FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Hillary Clinton "was a good senator before, and she can be a great senator in the future."
Those are the words of Obama supporter and Massachusetts senator Ted Kennedy. He tells The Washington Post Clinton will need to decide what to do after the campaign since it is now a foregone conclusion she is not going to be the nominee.
Kennedy would know a thing or two about this. After losing the primary battle to Jimmy Carter in 1980, Kennedy returned to the Senate and resumed his career as a lawmaker, authoring landmark bills on issues like health care and education. Many Democrats think that's the path Clinton should follow to reshape her political career... for example, she could champion a major piece of legislation – like health care – in a potential Obama first term.
But within the Senate, Clinton doesn't have many options to advance. Majority Leader Harry Reid isn't going anywhere, especially if Democrats increase their majority in November, and his deputies Dick Durbin and Chuck Schumer appear to be interested in replacing Reid, if and when he steps down.
There's also the question of whether or not Clinton would choose to run again for president. Some are suggesting she might set her sights somewhere else, like a run for governor of New York.
In the meantime, many Democratic senators say they expect Clinton to campaign hard for Obama this summer and fall. They agree that if she does, any leftover feelings of resentment from the race will disappear.
Here’s my question to you: What should Hillary Clinton do next?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
W. writes:
Hillary needs to lobby Obama to be the V.P., where she can lead the Senate, fill her vacant seat with another Democrat and finally fulfill her promises on health care.
Deb from Bow, New Hampshire writes:
Hillary already seems to have the makings of a leader in today's politics – she can change the facts, or at least her view of them, in whatever way benefits her the most. She can agree to rules, and then say they have to be changed when she doesn't like the outcome. She can conveniently forget what has happened, or make up what hasn't. But if she really wants a respected future with her party she needs to campaign through next week (without bashing Obama or whining about the inevitable outcome), then graciously concede and throw all of her support and efforts behind Obama.
Richard writes:
Mr. Cafferty, According to the tone of your comments about the primary race, Senator Clinton should be exiled from the planet.
Drew from Florida writes:
Good question. She's almost expended all her political capital. People will be remembering this primary race for a long time. Her behavior will not be forgotten.
Sally from San Jose, California writes:
I see her as promoting women's rights around the world. That way she gets to travel, learn Spanish, begin a foundation in her name for a meaningful legacy, help people in need, meet with foreign politicians, speak at the U. N., provide a vehicle for her die-hard supporters, and - oh yes - save face. The sooner, the better.
Terry from North Carolina writes:
Jack, I moved to North Carolina two years ago. I was a New Yorker all my life and worked in Manhattan for twenty years. I think it’s OK now for Hillary to run for Governor of New York… now that I am down here.