This is not necessarily a new development as Ben Smith of Politico reported back in May that Patti Smith Doyle was mulling an offer, especially since she has known David Axlerod for over twenty years and is a native to Chicago.
However, it is very suggestive of how Senator Obama is trying to arrange the situation around the Vice Presidential pick. Knowing that there is tension between Patti Smith Doyle and Hillary Clinton, as they have not talked since Clinton fired her, this creates tension between Clinton and Doyle, reducing Clinton's ability to accept the position if offered. Even if Obama were to offer the position to Clinton, Doyle will stand above Clinton and will serve as an awkward liaison between the two Senators. Hence, heresthetics-- altering situational factors to achieve a desired result.
The Clinton campaign is not happy with this move and have called it a "slap in the face." (For a history of Senator Clinton and being "Slapped in the Face" read an article from The New Republic.) Yet, publicly, they approve of the move. This is a very interesting move to attempt to recapture ground to obtain the Vice Presidency. According to Politico, here is the response by the Clinton campaign:
“Patti will be an asset and good addition to the Obama campaign. After nearly two decades in political life, she brings with her the ability to tap an extensive network that will be a huge asset to Senator Obama. As Senator Clinton has said, we’re all going to do our part to help elect Senator Obama as the next President of the United States," said spokesman Mo Elleithee.
If nothing else, the Clinton campaign is playing the game here. it is a fun guve and take going on within the Democratic Party.
3 comments:
Obama's playing the game, too, if he appointed this person to put pressure on Clinton not to take the position.
Yes, they are both trying to manipulate the situational factors to achieve a desired result. That is why this is an interesting case study.
Agreed.
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