With the Democratic nomination all but sewn up, Barack Obama’s list of choices for vice president is not short - but one heavyweight’s name is generating the most buzz, by far: Hillary Rodham Clinton. In today’s Face-Off, Donkey Dish debates …

SHOULD HILLARY CLINTON BE BARACK OBAMA’S VICE PRESIDENT?

YES by woodywilson

Imagine if Coke and Pepsi combined to form one ultimate cola.

Would people care if these brands spent years making commercials mocking one another, attempting to convince consumers that each was the better product? Of course not. It’s just the nature of competition.

People would gladly stock their coolers with this super soda and, most important to this metaphor, RC Cola wouldn’t stand a chance.

Indeed, for all the talk about which candidate - Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton - is most electable in the general election against John McCain, the answer is neither. Or both. It’s the Democratic Party.

Never before has one one party had the odds stacked so strongly in its favor. The current Republican in office is the least popular president in history; the man hoping to succeed him has mirrored his words and policies for eight years.

Both Democrats, conversely, represent historic levels of change.

Instead of worrying that the addition of Clinton to his ticket would muddle his message of a new era in politics, Obama should focus on the bigger picture. He can take a page out of the Hillary playbook in order to do that:

The ends justify the means.

An Obama-Clinton dream team might disappoint Barack’s most loyal supporters, those that nod their heads in awe at the fresh perspective he brings to politics, but those backers will vote for him no matter what.

It’s the demographic Hillary Clinton is adept at capturing - lower income white voters and women over 50 - that Obama must win over.

The best way to do that? Solidify the party, openly embrace Clinton and her voters. As long as Hillary lets Barack answer the phone at 3 a.m., the combination of the nation’s two most beloved Democrats will put all electability arguments to rest.

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Now that Hillary Clinton looks to have fallen short in her bid for the Democratic nomination, the debate has turned to why. Which brings us to today’s Face-Off. Comments and opinions are encouraged as the Donkey Dish staff ponders …

HAS SEXISM HURT HILLARY CLINTON IN THE DEMOCRATIC RACE?

YES by frankroosevelt

I personally support Sen. Hillary Clinton, but I totally expect, and even welcome, people to disagree with me and support Sen. Barack Obama.

What I can’t believe is the way in which some people do so.

Hillary Clinton is a political giant - a former First Lady, a U.S. Senator, and the first serious female presidential candidate in the 232-year history of the United States. She’s the ultimate heavyweight.

Yet simply because of her gender, such an accomplished figure is subjected to cheap shots and stereotypes male candidates are able to avoid.

People frequently insult the candidates they do not favor, and HRC’s track record invites its share of reasonable scrutiny. Not bumper stickers such as “Hillary: Stop Running for President and Make Me a Sandwich.”

Sexism is not limited to select misogynistic fools, however. Look no further than your mainstream media outlet of choice.

Clinton, from the start of her White House bid, has been called everything from overbearing and unapproachable to downright mean. That is, when her clothing choices aren’t being picked apart in alarming detail.

She’s acts tough, and she’s called a bitch. She’s ambitious - like every single figure in the history of American politics - and she’s labeled an opportunist. For Hillary alone, these are seen as liabilities, not strengths.

From her tone to her appearance, and from her emotions to her credentials, Hillary Clinton’s treatment in her pursuit of the Democratic nomination has been regularly tinged, if not overtly so, with underlying sexist tones.

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Hillary Clinton has shown more gumption, resiliency and tenacity than most of us expected - but is enough enough? That’s the subject of today’s Face-Off. Comments and opinions are encouraged as the Donkey Dish staff debates …

SHOULD HILLARY CLINTON STAY IN THE DEMOCRATIC RACE?

YES by harrytruman

All signs point to Barack Obama winning the Democratic nomination. No longer a question of if, it’s just a matter of when. Yet there are many reasons Hillary Rodham Clinton should - and likely will - stay in the race.

First, seeing this historic race to its end will give Democrats in more than 50 elections the chance to vote in meaningful primaries and caucuses.

Turnout levels across the U.S. are soaring - a boon for Democrats and a trend that should continue into November. As long as she keeps her campaign positive (a direction she has, albeit slowly, been heading), a protracted race does not necessarily hurt Obama. On the contrary, it makes him stronger.

The attacks have been heavy-handed, but ensure Obama will be ready for when the Republicans subject him to far worse. By fighting to the end, Hillary Clinton is forcing Obama to pass a vital, early test of political strength.

Finally, this isn’t like Mike Huckabee refusing to drop out.

While it may be game over in the eyes of the pundits, almost half of those voting in Democratic primaries chose Hillary, and she’s still winning states. If superdelegates want this over, they can make it so right now. They haven’t. Clinton is a giant who should set her own agenda, even regarding her own concession.

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