Editorial: Hillary Clinton, Obama’s Best Friend

June 4, 2008

What is the worst thing that could happen to Barack Obama now? Exactly what many party members and commentators have been calling for: Hillary Rodham Clinton to drop out. Why?

First, this democratic primary has been the most exciting the party has seen in a while. It has engaged millions of Americans who could not care less about politics before. The democratic nominee, most likely Barack Obama, will therefore benefit from a huge number of voters in November. One example, the democratic primary voter turnout in Indiana was an astonishing 29% greater than what John Kerry got in the general election 4 years ago.

Some say the fight between Clinton and Obama has polarized the democratic electorate but it clearly sparked debates in bars, offices, colleges and households around the country and pushed people to choose their favorite and vote. The Democratic voter registration has hugely increased around the country, like in Nevada where the number of democratic registrants beat that of republicans. Letting the process play out is also a way not to anger the later primary voters. “Post Pennsylvania” voters are thrilled to be part of the election for a change, like the 75,000 people who gathered in Portland, Oregon to hear Obama in what is probably the largest political campaign rally in American history.

The primary drama has also strengthened the inexperienced Obama team. Tough primary contests have built a strong organization great at raising cash and mobilizing voters. Obama has received donations from more than 1.5 million individuals (200,000 new donors in April alone) largely through the Internet. This is far more than anybody has ever collected and will be a massive advantage over McCain, come the general election.

Clinton’s – sometimes-nasty – attacks against Obama have toughened him and shown what he is like under pressure. In the past months, he has had to deal with the race issue, the Reverend Wright controversy, his association with Islam and more making the headlines. Now, whatever the future republican attacks, they will most likely have a taste of déjà vu. Had Hillary Clinton quit early some of these issues may not have surfaced until November, when they would have been most damaging.

However, the Democrats should not push it too far. Delaying the decision until the end-of-august Democratic convention would be a mistake. Barack Obama needs to concentrate on John McCain. The republican nominee has had it easy with all eyes on the Democrats’ every move. The party will also need time to come together after the bitter primary it has gone through. The Democrats should take it to the last primaries on June 3, in Montana and Oregon, and then choose their nominee.