United Liberty

For the last couple of years, I’ve heard rumors about Obama dropping Joe Biden off the 2012 ticket and replacing him with the Democrat that Republicans fear the most: Hillary Clinton. Then earlier today a friend shared this article, which goes into detail about how August 24 is the likely time that Obama will announce that Biden is being replaced with Hillary Clinton.

The logic on that timeline would be just fine, except that’s not going to happen. Here are a few reasons why:

Biden makes Obama look good.

Joe Biden is quite literally a sideshow. He’s Larry, Moe, and Curly all rolled up into one ridiculously gaffe-tastic goof ball. The things he does and the things he says just go to make Obama look sane and in control. Obama may be like a Clark Griswold (a well-intentioned man with issues of his own), but Biden is his Cousin Eddie.

When Biden opens his mouth and says something stupid, Obama is there to explain what should have been said, show he’s got a handle on the campaign, and demonstrate that he can keep the crazy cousin at bay.

A change this close to their convention would show disorder and desperation.

They campaigned and won 4 years ago. They’ve worked together pretty well during Obama’s term. Campaign season has been in full swing for a while now, and with the Democratic National Convention just around the corner, making a huge move on the ticket would send the signal that they don’t think they can beat Romney/Ryan with Biden. Even if they do think that, making the ticket change at this point would send the wrong message to voters.

At this point, Obama’s chances with Biden are better than his chances without Biden. Who would have ever thought that would be the case?

John McCain and Sarah Palin think it’s a good idea.

The irony of McCain and Palin offering running mate advice (here and here) to a presidential candidate is undeniable, but it’s fair to say they both have good firsthand knowledge of a how a bad VP pick can hurt a presidential campaign.

Humor aside, both McCain and Palin (as well as every other Republican who is honest with himself) understand that Hillary is a force to be reckoned with. She is going to be the Democratic frontrunner in the 2016 primaries, and no matter who she faces – in primaries or in the general election, she’s going to have a good chance at winning. For her own personal gain, though, Hillary would never accept the VP nomination.

Hillary should distance herself from Obama in preparation for 2016.

You can bet that Hillary has her 5-year plan in order, and there is no way being Obama’s Vice President works to her advantage. If he loses to Romney, her presidential hopes and dreams would be dead. If Obama wins, she has to spend 4 years supporting Obama’s policy when she really needs to be able to put as much distance between herself and his failures as possible.

So at this point, whether you love him or not, Joe Biden is going to be the #2 guy on the Democratic ticket this year. And though I’m not the world’s biggest Paul Ryan fan, I am really looking forward to watching the Vice Presidential debate.