Ripping off the Hillary band aid

The “conventional wisdom” – if there is such a thing these days – insists that Barack Obama should hold off on naming his running mate until shortly before the convention later this summer. The valid reasons for this are many and, having been covered extensively already, need not be repeated here. But the time may be approaching for the candidate to eschew that advice and move to fill the VP slot earlier. The reason comes in that one word which simply will not go away and continues to hover like a dark, angry cloud over portions of the Democratic landscape – Hillary.

Following the conclusion of the nominating process, there was a welcome and predictable shift among the majority of Hillary’s supporters (large numbers of them women) over to Obama’s corner. But polls continue to suggest that the remainder, while small in number, were more numerous than some thought. What they lack in large numbers they more than make up for in volume, tribal cohesion and prominent, media friendly and ready spokespersons. In an election as tight as this one is shaping up to be, the last thing Obama needs is this pack of doomsaying crows nipping at his ears and caw-cawing over every perceived slight.

These wraiths of primary past seem to come in three general categories. First, there are some who are the true dead enders in every sense of the word. For them, the nomination process does not end until the last votes are counted in November. They are still striving with every fiber of their being to gin up something – anything – that might still topple the candidate and force the coronation of the new Grand Dame of the Democrats at the convention. This includes spreading rumors of false birth certificates, promises of a “soon to be released” (any day now) Whitey Tape, and details of Obama’s plans for global Armageddon if elected. (Among many, many others.)

Next we have the sullen bunch who seem to have moved past denial but not yet reached the acceptance stage in the grieving process. They recognize that Obama is the nominee (at least for now) but seem to take a masochistic delight in reporting on every poll showing problems for the Illinois Senator or every story indicating challenges for his electoral hopes.

Last of all are those who appear (at least on the surface) to be completely on board with the party and moving forward. But they are also there at every turn – smiling, shiny faces tugging at all elbows – reminding you, “Aren’t things going marvelously? And let’s not forget, we’re still going to need a strong VP candidate. And of course, Hillary is the obvious choice. I mean, we’re going to need the women’s vote to carry the South, and her star is still on the rise!”

Why do they do this? Well, second place is still better than going back to the Senate empty handed and, you never know… you remember what happened to Bobby Kennedy…

There may be no other way to handle this oppressive shadow on Obama’s footsteps. There was enough of a painful blow-back following the June 3rd close of festivities. If Senator Clinton’s supporters are still crouching at convention time, waiting for the next (and final) insult to their Chosen Demigoddess, it could well put yet another damper on the bounce Obama should be expecting coming out of the celebration in Denver. It may be time, as parents have done with children for generations, to simply rip the band aid off in one clean pull and get the pain over with now. Pick an electoral map strategy and name a running mate who will bring in a close state or two and shore up a weak demographic. Offer Hillary her consolation prize, be it one of the jobs currently held by Dean, Reid, Schumer or (God help us all) a seat with the Supremes, and let the dead-enders know right now that, no, she is not going to be the president or the vice president. And no, there is not going to be some unfortunate terminal event that turns that around.

Or, if the candidate has been staring at the moon for too long and he seriously is considering taking Senator Clinton along on this ride, get it over with and give her the position so her supporters can throw themselves back into the fray. Either way, get this poison out of the party’s system once and for all and focus 100% on the race to November. Leaving this thorn to fester in his side may come at a higher price than Obama can afford.