Clinton to campaign with Obama
This morning, Hillary Clinton announced her plans to join Barack Obama at a campaign stop this Friday. Clinton, who endorsed Obama after abandoning her own campaign earlier this month, will appear with the presumptive Democratic nominee in the small town of Unity, New Hampshire, in an attempt to woo her supporters over to the Obama ticket.
New Hampshire holds a special significance for Democrats because the state primary, held January 8th, was evenly divided, with each of the two candidates receiving 107 votes.
However, Clinton’s sudden closeness to Obama may not be intended solely to foster reconciliation between the two former opponents’ fervent supporters, whose votes could make or break Obama’s bid for the presidency. As it turns out, the day before the scheduled appearance in New Hampshire, Clinton and her major financial supporters will meet privately with Obama at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington.
To some political pundits, this confirms rumors that Clinton has ‘sold’ her endorsement to Obama in exchange for the repayment of Clinton’s multi-million dollar debts. After spending at least $11.5 million of her own money, Clinton still owes at least $9.5 million more. Actual figures may be twice as high, with one donor claiming that Clinton’s campaign debts have exceeded $40 million.
If Thursday’s meeting goes well, both senators may come out ahead. Obama, whose campaign in May suffered the worst month of fundraising this year, is pulling out all the stops to attract new donors. On the other hand, Clinton, who is under threat of being sued by her former supporters, will work just as hard to avoid any scandal that may plague her future ambitions.
Victory doesn’t come cheaply in Washington…