Hillary Clinton...the dream slips away. Barack mindful baggage costs extra!

Rumors floated around in the last thrust of the primaries earlier this week that some negotiating was going on behind-the-scenes to exchange pledges for a toasty VP slot for Hillary Clinton.

The scuttlebutt revved up a little when word filtered out that Obama knocked Hillary up ( English term for calling someone on the telephone) and suggested they get together for a chat when things calmed down a bit.

In spite of the fact pundits and the insiders alike hinted that wily Hillary was a designer shoe-in for the "dream ticket", conflicting statements started filtering out of both camps.

I guess someone woke up from the nightmare!

"No overtures were made," stressed a loyal poker-faced chieftain playing cards close to the chest in the Clinton camp.

Meanwhile, press outlets started reporting that in a clandestine conference call with key players on the Democratic ticket scene, Hillary swore up-and-down she'd do whatever it took to help usher Obama-cakes into the Oval Office in November. And, some allege, she slyly made a ploy for the second-place slot on the ticket, somewhat obsequiously.

Boy, would I have liked to have been a fly on that wall!

But, something must have gone awry.

Suddenly, on the heels of his big-win Tuesday, Obama did a bit of an about-face.

To an incredulous media, he announced he'd wait 'til fall to name a running mate.

Ouch!

But, it was the stunner about mulling over potential candidates, that tipped me off.

If Obama isn't sure about Hillary now, he'll never be come he** or high water.

In retrospect, all the shenanigans leading up-to and in-the-wake of securing the much coveted prize, amounted to a lot of flimsy posturing, the swallowing-of-pride, you name-call it.

So, what fell down and went boom?

Perhaps, Lady Diana said it best.

Three in a marriage just doesn't work.

If it wasn't slick Willy's fault, then just maybe Hillary's to blame for failing to be a "gentleman" on Tuesday night - and ultimately - for being a spoil sport.

After all, boys will be boys.

What do I predict?

No Hillary. No Edwards.

Yup, it's all about change.

So, I hazard a guess that "Golden Boy" will be scratching around for a spanking new candidate without any baggage.

Bet 'ya a fiver, dudes.



Reflections in a golden eye...

Bill Clinton...pain in butt?

They're right...she does have a big a**.

The media has been trying to pin down Obama on potential running mates for the upcoming election.

But, he's been a bit coy with the press. And, determined not to overstep himself in these precarious political times.

In spite of the fact it's obvious someone in the wings will have to reach out with a hook, and yank Mrs. Clinton off the world stage kickin' and screamin' at the appropriate nod, Obama has been quite a gentleman about it - biding his time patiently.

Is the nomination in the bag yet?

Not if Hillary would have her druthers.

On the subject of choosing an individual for the Vice Presidential ticket, one reporter pointedly asked Obama,

"Will you be willing to consider everyone a possible running mate, even if his or her spouse is a pain in the butt?"

A veiled reference to slick Willy?

After a roar from the crowd, and a moment to collect his thoughts, Barack was inclined to note for the record that one of his heroes - Abraham Lincoln - often filled positions with rivals, so why not?

That old familiar saying comes to mind,

"Keep your friends near, but your enemies closer."

If that's the route he goes, the man must be a masochist.

If you ask me, jousting with Hillary in the White House would amount to utter he**.


Personally, I wouldn't tempt fate by sipping any beverage or munching on any delectable goody she brought to the Oval Office around afternoon tea, either.

Barack, beware of Greeks who bear gifts...

John Edwards...for Vice President of U.S.?

I hadn't heard from presidential hopeful - JOHN EDWARDS - since he bowed out of the race, so when a lone e-mail popped up in my inbox, I clicked it open to take a gander at what he was up to.

Of course - the big news splashed over all the newspapers around the Nation this morning - was John's announcement that he's backing Barack Obama in his quest for President. And, confirmation that Barack signed on to Edwards' anti-poverty initiative which Edwards launched yesterday with the goal of reducing poverty in the United States by half within the next ten years.

But, I didn't notice any reports on John's - "College for Everyone" - project; a scholarship pilot project started up by he and Elizabeth a few years ago in Greene County, North Carolina - the subject matter of his communication to me.

As Edwards notes in his e-mail,

"The (College for Everyone) program is based on a simple promise to students: make good grades, work at least 10 hours a week, and stay out of trouble - and the program will help pay for your first year of college."

Since the project was first launched in 2005, the percentage of Greene County high school graduates attending college has increased from fifty-four percent to seventy-four percent, according to the Edwards' team.

Current up-to-date records also reflect that one hundred and sixty-five high school seniors in Greene County are set to graduate in May and that ninety-four percent have been accepted into N.C. colleges and universities.

For John and Elizabeth, the previous numbers were heartbreaking.

"Every parent wants to give their child the opportunity that comes with a college education. But for too many American families, the dream of a college degree was just that - a dream."

John and Elizabeth are now asking for financial support from Americans around the country to help make the dream of a college education a reality for some hard-working students in rural Greene County, for starters.

Donors may make tax-deductible donations of - $10, $25, or $50 - to bring the Edwards' project one step closer to a realistic goal of a high-quality "College Education for everyone".

"By contributing now," notes Edwards, "You will help fulfill the college dreams of deserving students in Greene County and show the world that if we work together on big and important issues, change is possible."

On the heels of all this news overnight, it strikes me that it is wholly possible that John Edwards may make an excellent running mate for Barack Obama in a bid for Vice President of the United States.

Don't 'ya think?

info@johnedwards.com