Former governor Doug Wilder is calling for President Barack Obama to drop VP Joe Biden from the ticket in 2012 and replace him with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In an op-ed written for Politico, Wilder says Biden has been “prone to gaffes” and says that Clinton is “better suited as the political and government partner that Obama needs.”
Since the heady days of the 2009 Inauguration, middle-class independents have grown increasingly distant from Obama. Working-class voters — always more enamored of Clinton — have grown even more wary and distrustful of the Chicagoan. Both voting blocs pose the danger of serious defection in 2012. Without their support, Obama cannot win.
I’m not sure how I feel about this. I accept the harsh reality that Hillary Clinton will never be president. And I’ve been mostly pleased with her performance as Secretary of State. But I also recognize that most people in her position don’t serve two terms, and she simply has too much to offer to ride off into the sunset. At the same time, the VP slot is worth the proverbial “warm bucket of spit” so I don’t see this as a step up.
The point may be moot, anyway, as I suspect President Obama isnt really looking to Wilder for advice 😉
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Is *anyone* looking to Wilder for advice?
How about the reflection in his mirror?
As for VP Clinton, that would at least make her the presumptive nominee in 2016 (and take her out of 2012).
I simply cannot see Hillary running in 2016. She’ll be too old.
Fair point, but you don’t have a lust for power.
She’s doing a good job as Sec. of State. I too don’t really see VP as a step up. But you’re right that the Sec. of State generally doesn’t serve 8 years. And she’s about 10 years too old for a Supreme Court appointment.
I, unfortunately, agree she’s too old for SCOTUS.
That “warm bucket of spit” may not be much, but it is usually worth more than Wilder’s advice (stunts).
Ain’t that the truth 😉
I can’t believe Politico found this particular op-ed newsworthy enough to publish, but on the bright side they aren’t blatantly re-publishing and re-hashing Rolling Stone‘s content like they were a month ago.
Maybe Politico can try getting an exclusive op-ed from Lady Gaga to find out what she thinks about dropping Biden from the ticket?
Ha! 😀
As a Republican (and budding student of politics), I’ve gotta say that Obama/Clinton in 2008 would’ve gotten much more than 52% of the vote.
I think Obama/Biden could be beaten in ’12 (though I make no guess as to by who). Clinton would have nothing but her work at State to challenge Obama on in a primary, and foreign policy has taken a back seat to domestic policy (barring another event of some sort). Her shot at the presidency may well be gone.
Obama/Clinton would be a lot more formidable. I don’t see any of the names being floated on our side doing well against that ticket.
Snicker, all you want, Wilder accomplished the impossible in Virginia and has moved mountains. The sideline rock throwers haven’t presented their credentials, other than to have a computer and keyboard, and an opinion about everything, they must share with the world!
Wilder is an astute politician, but as usual, the people in Virginia can’t see past the white sheets over their heads!
While Wilder’s point of view is valid, the fact is, the Republicans haven’t floated a name or names, that can challenge Obama/Biden. Palin? Please, Chevy Chase would come out of retirement and go back on SNL if she were the nominee. So far there are no “leaders” in the Republican party to hang their hats upon.
I recall that we had a budget surplus under the Wilder Administration. Can’t have been that bad.
Sure Biden makes “gaffe’s” but so what? What Vice President doesn’t?
What a great idea – Obama and Clinton on the same ticket. It would be an enormous boon to the country – those two would kill each other before the campaign was over.