A Clinton-Obama Deal?

Hillary Clinton's big win tonight in the West Virginia primary will probably, in restrospect, do little to increase her chances of winning the Democratic nomination for presidency (though I have no doubt, many spectators will disagree). Indeed, since Barack Obama's major win in North Carolina, coupled with his already significant lead in the popular votes and delegate count, most have been predicting that the general election will be a contest between Obama and John McCain. The two had even started planning their fall strategies.

However, if West Virginia demonstrates anything, it is that Clinton still has the capability of winning swing states and voters--much like her earlier victories in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Obama needs these to win against McCain in the fall, and many are beginning to suspect that he is likely to lose those that would have otherwise supported Clinton to a Republican vote.

The New York Times posed an interesting question today:

Mr. Obama needs her to help him win in the fall. Her devoted contingent of Democrats is nearly as large as his own, a point that will be underscored with her expected big win tonight in West Virginia. After a divisive primary season, he knows that winning over her supporters begins with winning over her.

So how about this: What if Mrs. Clinton asked Mr. Obama to adopt her plan for universal health care? He could put Mrs. Clinton in charge of achieving it, presumably but not necessarily from her perch inside the Senate. And he could begin by putting the goal of universal coverage as a plank in the party’s platform.

As the Times notes, this is purely speculative. However, it's still an interesting thought. Many might think that it is politically infeasible (which it probably is--I maintain my position that Obama will want nothing to do with Clinton if she drops from the race) or not particularly saavy on the part of Obama. I, however, think that such a "deal" might actually be a positive. In my view, Clinton's universal health plan--one which includes an individual mandate for the entire population--as opposed to Obama's, which only imposes one for children first, is a more efficient means towards an effective health care system. If Obama were to allow Clinton to run her health plan as part of his campaign in exchange for her voters' support, imagine the symbolic stimulus that the country could receive. Although there is an element of selfishness to it, the deal would still mark a cooperative agreement between Democrats--something that we have been lacking in the election so far. Imagine Democrats working together for the good of the nation. Plus, a higher propsect of beating out McCain in the fall.

I don't think this is so bad...