What Price Unity?

For Obama supporters, and Democrats who really want to take back the White House, it will be refreshing to see their nominee finally focus on John McCain. Any month now. Yesterday, in an an event every one is describing as a 'picture perfect' display of party unity in Unity , New Hampshire, Hillary Clinton made nice with Barack Obama and urged her supporters to get behind the Democratic nominee. She seemed genuine, her speech was well written, and her delivery was flawless. She delivered for Obama. After Obama had delivered for her the night before by making it clear that he would rally his supporters to her financial rescue . The word in political circles is that the price of unity is roughly $10 million big ones, which is what Clinton owes the vendors that proffered services to her campaign. Obama will help with that debt. In exchange for unity.

This arrangement is not unusual in presidential politics. The scope of this arrangement, however, is unprecedented. Starting with a concession speech that came four days after his victory and continuing with an extended negotiation to figure out how Hillary (and Bill) can come together behind Obama, this type of attention paid to a primary loser has never been seen before. And, sure, we understand that Hillary's campaign was historic. We understand that special attention must be paid to assuage the hurt feelings of legions of women. But it's hard not to feel as if the Clintons are holding Obama hostage.

This kind of internecine squabbling is not unusual for Democrats. In fact, one could argue that this is a primary reason why they have not captured the White House more often. Their battles in '68 lost one of the closest elections in history and had direct repercussions in '72. Same thing in '80, though in fairness, that was a change election and Carter was doing a miserable job.

This election, despite the early polls, will almost certainly be a nail biter. For Obama to spend valuable time, energy and funds on a vanquished opponent is a drain that may wind up hurting him. Yes, Hillary's supporters are crucial for victory, but not if they prevent him from actually running against John McCain.

In one of the debates, Obama referenced a barb thrown at him by Bill Clinton, to which Hillary replied that she not Bill was running for President. Obama fired back, "Well, sometimes I'm not sure who I'm running against."

That's getting cleared up now. For a price.

Does it make sense for Obama to treatr Hillary with kid gloves in exchange for her support? Talk about this or anything else by clicking on 'comments' below, by passing the google sign up and hitting the anonymous or nickname button.