Now here is an interesting idea. Why not select a Unity Ticket for the U.S. Presidential elections in 2008 - that is, a Democrat and Republican running together for President and Vice-President? As the Washington Post notes today, the idea has influential figures behind it.
Except, of course, that it won’t work. The post of Vice-President brings with it little real political power in American politics, and little influence. Whichever party ended up with the Vice-President part of the ticket would hardly feel secure that they would have equal influence in the new administration.
In fact, we’ve been here before. Before the 1800 election, and the 12th Amendment to the US Constitution (1803) it was quite likely that the President and Vice-President would be leaders of opposing factions.
While the aims of the group appear laudable, I am reminded of a certain common prediction about the likely actions of those not acquainted with history.