NewsHour Extra: Student Voice | Could Obama and Clinton be the Golden Ticket? | June 12, 2008 | PBS

	The Democratic race to the White House has been nothing short of compelling. Record numbers of young voters have come out in support of their favorite candidate and many more have been actively campaigning. The Democrats haven't had such a popular race in years. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton made history and broke boundaries with their intense primary battle. While Barack Obama has finally won the nomination, some Democrats can't help but ask: Why can't it be both? Much talk has been circulating about a possible Obama-Clinton campaign, but of course no one knows for sure. Though there is no certainty to these rumors, what is certain is that many are curious to discover what the combination would be like, and if it would be beneficial to both the country and the Democratic Party. Different strengths What truly separates Barack and Hillary is experience, or the lack thereof. Their campaigns focused on two entirely different mottos: Hillary's was one of experience and stability, while Barack is running as a fresh face and a candidate of change. Even those who chose to vote for Obama can recognize the fact that Hillary is highly qualified. She's been in the Senate for seven years, and was a First Lady for eight. She's passed three legislative acts and is part of four Senate committees. On the other hand, the charismatic Obama only has three years in the Senate, and has passed two legislative acts. He too is part of four Senate committees; however, matched up against many candidates, Barack Obama does seem to come up short. Why then was he able capture the nomination? The answer is simple. He's full of life, a great orator, and he represents all that America is hoping for in the near future. This difference between them is one of the main reasons why they seem like they'd be a phenomenal team. An Obama-Clinton administration would have both Hillary's experience and knowledge and Barack's charisma. But the question still remains: could the combo happen, and what do people think? Bringing sides together As of now, the two seem to be an unlikely pair. They've traded nasty remarks and allegations. It seems as though the Democratic party is divided. Obama supporters still resent the attacks made by Hillary and Bill Clinton, while Clinton supporters insist that Obama is way in over his head. Many of Obama's fans are unsupportive of Hillary as vice president. They are apprehensive of the fact that Bill Clinton is so involved in Hillary's political situation and also of her political baggage. As many Obama supporters have stated, their message is totally different from everything that Clinton stands for. The Obama campaign is all about change and being new, which is everything Hillary Clinton is not. While the primary race is over, there is still a divide among Democrats that needs to be fixed. Both Obama and Clinton have something unique to bring to the American people and the country. In the end, it is still a mystery when it comes to who Obama will pick as his running mate, but I truly think it'd be one interesting administration if these two political opposites joined together.

Blogged with the Flock Browser