bias toward Sen. Hillary Clinton.

I mention this because in the past few days I have been asked by newspapers and other media concerns to opine about Hillary’s chances to be the Democratic nominee and to discuss what her options are and what she should do. I have been consistent in my refusal to suggest any course of action other than that which my friend, the senator from New York, deems appropriate for herself.

The reason is simple. It is because Hillary Clinton has worked harder than any person I know of to become America’s president. She has had to work hard because, as those of us who grew up in the ’60s know so well, women have always had to work twice as much and twice as long just to be noticed.

She knows what it takes to be president and she wouldn’t be putting herself through this most grueling of nomination fights if she didn’t — way deep down — believe that she is the best person for the job.

This has nothing to do with whether Sen. John McCain or Sen. Barack Obama believe they are the best qualified for the job. If they didn’t believe that, they wouldn’t be out there every day doing what they do. The fact is that running for president, and the presidency itself, has to be the hardest job on the planet.

So what I believe or, frankly, what the talking heads, the party leaders, the blowhards on talk radio and cable “news” shows believe is irrelevant. If the candidates think the White House is worth the fight, it is their decision and theirs alone to make.

Besides, whether you want to count all the votes and respect all the voters, or want to do what the Republicans did in 2000 and count only the votes that will let one side or the other claim victory, the fact remains that there are rules to be followed — or not — and the most important one of all is that it takes a majority of delegates to win.

As best as I can tell, neither Obama nor Clinton has a majority of the delegates — an outcome that we probably won’t know until the convention in Denver — so there is no reason to stop counting or to stop campaigning.

Just because the party leaders are scared that they may lose to McCain if this drags on too long is not, in itself, reason to short-circuit the democratic process. It is clearly a reason why the ridiculous rules under which the Democrats are trying to govern themselves must be changed before the next group of candidates is put through the same ringer that is chewing up two very spirited and lively campaigners.

So I will not be one of those weak-kneed Democrats — remember, I have been a Democrat for only four months — who cringes at the thought of any kind of confrontation, any use of hard language or any employment of tactics that, by comparison with what the Republicans will throw against the Democratic nominee, are mere child’s play.

Instead, I cheer the process that has invigorated millions of Americans to participate. I applaud Obama and Clinton for energizing young people, old people, African-Americans and middle class mothers and fathers to participate in this most historic election cycle. And I celebrate this most democratic display of enfranchisement, which for far too long has been a burden to Americans rather than a blessing.

All that said, I do have an opinion about what should be done if the Democrats want to win the White House. It is based on a belief that, right or wrong, I don’t believe Barack Obama can beat John McCain in November. I do believe Hillary can walk to the finish line.

I realize fully half the members of the Democratic Party disagree with me — they would be the people who have voted and will vote for Obama — and I am prepared for the onslaught. But, a careful reading of the exit polls in practically every major state that will be in play in November tells us that white, middle-class voters and senior citizens would just as soon stay home or vote for McCain than cast a vote for a man they still don’t know or, based on what they believe they know, will not even consider the thought.

Understand, that is what I believe today. The whole world can change tomorrow and Barack Obama could become the darling of the swing voters, just as he has become the champion of the far left of the Democratic Party. In that case, he will win because, frankly, this is the year of the Democrat. Losing to McCain would not only be a bad defeat, it would be one for the record books. It is really hard to lose a sure thing!

We all know that the polling this year has been wrong at best. I believe one major reason is that we have an African-American and a woman running for office. People, for good or bad reasons, don’t tell the truth to pollsters when it comes to race or gender. The truth usually comes out in the polling booth, and that truth says that, in the states he must win as a Democrat, he is not doing very well.

So here’s what I think. Whether they like each other or not — and I think deep down they could like each other with time and a cooldown from the heat of the campaign — the division in the Democratic Party on both candidates’ behalf is too deep to heal the wounds between now and November.

It is not just the emotional investment that won’t let some voters open themselves to another possibility; it is a well-reasoned belief that either of the candidates is not compatible with the belief systems of the voters on the other side. There is also a less noble persuasion that is rooted in the fear of the “other,” be it the black other or the female other. It is a barrier that can be broken, but probably not by November.

For all the rhetoric about race- and gender-baiting, this nominating process has been very healthy for at least the Democratic side of the American voting ledger. This debate had to happen, and now is as good a time as any and, as we are learning, may even be a little late. And when this one is fully aired, there is a black-brown discussion that needs to be had and disposed of properly.

We live in a time when a black man or a woman can make history. For sure, together, they will make history and do right by America. If they were to run together, the question, of course, would be who should get the top spot and who the second position.

I am certain Obama’s folks believe he is either entitled to or deserving of the presidential nod. I am also certain that Clinton’s folks believe she should lead the ticket. Nothing short of the votes needed for certain nomination will change those positions.

So why don’t they do what most adults would do in the circumstances? Unless there is a Solomon out there who can make the case that persuades one or the other, they should have a meeting in which they set the ground rules for the role and responsibility the vice president would have in the next administration. It would have to be substantial and meaningful because their supporters would be looking at that agreement as a reason to come out to the polls.

Once that is done, the two candidates should square off, shake hands and call the toss of a coin. I know this is the presidency we are talking about, but I also know people have chosen sides and aren’t likely to move unless they perceive something fair and square has taken place.

We accept the coin toss in every other facet of our lives. We know it is fair and, in this case, it will give America — or at least Democrats — a ticket made up of the two people they like most in the world to be president.

Once that is done, the two of them can make the case to America. An America waiting to change and an America needing to change.

Brian Greenspun is editor of the Las Vegas Sun.

Discussion: 17 comments so far…

By Johnathan_Abbinett

5/11/08 at 2:53 a.m.

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I was an Edwards supporter that is now hoping Obama gets the nomination. But, if Clinton wins I will whole-heartedly support her without a single momemts delay!

Why is it that so many Clinton supporters don't, or won't reciprocate that same spirit of support?

People that stayed home are part of the reason we got stuck with Bush and Bush got re-elected (arguably the worse U. S. President ever), and these same people are part of the reason we got stuck with Gibbons (arguably the worse Nevada Governor ever) - staying home is for COWARDS!

And those, so-called Democrats, that threaten to vote for McCain are worse than cowards - they are nothing short of TRAITORS!

This is a PRIMARY and there will be one winner and one loser - experienced political astute citizens get that - some of the new people and low information voters don't!

It is necessary, and expected, when the primary is over, that we all must come together quickly as a party and move forward UNITED! It is NOT a time to be whining, sniveling, complaining or childish threatening to take your toys and go home like some sort of spoiled brat!

As an example, Mayor Gibson promised to be true to the party and help unite us after the primary he had with Senator Titus - and he broke his promise and damaged the parties ability to come back together and heal - that's why we call some people D.I.N.O.'s (Democrats In Name Only)!

The public should know that their vote is kept private, but it is a matter of public record whether, or not, you voted - so, those low information people that think they've been pulling the wool over their neighbor's eyes are naive! We know who has registered and voted - and who has NOT!

I have high hope for Obama - and, in my mind, as they say, "A New Broom Cleans Best!" But, if Clinton wins the nomination she will be far, far better than McCain - no doubt about it!

Now, the Clinton supporters need to get their heads and hearts straight and commit to doing the right thing if Obama wins - it's called being loyal to the Democratic Party!
By Grypho

5/11/08 at 5:29 a.m.

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Firstly, let me declare, as you have done, my own bias. I am one of the disaffected cross-over Republicans who is an ardent Obama supporter.

You cite "...a careful reading of the exit polls in practically every major state..."

The problem I see: This ignores an amazing shift in the American political landscape. This election not like 2000 and 2004. And yet, despite a palpable shift, it seems that almost every analyst argues and reasons from the old paradigm. Because of Barack Obama's unprecedented efforts, combined with Hillary staying so long in the race, which has given him both the impetus and time to maximize those efforts, we are no longer looking at a charged up GOP against a less than charged up last minute desperation guilt-out-the-vote drive by Democrats. This November will not be decided by more or less equally polarized voters, who will stay up late to find out which candidate will get the barely 51% winner-take-all electoral nod.

The polls you cite, with which you are giving your careful reading, reflect percentages, but not real numbers -- and not the very real percentage differences that now exist across party lines. This election cycle, GOP enthusiasm, appeal, and popularity is at an all time low. Republicans and Independent cross-overs favor Obama by a considerable margin. Remember the Reagan Democrats, and don't ignore the Obama Republicans, of which I am one, who are capable and willing to reach out (or back) in a way that transcends both party and ideology.

I personally don't care if a black man or a white woman or a black woman is elected president. That is not a criteria for me, and I would consider it racist or sexist on my part if it was, but that's just me, and you might well disagree. Paraphrasing, I agreed with Chief Justice Roberts when he said that the way to end racism (or sexism) is to eliminate these things as qualifiers. I will not vote for Barack Obama because he black. Some will, I won't, because it is not at issue for me. Likewise, I would not vote for Hillary because she is a woman, nor would I make that a qualifier.

I have looked at the polls, and carefully read them. I have also considered what I believe are the real new numbers that the polls do not reflect, and not just the raw selection percentages. I truly believe the nation will be shocked, beginning with the MSM, when they see the pendulum has swung full force in the opposite direction, as history repeats itself and Reagan's Landslide becomes Obama’s Landslide of '08.

In short, Barack Obama does not need Hillary Clinton to make that a reality, despite all threats of defections. He is not picking over the old crop of polarized voters. He has sewn, and will reap and harvest, an entirely new crop of the electorate, of which I am one small, but significant and underestimated part.
By RSN

5/11/08 at 7:59 a.m.

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Thanks for the laugh, I truly laughed out loud at your idea of a coin flip, Hilarious.

I read my local papers everyday and get to watch both papers work against Senator Barack Obama. Now when Senator Obama has won Senator Clinton’s good friend thinks we should flip a coin.

With all due respect Mr. Greenspun it’s your paper but your candidate has lost because of the will of the people.

The Obama campaign has the most votes,has won more contests (including Nevada 13 to 12),has won more pledged delegates, has more endorsements of so called super delegates, and has raised more money from more people than anyone in history. More than one and a half million people have contributed to the Obama campaign.

If Mrs. Clinton was in this position would she be ready to flip a coin?

Hilarious absolutely hilarious!
By HelenWeils

5/11/08 at 8:22 a.m.

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Your not an expert Brian? DUH!!!!

Ron Paul ALSO energized a lot of voters with his constitutional not markist platform.

I hope Obama gets the nomination so he can get creamed by the Republicans who will expose him for what he is. A Racist, Marxist, Redistributionist, inexperienced idiot who makes a pretty good speach with nothing to back him up.
Oh Yeah, He's READY TO GO TO WAR IN AFRICA AS PART OF HIS PLATFORM!!! HELLO IDIOTS!!! Wanna trade the Iraq war for an Africa war??
By manaboutown

5/11/08 at 8:26 a.m.

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As usual Mr. Greenspun, you are comical with your coin toss idea, I am sure you werent serious? The country is sick and tired of the Clintons, everyone knows it but you and Bill. Obama is the most unqualified candidate in recent history and carries baggage that will be easily exploited by the Republicans. The result will be a pseudo-Democrat President named John McCain. Are there no statesman left?
By jfnance32

5/11/08 at 8:56 a.m.

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Go Hussein!!!!!

Democrats gift to Republicans.

If the Democrats had a half-brain they would have run a popular white male southern governor for president.

It would had wiped out the Republican party on many levels.

If the Democrats had a quarter-brain they would run Hillary.

Nope, thank God, they are going to run Hussein.

By doing that it helps so many Republican candidates in Nevada.
By anewkindofpolitics

5/11/08 at 9:13 a.m.

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Mr Greenspun, I dare say you are pandering. Someone wants the Clinton's to be his house-guests again, with all the executive pomp and circumstance, just like it was under Bill during the 1990s. I notice this with a lot of the Clinton's close friends- this nostalgia seems to overtake them and they lose perception of reality. I truly enjoy Hillary Clinton, and think she is a rare force in American politics with special gifts. That said, she has disappointed me tremendously in the last few months, campaigning on the fear card and tearing into Obama like a Karl Rove Republican. The truth is, the people have chosen Obama. Now, before you tell me how close it is and the importance of "letting things play out", stop and think for a second how Hillary and Clinton allies would be spinning this if she were in Obama's shoes. He would not have a chance and would have been blasted so hard by Wolfson and others that he would have been out at least a month ago. The bottom line is the race is over and the longer she stays in and makes dumb comments like the "hard working, white voters" comment last week, the more she continues to fracture the party with her divisive tone. Some call her a fighter for staying in, I call it stubborn. Who would have thought Mitt Romney would be more gracious than Hillary Clinton in this campaign??? Brian, I know you will miss the secret service and presidential galas at your home that you enjoyed so much a decade ago, but its time to let that dream pass. Maybe if you start writing biased articles for Obama, by his second term he might give you a visit.

PS. As for HelenWeils completely uninformed, ignorant comments, anyone who does not fight genocide everywhere supports genocide anywhere. The fact that we have failed to act in the largest genocide since world war two just because it is in that horrible place called "Darfur" or "Africa" is absurd. If you listened, Helen, you would know Senator Obama supports a UN effort similar to that under Bill Clinton in Bosnia under NATO (Remember how terrible that war was, we almost lost our beloved first lady to sniper fire). Obama has also deflects the race issue at every chance he gets, and he gets a lot of them, which makes it hard to brand him a "racist".

This is what we have to look forward to in the fall folks: disaffected conservatives who know they can't win so they sour up and make uninformed, absurd accusations. Your whole guilt by association argument wont work this time. McCain has his crazy friends too- don't forget his close ally Rev. Hagee who calls the Catholic Church the "great whore". Must be McCain's strategy to pick up that important catholic vote....
By anewkindofpolitics

5/11/08 at 9:29 a.m.

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jfnance31- nice racist rant- too bad society is not as ignorant as you are. Hussein means "handsome or good" in Arabic- a SECULAR language used by over 420 MILLION people around the world. Just because one ruthless dictator had that as his last name does not mean every "Hussein" is the devil incarnate. In fact, out of those 400+ people who speak Arabic, there are millions who use the name "hussein"- the must be terrible people. Give me a break- are you really that narrow minded. I am so glad to see the younger generations support Barack Obama in such large numbers. It shows the fear mongering and racism that is so entrenched in older Americans has been rejected by the next generation of leaders. We do not care what someone's middle name is, as long as they can get the job done. America will vote for change in November, both candidates have acknowledged it. I cant wait to see a debate between McCain and Obama. It will be a 70 year old short white guy who supports a hated war against a tall, slender 45 year old "everyman"- an ecletic mix of races and creeds- who spoke out against the war from the start. I think we can point to the one who is change, and thats before we get any real visual imagery.
JFnance32, I know you are just doing what Karl Rove has taught, bring out the personal attacks and politics of destruction. That may have worked in 2000 and 2004, but the people have caught on. 2008 will be about issues, our issues that face Americans everyday- the economy, war, immigration, and energy. You can try to play the "draft-dodger" card this time but your efforts will be futile. If the people do not like John McCain's policies for America (and polls have shown they don'), he is in for a short race ala Bob Dole in 1996. Americans are hurting economically and are not in the mood to play petty games of name calling.
By JLOKC

5/11/08 at 12:19 p.m.

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This editiorial makes me think that Mr. Greenspun got a phone call from Tom Hagan (In the Godfather).
Recently the Clinton campaign came under fire for their perceived "high roller" lodging expenditures during the Nevada primary. It should be surprising, but isn't, that Mr. Greenspun apparantly made no effort to head this off beforehand, or take the fall after the fact. It does reinforce the perception that the entire Clinton campaign is out of touch.
My gut feeling is that Americans will hold on to their belief in a male in charge Presidency, moreso than a white in charge Presidency. I think this is especially true with older women, many of whom can't stand Ms. Clinton. I also think they will lie about the male-female issue more than the white-black. I think 5 to 8% will say they will vote for Ms. Clinton, but won't. I also think the white-black lie goes both ways, and many pollsters can't get a good grip on those who say they won't vote for a black man, but will in the privacy of the voting booth.
By MysterMr

5/11/08 at 12:47 p.m.

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Another craptacular idea by Mr. Greenspun. Here's a headline for you: "Hillary has LOST!" If Hillary ever got the opportunity of a coin toss, she would jump at it in a second, because that's the best chance she's got at this point, but the fact is, it's over. She lost, she sucks, she is a LOSER. Done, Finis! Obama should tell her to sit and spin in her cesspool of personal attacks.

I used to like McCain, when he was a war hero opposed to torture. Now he's just another owned, complacent, 4 years of this nightmare that has ruined our country. Not to mention that he can't seem to be able to figure out who the "enemy" is.

Hillary is a bloated windbag cow that will apparently stoop to any low to attack Obama. She has nothing to say about herself, only ranting about Obama. Ready on day one? What a joke. She didn't even know what was going on in her own home, was "misled" into voting for the Iraq war (twice) as well as PATRIOT and the MRA - and we're supposed to trust such a naive, easily misled moron with the world? Do we really want her answering the phone at 3am with dillusions about snipers? This is not worth talking about anyway since barring a complete corrupt action by the DNC negating the will of their party members, she's done.

It is annoying though to always see the Sun seemingly always licking Hillary's boots. It is so obvious to everyone. I wouldn't take the time to go vote for Obama, but I would take the time to go vote AGAINST Hillary whomever the other candidate is. She is owned. She has NO character left. She has proven herself worthless again and again with her voting record.

She can't make the right decisions, she is delusional (sniper fire?), she's owned by corporate contributions, and she can't even manage the people in her little campaign. Plus, she cries and stoops to the lowest lows when she's in a corner. Is this "Presidential?" C'mon.

Obama seems like a decent guy - I can't find a single thing wrong with him. He's the only candidate I would allow in my home. He has been amazingly forgiving with Hillary and gracious in the face of her campaign's deplorable and disinenuous attacks on him. He has has planty of opportunities to stoop to her level and blow her away, but held his tongue. This is the metered temperment of a leader. The only problem is like Clinton and McCain, his policies suck. He has absolutely no plan either for anything... economy, taxes, etc.

Can anyone really get behind anything any of these candidates is saying? (well unless you have a lot of oil or MIC stocks and are backing McCain). After four years of any of these three people we'll be cementing America's designation as the newest 3rd world country.

So who? I'd like to draft maybe Oprah. She's likable and smart. Ron Paul would have been great. At least he had a plan that would have saved the economy and lives. Bill Maher would be awesome. Can we just get him? He's pretty logical. Hopefully the Hillary nightmare will be a memory soon.
By sfiver

5/11/08 at 1:52 p.m.

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He who thinks too much ... thinks too much! I just can't imagine Senator Obama winning any more than a few states. A real shame. The democrats have a much better chance with Clinton at the top of the ticket. But, alas, some of us can remember 1968, 1972 and especially 1988 when the dems cut their own throats and nominated born losers.
By MysterMr

5/11/08 at 4:40 p.m.

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sfiver, yes thinking is the enemy of the Clinton campaign. With "Mis" Clinton being constantly "Mis" led (Iraq, PATRIOT, etc.) and constantly "Mis" speaking (Sniper fire?), I'm sure she'd "Mis" the mark as well.

Like I said, if I happened to be at a polling place, I'd vote for Obama, but I wouldn't make a special trip. I WOULD make a special trip to vote against Hillary.

We have a proven liar as our president now. Do you really want another one? She's ready to lie from day one apparently. McCain? Liar again. Even the McCains knew not to vote for Bush.

I am proud to say I don't know anyone that would vote for this nightmare. She couldn't win anyway. As much as I dislike his policies, I think Obama is going to take it.
By HelenWeils

5/12/08 at 6:59 a.m.

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Africa is a hell hole as much as Iraq is. I want out of Iraq and every other country we have our troops in. I'm sick of spending tax dollars for
everything under the sun including giving huge subsidies to Archer Daniels Midland to produce ethanol that costs more to make, corrodes our engines and raises food costs.

Ron Paul has it right, if it's not in the constitution, VOTE NO! It's none of our business what Africa does. If they kick the white people who grow the food out of their farms and give them to their black buddies who don't know a thing about farming and now they are all starving, then that's their fault! If they enslave their own people and their people keep voting for them, then it's their fault!
We have a hard enough time dealing with problems in our own country without getting into everyone elses' mess.
Trading Iraq for Africa UN or not (we still end up picking up the bill and usually supply the majority of the soldiers
as well is not something I am willing to pay for.
P.S. We all referred to Sadam Hussain as Sodamn insane.
If the shoe fits!
By KevDevNev

5/12/08 at 1:15 p.m.

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A coin toss, between Hillary and Barack, interesting. I wonder who would ask after the first coin toss, "how about best out of three?" And as Kurt Vonnegut would comment, "and so it goes."
By nobody

5/12/08 at 5:41 p.m.

(Removed by the site staff)
By falcon176

5/12/08 at 7:13 p.m.

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i admire your ability to get paid for this
By HelenWeils

5/13/08 at 7:09 a.m.

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Hi, I'm Barack Obama, just call me BO.
Come on everyone, can't we just all get along? Kumbaya.
Just vote for me and I'll give you free health care forever. I'll let all of you illegal aliens "come on down!"
Yes, bring your pregnant wives and bring them on in to the emergency room to have those anchor babies and get on welfare! After all, those rich white people can get by on less just like my wife Michelle says.
It's high time the welfare state is expanded, after all, we have reparations to make to all of the decendents of slaves. Their ancestors
never got those reparations and it's high time their descendants were paid off!
I understand that when you raise the capital gains taxes that it will cut tax revenues but that's ok, because it's "fair" that those rich white people pay more of their income, after all, they can afford it.
I'll make sure to pull out of Iraq right away even if it puts Iran in control of our oil, but that's ok!
We're going to use renewable sources
like ethanol that cost more to make
in oil and pollutes more than oil and rusts out our gas tanks, but that's ok,
it's fair, after all, those rich white people can afford it.
By the way, I'll send our troops right over to Africa after we pull them out of Iraq to rescue Africa, they need it worse than we do.
Oh yeah, I'm going to renegotiate all of our Nafta agreements with Canada
they aren't paying enough taxes to us.
Aren't we just going to be one big happy family?? Kumbaya!
Your Prez, BO.