[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2008/images/02/06/art.debate.ap.jpg caption=" Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton at the Democratic Debate in California."]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Here is perhaps the most fascinating statistic coming out of Super Tuesday: Out of 14 and a half million votes cast in the Democratic race, only 53 thousand separated Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
And in case you're interested: There were 73% more Democratic voters than Republican voters – 14 plus million for Clinton and Obama to 8 plus million for John McCain, Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee.
First off, this shows how much more interest there is on the part of Democratic electorate than the Republicans. And it shows how incredibly close the race between Clinton and Obama continues to be.
These numbers mean that it's likely this thing will become a long, protracted battle, continuing into states like Ohio and Texas, maybe even Pennsylvania. It's even possible the Democrats won't formally select a nominee until their convention in August.
And then what? With millions of enthusiastic supporters backing Barack Obama and millions more backing Hillary Clinton, what happens if only one of them winds up on the ballot for November?
Here’s my question to you: In order to unite the Democratic Party in November, will Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have to be on the same ticket?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
G. writes:
Mr. Cafferty, your analysis is right on the mark. The presidency is the Democrats' to lose. The unity ticket is the key. The barrier is pride, for all of us. I favor a Clinton/Obama ticket because it sets the stage for 16 years of Democratic leadership in the presidency. But I will happily support an Obama / Clinton ticket if it develops.
Andy in Anderson, Indiana writes:
This combination is not a dream ticket. Clinton's name anywhere on the ballot would be a field day for the Republicans. Obama inspires and challenges each of us. Clinton keeps pointing to the past. And, as long as her husband keeps lurking around her campaign, he compromises any sense of character and integrity in her campaign.
Zoey writes:
A Hillary/Obama ticket would disenfranchise all of the people who have stood with Barack Obama for change. Obama stands for more than just his policies (which are more specific than people give him credit for). He represents the America that we were taught to believe in as children.
Mel writes:
This is the only way that Obama will get my vote. Hillary is the next president.
D.B. writes:
The smartest ticket would be for either of them to have Edwards as the V.P. running mate. That puts a southerner on the ticket while simultaneously giving white males a presence on it. Not to mention paying homage to the traditional populist message of Democratic Party.
Sammy writes:
Yes, but only if Hillary wins. If Obama wins, he can pick anyone he wants to. She needs him WAY more than he needs her.
Erin from California writes:
Not only will Hillary and Barack need to be on the same ticket to unite the Democratic Party, they need to be on the same ticket to unite my marriage! I am an avid Hillary supporter and my husband is a staunch Barack supporter. We just voted yesterday in California and each of us tried to sway the other's vote during the last moments walking up to the polling location!