Never seen anything like this before

[jumptheshadow]

It's two days before the big primary and 1) I'm undecided, and, 2) The local electoral landscape is topsy turvy. Got a call from my Congresswoman, who occupies Shirley Chisholm's old seat in a district especially carved out for minorities. It was the first robo call I've actually listened to. It turned out that she was urging me to vote for a white woman candidate over the first serious black Presidential contender. I put down the phone and I knew we are witnessing history.

Usually the presidential results in my district can be predicted with accuracy. Eighty to 85 percent of the vote in the general election will go to the Democrat. Primary elections are more competitive, but most of the time there are clear front runners there as well. You don't see exit pollsters canvassing voters in my area because the results are usually a foregone conclusion. I have a feeling that might change this Tuesday.

I am amazed that there hasn't been more electioneering in my neighborhood. If anything, it has been quieter than in the past. We expected more direct mail and phone calls. Does that mean the Obama camp is conceding New York to Clinton? That would be a mistake, in my estimation, because there are a lot of people in my shoes, sweating out their decisions.

One thing I am sure of: I want both of them on the same ticket in the general. They would win and, as a package deal, one would complement the other.

[Bicoastal]

1. New York is Hillary's state--Obama has a much better chance in California...

...plus he's currently leading in Georgia and Illinois by huge margins.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

2. I'd be happy with both of them on the ticket but I don't trust her to go through with it.

I could see the Clintons promising that spot to Barack and then reneging on it to pick one of the "safe" white males who are already on her short list. All for the good of the party, you understand.

[nevergiveup]

4. I think you are right

There is no way in hell the Clinton's will ask Obama to be Hillary's running mate. It makes great feel good fodder for the party but it ain't going to happen.

[Faygo Kid]

5. Bill will be Hillary's VP, just as she was his. Ask Al Gore about being VP under the Clintons.

That ticket simply won't happen. Obama would be marginalized beyond belief.

[OHdem10]

3. Cynthis Tucker, Atlanta. C. Journal just commented on CMatthews

Sunday AM show. Having HRC and Obama on the same ticket would
be a disaster for the Party. You are asking the country to accept
a Woman and a Black Man. This is too much change for the American
People to accept. The Hispanic Commmentator for the Spanish
TV Station agreed with Cynthia wholeheartedly. They best represent
ordinary Americans views, IMO. The Party cannot push the envelope
too far or we suffer the same disease that knocked the GOP down.
Misreading the American People and Overreaching has been the GOP
downfall. The Dems do not wish to make the same mistake, I hope

[jumptheshadow]

6. I disagree with all of you

The conventional wisdom is wrong here. Obama is not just a "black" candidate -- he is a brilliant orator with a quick sense of humor who can think well on his feet. The Clintons would benefit from putting Obama on the ticket. It would be a bold move that would turn out the black and young vote like never before. Obama would warm up Obama's "cold" image. He would generate crowds across the country. He would help build the recent momentum in Democratic registrations and turnout. You would see women, black and young voters form a coalition that would reach across party and state lines. Republicans, on the other hand, are lukewarm about their candidates and the most passionate Republication voters hate McCain. There's a chance we can make history here.

If Hillary wins the nomination -- if -- and names someone like Bayh as her running mate you will see the Democratic primary momentum lose steam. She might still win, but I honestly think she has a better chance at victory if she does the "unconventional" thing here.

And, polls aside, I am not so sure that New York City is Hillary's. Upstate New York is, but from what I am hearing anecdotally, there are a lot of voters here who are inspired by Obama and are seriously considering him. Seeing that New York elects delegates proportionally, I don't think Obama should concede any place here. If he isn't campaigning in a district he could possibly win, then he's giving up too easily.