Barack Obama: He Supported Public Financing before He was Against it.

In yet another disturbing development from Sen. Obama's campaign, the Senator has formally reneged on a promise to the country to use public funding for the general election. Obama, using characteristic eloquence, stated last year to "..aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election." No doubt that line drew the Illinois Senator rapturous applause and acclaim from those listening intently to his words. It cannot be understated how frightening it is for a candidate like Obama to go back on his word, when it is only by his words that the greater nation has come to know him.

John McCain, the presumptive loser in this November's election, finds himself in the unenviable position of actually following through on what he believes and says: that public financing reduces the influence of Big Money on public officials. Thus McCain shall have 85 million dollars to get his message out to the country, while Obama raised 71 million dollars combined in the last two months alone .

Whatever opinion one has on public financing, the irony of this situation will not be lost on McCain's numerous Right-wing detractors. McCain's independent stance on this issue will no doubt cost him votes ( and cash) this November. What will be the Arizona Maverick's reward? The slanderous charge leveled upon him by both Howard Dean and Barack Obama of being just another cookie-cutter Republican. Obama will have the cash on hand to shape public perception of McCain any way he wants to. The youth vote has been lost to Republicans from the get-go, but what of the great, Silent Majority? Do they buy into what Illinois Senator is selling/saying?. Clearly Obama himself does not.

Hillary Clinton: Ideal Running Mate and Nightmare Veep.

First, congratulations are in order for Sen. Barack Obama. Second, should anyone read this, my thanks and apologies. Though politics is always roiling around my brain (as all friends and family within 50ft. of me know), a general writing malaise overcame over me. However, tonights developments have left me, in the words of Mr. Obama "Fired up, and ready to go".

To my great surprise, apparently Hillary Clinton wants to be Obama's Vice Pesident. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say she wants to be his running mate. Picture this: Clinton wins a ton of primaries in her own right, then campaigns vigorously for, and on behalf of, an Obama/Clinton ticket. Let's then say that against all odds they lose to McCain/_ _ _ _ in November. She would then have a tremendous case for the 2012 Democratic bid because hey, Obama blew it the last time. The other scenario would have her serving diligently and loyally for the dynamic and tremendously popular two-term President Obama.

Riiiiight. Obama may turn out to be a two-termer, but he may be wise to steer clear of Clinton Squared, because to say Hillary comes with baggage is alot like saying Tiger Woods is an alright golfer. An understatement to end all understatements. Obama will have to contend with the Clinton legacy. Clearly he wants to forge a new Democratic legacy, not partially extend an old one. President Obama could find his Administration mired in one Clinton faux pas after another. Why? Bill Clinton still loves the limelight, for better and worse, while Hillary as VP brings to mind thoughts of Adams/Jefferson and not the harmonious, albeit controversial, duo of Bush/Cheney.

Yet Clinton is likely Obama's key to the front door of the White house. Numbers don't lie. If the Democrats can even nominally unify the Obama and Clinton camps, the Dems will overpower McCain first in the cash box, and then in the ballot box in November.