Is Obama going to play his trump card-Hillary as Vice President?

Now that Barack Obama has almost won the Democratic Nomination (the remaining primaries are sure to go his way and the Super Delegates are swaying his way already), I have a sneaking suspicion that he will cement his chances of winning the Presidency by offering Hillary Clinton the VP ticket. Both of them have become much nicer to each other during the end-run and both are united in their resolve to snatch the Presidency from the Republicans.

That would be a win-win for Obama, Clinton and the Democrats.

Obama would immediately get the support of Hillary's constituency of White middle-class, women and some cross-over democrats who might otherwise vote for McCain. Which would give him an iron-clad lock on mainstream Americans of all ethnic and racial types. With his huge popularity among Blacks this would be the tipping point for him to go within a striking distance of winning the Presidency in November.

Hillary for her part will still keep alive her dream of becoming President, especially if Obama stumbles in the Office during his first tenure (then she can be the sure bet for the 2012 election) or if Obama were to have a mis-hap while in the office just like JFK. Hillary as VP would be able to influence Obama towards her issues and may also make enough money (like Dick Cheney) to recover her own investments in her campaign. And she can't refuse after promsing that she would do all she could to see a Democrat elected as President. She would be in the envious position of having advised 2 Presidents from close quarters.

The Democrats would have a better chance of beating McCain with the Obama-Clinton slate than with Obama-Someone else slate. If they blow the chance this year (after the disastrous Bush Presidency the Nation is crying out for change) then it is difficult to get such an ideal situation/opportunity to remove the Republican Incumbent. The Super Delegates then will not have to agonise over their decision of whether to support Obama or Hillary.

It would be a nice touch of cleverness for Obama. Having trumped Hillary in the Primaries - then to use her as his Trump Card for winning the Game.

And think of the History they would make and start- A Black and A Woman in the Presidential Team.