Got the Bull by Its Horns

By Corralling the Clintons’ Ego and Ambition, Obama Has Gained Invaluable Allies

DENVER — There is a reason why President Bill Clinton is still considered the best politician of his generation, and he showed it last night, delivering both the strongest endorsement of Sen. Obama and the most stinging rebuke of Bush and McCain heard thus far at the Democratic convention. President Clinton was at the top of his game — even to the point of one-upping his wife’s speech of the night before. The words that come to mind when considering his remarks are; smart, effective, convincing and winning.

What seemed at first to be a spineless capitulation to the Clintons’ outrageous demands by allowing them two nights at the convention now appears to have been a brilliantly executed strategy to turn the Clintons’ anger, frustration and naked ambition into energy Sen. Obama can use to propel himself to the presidency. No matter what the Clintons do from here on out, whether they snipe and hedge, or obstruct and bother, the fact remains that they not only threw their support unreservedly behind Obama, they, as a team, clearly spelled out what the former president feels makes Obama the most qualified candidate to lead this country.

President Clinton effectively accomplished this by comparing criticisms of his own candidacy (we all knew he would talk about himself) in 1992, when he was roundly dismissed as too young and inexperienced to lead the country. In doing this, President Clinton’s strategy was to instantly turn youth and inexperience into an asset rather than an impediment to leadership.

If nothing else, the events of yesterday provided the catharsis Sen. Clinton wanted. It was evident from the tears, cheers and jeers of the delegates that the Democratic Party has finally come together; the divisions, at least for the moment, have been healed. By capitalizing on the Clintons’ ambitions, letting them shine, Obama conquered his enemies by turning them into allies. And in the process Sen. Obama proved that while he might be on the ropes, he is certainly no dope.