Dem insiders say joint Clinton-Obama 'dream' ticket all but impossible

[SoFlaJet]

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/03/23/2008-03-23_dem_insiders_say_joint_clintonobama_drea.html

Dem insiders say joint Clinton-Obama 'dream' ticket all but impossible
BY KENNETH R. BAZINET and MICHAEL McAULIFF
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU

Sunday, March 23rd 2008, 4:00 AM


WASHINGTON - Dream ticket? Dream on.

Democratic insiders say Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama once held warm feelings for each other, but their fierce White House fight is pushing their relationship to the point of no return.

Many say it's already gone so far that any sort of union would come only if they thought the good of the party absolutely depended on it. Clinton has floated the idea of a dream ticket. But if Obama wins, the chances of it happening are nearly zero, strategists say.

How tough have things gotten between the two? Both say they were friends before the campaign started, and will be when it's over. Even in public, however, it has not looked all that cozy.

"They're both strong competitors, but I have no doubt that whoever wins, the other will be fully backing," said New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, who supports Clinton.

Senate sources recalled how after Obama announced his presidential bid, he was extremely nervous about how Clinton would take it, and wanted to shake her hand when he returned to the Senate. They said she refused to acknowledge him.

Obama famously returned the favor at President Bush's State of the Union address, turning his back as Clinton approached.

And the two leaders' foot soldiers don't sound at all confident of repairing the damage, though each side blames the other.

Obama insiders say if he loses, he'll graciously work for Clinton. They doubt Clinton will do the same.

"The woman is a climber," said one insider. "When you consider that she didn't even have a plan for the day after Super Tuesday, you wonder if she has processed that she is behind and may stay that way," the source said. "We will heal, but will she is the question."

One source independent of the campaigns said Clinton staffers have been known to berate other senators' aides if they work with Obama. "That's pretty bitter," the source said.

Both sides admit it wasn't always that way.

Clinton still has a photo of Obama and his family in her office, and observers say that Clinton was among the first to realize his potential.

In late 2005, then-Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid's staff came up with the idea of highlighting Obama and fellow freshman Ken Salazar (D-Colo.) to show the depth and diversity of the party. Some Democratic staffs questioned the idea, but when Clinton got wind of it, she stepped up.

"Hillary got it. She showed up and was delighted to take the role of spectator," recalled a Senate Democratic strategist.

It's not completely hopeless for the dream ticket dreamers. Just a couple weeks ago, the pair managed to sit and chat civilly about the race, and the next day Obama signed on to a piece of Clinton-sponsored legislation.

Roy Romer, an ex-governor of Colorado and Clinton-era party chairman, called the tone of the race "raw," but said the antidote will ultimately be the party's need, and the country's.

"The party will go through some rough spots, but then it will come together and be united," Romer said. "We've got to elevate to a higher level because this country is in trouble."

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[RainDog]

1. Obama/Richardson 08

Let Richardson try to bring some sanity to the war on drugs (i.e. medicinal m.j. in states that vote for this option.) -I think total decriminalization is best, but it is repulsive to make someone suffer because you don't like the cure.

Sorry, but too much bile from Hillary makes the idea of a "dream ticket" a nightmare. As people have noted over and over again, but about which the party leadership seems to choose to remain ignorant - we want a clean break with the Bush/Clinton era.

[LVjinx]

3. It's no secret he was auditioning to be Hillary's VP during the debates

So this wouldn't be a big switch for him.

[Janet Carter]

5. Obama/Richardson 08

Obama/Richardson '08 ! PERFECT team for our Country.

:patriot:

[Clear Blue Sky]

2. Pelosi said much the same a few weeks ago.

[bemildred]

4. Oh fudge, what a crushing disappointment. nt

[Fridays Child]

6. Obama-Sebelius

That'd work for me. So would Obama-Napolitano.