Here we go again: another call for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to replace Joe Biden on the Obama 2012 ticket (Biden would switch jobs with Hillary).
This time it comes from New York Times columnist Bill Keller, who says Clinton as the vice presidential nominee "does more to guarantee Obama's re-election than anything else the Democrats can do."
Keller also says the move would strengthen Obama's hand with Congress in a second term and would make her the party's heir apparent in 2016.
Keller's column is only the latest in a long line of rumor and speculation about a Biden-Clinton switch. Among those who have come before him: Douglas Wilder, John Heilemann, Bob Woodward, Jonathan Alter and Robert Reich.
They argue the many potential benefits, but what about the potential hazards?
For example, a Clinton on the ticket would undoubtedly invigorate the right-wing, which would otherwise be apathetic with Romney as the GOP nominee. Remember what they tried to do to her husband in the late 90's?
The idea's been dismissed by the Obama, Clinton and Biden camps and few actually predict it will happen. So why does it keep coming up? Because, of course, its fascinating!
And Ed will lead a fascinating discussion on it tonight at 8pET on @msnbctv with Joan Walsh, Salon’s Editor at Large, and Jonathan Alter, MSNBC Political Analyst and Bloomberg View Columnist.
What do you think?
Join the conversation now or during the show by commenting on Facebook and/or tweeting (with the #edshow hashtag) so we can share your thoughts on the @EdShow.
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Naw, I like Biden
I think Biden is doing a fine job.
Me to.
No She is going her job and doing it very well and I really like Biden and he is going his as well. To do this is exactly what the Bagger/Repub want us to do because it looks like we are weakend in our resolve for Obama when we aren't. If you want to vote for the republican candidate Dems be my guest but if seeing the loons on the left and hearing their crazy ideas and the direction they want take this country doesn't energize you for your candidate then nothing will. Judge President Obama against the alternative not your imagined ideal!
I agree with the 4 of you. If its not broken don"t fix it. Kudos to them both !!!
i agree with Bill Keller on the "heir apparent" part, but i still believe it isn't going to happen, Bill Clinton being one of the major reasons why. as i have said before, President Obama doesn't want Bill THAT close. repubs would be saying, "who is the REAL president?
can you imagine the horrible things the repubs would add to their repituar of horrible things they ALREADY say about President Obama if they had Bill Clinton to add to the mix? we would never hear the end of it-it would be the birth certificate debacle all over again. we would hear, "obama can't do it on his own".
be careful what you wish for.
not that it will happen-President Obama is too smart for that!
It would appear that we are desperate if we ran Clinton now and we are not. Hey she will make a great President in 2016 after Obama's second term. The Reps still will not be able to come up with a winner even then. Can't wait.
Why do you think Clinton would make a good president? Which of the issues that she has worked on (NAFTA? Ending the entitlement to poverty relief?) do you feel benefited this country?
GA Girl-718836 - Clinton has already said she is not going to remain the SoS for another term. To all of you - I think Clinton would be a much better V.P. candidate on Romney's ticket. Something to think about?
I think that Clinton would add a few percentage points to the ticket and I think that Biden would be an outstanding Secretary of State. This is an election we can't afford - the country can't afford - to lose, so the switch makes sense.
It is a good thought if it comes to give the opportunity but the ticket is fine at it is. Although it would be really interesting to see those number shoot through the roof.
Hillary and Obama have great respect for each other and would make a supper team, but she will not take a VP post. She does not see it as an advantage. But never say never. You want to see a lot of reps get nervous....just thinking about it they are shaking in their boots.
Ed, you have to check this out. This is about Walker and his cronies in the courts. Same place as the crocked Waukesha County Clerk with the screwed up election count! They changed the rules of the Walker recall during the recall!!! a link
Recall Walker
Krazy Koch Klan
that is what Al's Avatar says
Recall ALL of the Kochroaches !!
I love the idea of Hillary with Obama, but Biden as Sec of State? That job calls for a lot of tact, and as well as I like Joe, I don't see tact as his forte. But Robert Reich seems to think it will happen, according to the Register this morning. He also thinks it will be Romney/Rubio on the right, with Obama/Clinton winning! Yes!!
Actually, H. Clinton is not known for tact, either. Those who have worked with her in the past tend to describe her in such terms as "dictatorial," "impossible." I think she would try to assume the role of commander in chief, and this would lead to all kinds of problems. And I think if people took the time to review Clinton's record, they would see that she is too far to the right, having worked to enact right wing policies that have done much to crush the working class.
I would love to see Hillary run with President Obama. I agree she would add points to the ticket and as has been mentioned we can't lose this one. I also like Joe Biden and think he would make a great secretary of state. Either way they have my vote.
Maybe it depends on how many progressive vote. NO progressive is going to vote for someone with Clinton's record on NAFTA and her work in creating the super-cheap workfare replacement workforce (saves corporations money in wages, makes going on strike pointless, etc.)
Hillary is a good and popular alternative, but I like BIden's passion. I don't know, hard to pick so I hope they think about it long and hard and make the right choice.
Whatever works to stop Romney the raider and preserve at least some level of hope for the middle class.
I do think Biden would be more comfortable in an actual position of power, as a cabinet member.
I don't think Joe Biden has done anything to be insulted like that. And I don't think the people around him would do that. It would also make Obama look desperate. This kind of thing is the same as people talking about Chris Christie running for president.
On another note, if the news agencies can do stories endlessly about this kind of useless speculation, why can't they run stories about the corporations trying to take control of the internet? Wouldn't that be a little more germane?
A 2012 Clinton would invigorate the right wing? I don't care if they're invigorated.
I believe Hilary's said her plans are to step down as Secretary. She couldn't have done her job any better. She is tired for good reason. What I would hope is that she rest up, change her mind about a political life in the future and run in 2016.
Hilary Clinton for 2016!!!
Right, and that can't be wrong.
I there is someone here from Michigan, that is where Romney is from I encourage you to see how he feels about the auto workers. He only cares for number one and the is not you or the country.
And Santorum speaks about not giving blacks or the poor somebody else's money. That is the same money that for the past 20 years the top 1% has been controlling and that has been unjustly distributed by the top 15% by low wages and high prices. The rich is not bother by high prices only the bottom 80% who share only 7% of the wealth.
Has anybody asked the GOP candidates why does the minimum wage has to be $7 or $8 when it is impossible for anyone in the US to live with that amount? Why can't it be more equitable? And why are pharmaceuticals have to be so expensive when they cost so little to make and now they are being produce by slave labor.
Has anyone ask the candidates why are corporations looking forward to firing all the employees and have prisoners as slave labor?
I look forward to those questions being asked.
But they won't be. I think the nominees have to agree to the questions ahead of time. So they'll actually have a pre-written answer.
Why do your post just desappear?
I don't know,
It isn't clear.
I type it up and click
on the button, and
when I take a look,
and I see notten.
That's happened to me too. I don't know what it is.
If it rhymes, it must be true!
I think the switch would really be effective for a second term for Obama!!!!!!
Why? Hillary Clinton is so far to the right that it would result in a great deal of conflict within the administration. Clinton has been very good at team-building, and Clinton is definitely not a team player! She has built a reputation for being exceedingly difficult to work with.
When I see this picture of the two all I can think Obama would be saying to Hilary is since both my hands are above the table that must be your hand grabbing me.
?
I just don't see it happening. But never say never.
Ed, I appreciate what you are doing here by raising this issue. All three camps (Obama, Biden, & Clinton) want to test the waters. Personally, I love the Obama/Biden and Hillary Clinton. Prez O has a great team. With that said, my FIRST AND FOREMOST GOAL is to keep the WHITE HOUSE, get a Dem super majority in the House (300 Dems/Progs) and a super majority in the Senate (70). Further, we want to keep the White House in 2016 and 2020. I am positive the Obama team will do whatever they need to do to accomplish those goals. Prez O is going to win by a landslide, which should help folks figure out who will be in second place on the Obama 2012 ticket. Folks this election is about voting rights, a woman's right to choose, preventing apartheid against Latino families and the destruction of Latino families. It's about not allowing the 1% to benefit at the expense of the 99%. It's about educating our children for a 21st century global economy. It's about putting Americans back to work, protecting our environment, and getting rid of this idea that corporations are people too.
The Clinton VP move would make the numbers swing dramatically in the favor of the Obama / Clinton ticket - Bidens mouth seems to get him in trouble but I can't see him as Secretary of State. Clinton will have the 2016 nod either way and the 16 year run will have a strong chance of happening depending on the return of jobs and the return of housing value to our great nation. I would enjoy the opportunity to follow the 1461 days of the Obama / Clinton administration
Wrong. Between promoting war and working to shred the social safety net, there is a great deal of antipathy for Clinton. What does Clinton stand for that wins your support?
The Hillary Suggestion is a NWO choice ED!!!
America is already suspicious ENOUGH!!!
2016 is 100% The "Gentle-lady" from Massachusetts
ELIZABETH WARREN IN 2016
America is READY to BOUNCE the country's Banking Industry
Take THAT Jamie Dimon!!!
The more I hear Elizabeth Warren, the greater my respect for her grows. I'd be very enthusiastic about voting for her in 2016, not because she's a woman, but because she's clearly very intelligent and capable.
Elizabeth Warren is up by 15 points in the run for Mass. Senate
She IS going to STEAMROLL Scott Brown (Much to Wall St.'s chagrin)
AND STORM To the White House in 2016
Ed, It'll be THE PEOPLE in 2016! period
Clinton? Terrible idea! I'm not surprised that Mr. Schultz favors her. Check out her record. She has consistently worked to see that hard-right policies were enacted, from NAFTA to welfare "reform" (and these two policies together were vital to creating the disastrous economic mess we have today). Clinton has consistently, openly, been pro-war and anti-poor; she probably knows about the middle class, but has given NO indication that she knows about the working class. If you would take the time to check out (online) the policies and speeches of both Hillary Clinton and Richard Nixon, or even Dwight D. Eisenhower, you would see that Clinton is well to the right of both these staunch Republicans (Note: Technically, the Tea Party is reactionary, not conservative.) A Clinton administration would put us squarely back to upward wealth redistribution. Read about H. Clinton's role in formulating welfare "reform" as we got it, and think about what she would do to Social Security and Medicare.
I like Hillary, I voted for Bill twice, but I am totally against the talk of replacing VP Biden. Biden have been a darn good, loyal VP. OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
As disaffected Republicans who worked our shoe leather off for Obama in '08 (plus manned the phones for the '10 midterms), my wife and I were definitely NOT for Hillary. Not even for Secretary of State. For both practical reasons and dynasty reasons. She does seem to have worked hard in her present job, and we give her credit for that. Looking pretty tired too. But Ed, if you want the Obama Administration to shoot itself in the foot big time, just keep pushing this cockeyed idea. Meanwhile, we're also hoping for Huntsman and Roemer on the other side -- just for backup. Need to respect the Independents.
An Obama/Clinton ticket would be a sure win. I like Biden too and he was a super congressman. Democrats need to keep the Whitehouse and take back the rest of congress to straighten out the economic mess created by the republicans with their deregulations and all they have taken away from the 99 % of us. Do have another concern regarding a recent AP report that the U.S. top EXPORT for the first time in 2011 was Fuel! Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other petroleum products worth an estimated 88 Billion. Reason given for exporting so much was the U.S. is using less fuel because of a weak economy and more efficient cars and trucks allowing them to sell more fuel to growing economies in Latin America. Geez wonder why our economy is not growing???? Cost of gasoline needed for peope to get to work, home heating fuel, diesel fuel for farmers and truckers to grow and transport food and other products. Every time there is an improvement in the economy they jack up the price of fuel. They keep charging us more forcing familys to use less so they can sell more overseas to further increase their profits. Just isn't right.
An Obama/Clinton ticket would be a sure win. I like Biden too and he was a super congressman. Democrats need to keep the Whitehouse and take back the rest of congress to straighten out the economic mess created by the republicans with their deregulations and all they have taken away from the 99 % of us. Do have another concern regarding a recent AP report that the U.S. top EXPORT for the first time in 2011 was Fuel! Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other petroleum products worth an estimated 88 Billion. Reason given for exporting so much was the U.S. is using less fuel because of a weak economy and more efficient cars and trucks allowing them to sell more fuel to growing economies in Latin America. Geez wonder why our economy is not growing???? Cost of gasoline needed for peope to get to work, home heating fuel, diesel fuel for farmers and truckers to grow and transport food and other products. Every time there is an improvement in the economy they jack up the price of fuel. They keep charging us more forcing familys to use less so they can sell more overseas to further increase their profits. Just isn't right.
you forget that all you Ed followers and Ed hated Hiliary. You called her and Bill racists. Now you need her to save Barack.
Too late. He is weak. Always has been and you deserve what you got. If he loses, look in the mirrow. You have nobody to blame but yourselves. This is the "change" you wanted so live with it. Keep Uncle Bidden...the crazy Uncle in the family.
I completely disagree that a Obama/Clinton ticket in 2012 would appear as "weak" in leadership. I feel that now, more than ever, it is important to play to win while simultaneously strategizing in new innovative ways. It shows they are strategizing not only to win but to appeal to a greater audience and while it will help bring in incremental Dem. votes, it will also allow a greater audience to continue to feel supported going forward, after the election is over and the candidates take office. This is because Obama/Hilary is more diverse than Obama/Biden - not to mention the obvious support women will display putting a female second in command, and a powerful and experienced one at that. Today, many find it hard to find differences in right vs. left anymore and direct anger towards government and our system regardless of party affiliation. Others are upset with Obama and thinking of voting against him out of the mere disappointment and hoping he would have done more in these 1st 3 years. We can not simply do away with government and we cannot judge Obama on the almighty but rather the alternative. I strongly suggest that the Obama administration remain open to Clinton and Biden swapping roles and hope the Dem. Convention will make this nomination and announcement in the coming months. Adding Clinton to the ticket, in strategy, is not only smart for the campaign but one of the smartest things we could do for our country and the leadership of our country going forward.
I am doing what I can here locally to help Obama win his 2nd term and will stay engaged! Please share, follow and view my blog at Thanks! Katya
At first I thought that Obama -Clinton would be a Dream ticket but changed my mind. Hilary is doing an excellent job and has proved she is a good leader , however, the VP doesn't do much. Biden is doing very well in his position as VP but Hillary is doing a great job and if she has presidential aspirations she has an excellent chance in 2016. I think that becoming Obama's VP might actually hinder her political future.