by Jim Spencer

Turnout is at record levels, ratings for political news shows are through the roof, and even water-cooler conversations are dominated by the intensity of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Could interest in this year’s election possible get any more intense? You bet — with an Obama-Clinton ticket.

Recent political maneuvering from one of the camps aside, the tandem of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton makes perfect sense. Rank-and-file Democrats, Independents, and growing numbers of moderate Republicans have already cast their ballots for one or the other during this primary season. Yet, neither candidate can mathematically reach the threshold of delegates needed to secure the nomination. They are, in essence, tied. Obama has won more states, and Clinton has won key states.

It’s time for them to combine forces.

For months, workers, volunteers and supporters in both campaigns have argued for an Obama-Clinton ticket. There is little if any animosity between the two camps, despite sometimes self-interested press coverage.

The media may want to keep the contest going to boost readership and ratings. But the country is at a turning point and eager to move forward toward November and beyond. Repairing our standing in the world and restoring balance back here at home are urgent challenges. Let’s get started.

That’s why we have launched DraftObamaClinton.com to encourage our two standard bearers to team up for the kind of positive change that is the hallmark of this election. Sen. Obama has inspired millions by showing that we can turn the page and write a fresh new chapter in our nation’s politics. Sen. Clinton has proven her commitment with long years and tenacious and successful public service.

DraftObamaClinton.com is a tool for letting Democratic party leaders and convention delegates know that positive change is possible. It offers an online petition and other ways to spread the message that we can not only make history, we can make a difference — if we stop pointing fingers and join hands.

With ordinary voters getting involved like never before, we are using new tactics to take our political process in a new direction. We are making it more relevant and responsive.

The next President will have to do more than govern. He will have to inspire. Sen. Obama has proven his ability to do that, appealing to our best instincts after years of attack politics and political gridlock in Washington, D.C. Sen. Clinton has been in the trenches and acquired a depth of experience that will be unmatched in the Vice President’s office.

Together, an Obama-Clinton ticket will draw an exciting contrast with a Republican campaign staffed by lobbyists and other Washington-insiders.

Our government works best with the consent of its citizens, and our presidential nominee chooses the vice president with the consent of the convention delegates. We want a ticket that can win in November and govern effectively over the next four years. And we think citizens deserve a voice in the vice presidential selection process.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 21st, 2008 at 1:56 pm and is filed under Press. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.