Clinton-Obama, a dream ticket?

Barack Obama gave the first hint yesterday that he might consider running against the Republicans in November on a 'dream ticket' with his arch-rival Hillary Clinton. During the final TV debate between the two Democratic candidates before Super Tuesday (February 5), they were asked if they would be prepared to team up, either Clinton-Obama or Obama-Clinton.

"Obviously there's a big difference between those two," said Obama, before adding, "Obviously Hillary would be on everyone's shortlist." Obama continued: "I respect Senator Clinton, I think her service to this country is extraordinary," adding that while it was "premature" to discuss such a possibility, "I'm sure that Hillary would be on anybody's short list." Clinton responded: "Well, I have to agree with everything Barack just said."

The TV debate was held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, and was about as dramatic as the Oscar ceremonies normally held here. What was billed as an historic encounter turned out to be relatively flat in contrast to the intense sparring matches that marked the Democratic campaign in January.

"The differences between Barack and I pale in comparison to the differences that we have with Republicans," said Clinton. Obama added that he and the New York Senator were friends "before we started this campaign" and that "I will be friends with Hillary Clinton after this campaign is over."

There were some barbs, however. Clinton was forced on the defensive when the candidates' voting record on the war in Iraq was raised. "I don't just want to end the war, I want to end the mindset that got us there in the first place," Obama said. Prodded to respond to an obvious attack on her voting record, Clinton replied "Really? We're having such a good time."

The most serious disagreement between the two came over the contentious issue of immigration - in particular, the granting of drivers' licenses to undocumented immigrants. It is a key issue among Hispanic voters, who make up almost a quarter of voters in California, one of the biggest states holding primaries next Tuesday. Although the issue is seen in wider circles as political poison, Obama backs the idea, while Clinton is wavering.

FIRST POSTED FEBRUARY 1, 2008