Will Obama Be Hillary Clinton's Running Mate in 2020? A Speculation

In recent years, there have been rumors and speculations regarding a potential run for the U.S. presidency by Hillary Clinton, along with the possibility of selecting former President Barack Obama as her running mate. However, such a scenario is both intriguing and unlikely. Many support the idea of 'Obama-Clinton' as a winning combination. Nonetheless, it is important to consider the political landscape of 2019 and beyond.

Current Political Climate

Is Hillary Clinton Running for President?

As of 2019, there is unanimous agreement that Hillary Clinton is not running for President. The 2016 election is firmly in the past, and Clinton has stepped away from the political stage. While supporters may still reminisce about a potential 'Obama-Clinton' ticket, the reality is that both politicians are focused on different priorities and challenges.

Misconceptions and Facts

One common misconception is that Michelle Obama, being a prominent figure in her own right, should be considered as a potential running mate for Hillary Clinton. However, Michelle Obama failed to pass the bar exam upon graduating from Harvard Law School. Moreover, her lavish spending on personal items, like a $4,000 pair of boots, is often criticized. These factors, while controversial, do not make her a viable candidate for the presidency or vice presidency.

Presidential Term Limits

The 22nd Amendment and Presidential Term Limits

The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is a critical consideration when discussing the possibility of Barack Obama serving as Hillary Clinton's running mate. According to the amendment, a person cannot be elected president if they have previously served two terms. This means that a term as vice president would be pointless if Obama already served as president.

A Historical Precedent

During the 1980 election, Ronald Reagan had initially considered Gerald Ford as a running mate. However, Ford was not keen on accepting the position, leading to Reagan's decision to select George H.W. Bush instead. This historical incident underscores the difficulties in selecting a former president for the vice presidency.

Presidents After the Presidency

Post-Presidential Careers

Of the 44 U.S. presidents, only three have taken on lesser roles after leaving the White House:

John Quincy Adams; elected to the House in 1830 and served until his death in 1848 Andrew Johnson; elected to the Senate in 1874 and served until his death in 1875 William Howard Taft; appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by Warren G. Harding in 1921 and served until his retirement in 1930

These examples highlight how rare it is for a former president to take on a significantly lower position after leaving office. The fact that it has occurred only three times over 200 years further emphasizes the infrequency of such an occurrence.

Modern Presidents and Speaking Fees

Modern presidents like Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama have made substantial amounts of money through public speaking engagements. This aspect of retirement is a significant consideration when evaluating the political landscape.

In conclusion, the idea of Barack Obama serving as Hillary Clinton's running mate in 2020 is both fascinating and highly improbable. While historical precedents and the 22nd Amendment serve as clear limitations, the current political climate and the personal priorities of both candidates make such a scenario unlikely.