A month ago, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., won three out of four primaries on “Super Tuesday II” to avoid a knockout punch by Democratic front-runner Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and continues to fight for her party’s nomination. Not long after this triumphant event, Clinton and her husband began to float around the possibility of a Clinton/Obama presidential ticket. Many Democrats and Clinton supporters beamed positively at such a possibility and believed in their hearts and minds that this would be an unbeatable pairing. The two could be the Democrats’ dynamic duo who would unite the party to win in a landslide come November.

However, not everyone fell over backward for this idea. In fact, the strongest opponent of such an idea was Obama himself, claiming he would not accept an offer to be Clinton’s No. 2 and that he was “in it to win it.” This disheartened many Clinton supporters but did not surprise many pundits. Political critics point out that Obama has nothing to gain if he accepts a running mate position, so why should he? He is the front-runner and has a legitimate chance to clinch the party’s nomination. Many commentators suggested that if Obama did not win the nomination, he would be better off to remain a senator and build his reputation as a bipartisan lawmaker and a true patron for change. This is believed to be a better alternative than to accept a vice presidential nod and butt heads with “Billary” for four to eight years until he finally gets his shot to run for Commander-in-Chief again.

Nope, the possibility of seeing “Clinton/Obama in ‘08” bumper stickers on a passing vehicle dwindles with each passing day. Though it seems highly unlikely for Obama to accept the opportunity to be a VP, what about Hillary Rodham Clinton? Once again, many Democrats are warm to this idea as well. Such a gesture by Obama would begin a healing process for the party and unite it just in time for November. Alas, this match made in heaven is not meant to be either. Many believe it would be an unwise choice for Obama to request Clinton’s presence on his ticket for several reasons.

First, talk about a power struggle. Obama would have to compete not only with the experienced and ambitious Hillary Clinton for influence, but also have Bill calling in and giving him advice that he never asked for. Another reason is that Obama does not need her. Exit polls clearly state that Obama is strong with women and traditional Democrats, Hillary’s supposed strengths. And finally, there is the plain truth that everyone has unfortunately noticed: these two simply do not care for one another. Their once respectful relationship has become so torn the two can barely stand each other’s company.

The Clinton-Obama rift has created a true opportunity for GOP nominee John McCain, R-Ariz. This was supposed to be an election in which the Democrats presumably stood a strong chance of winning. They are certainly helped by a controversial war perpetuated mainly by conservatives, an unpopular Republican president and fears about a possible economic recession. While the elections are months away, the Republicans have certainly picked up support due to the Democratic squabble. While Clinton and Obama fight between themselves for votes, McCain has been able to act “presidential” — giving policy speeches, traveling and fundraising. He has actually been polling higher than both Clinton and Obama in recent weeks, which is troubling for Democrats. McCain’s advantage has arisen from the fact that Clinton and Obama seem determined to fight for delegates up to the convention itself, while he can already prepare his campaign strategy for the general election.

Unity and change have been campaign themes tossed around during this election cycle, but ironically it has been the divisions within the Democratic Party that may weigh heavily on the outcome. The political battle that the Democrats have engaged in has potentially very divisive consequences for the party. A recent CNN poll found that 16 percent of Clinton supporters would not vote for Obama if he was the nominee in November. In turn, the poll found that an equal number of Obama supporters would not vote for Clinton if she was to be the nominee. This split within the party could be exactly what the Republicans need to win in November.

Regardless of who the Democratic nominee is, he or she will have to try to win back the other candidate’s supporters. The importance of being a party united behind a candidate is something that cannot be understated as a general election approaches and undecided voters and independents seek their choice. The Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket is not going to happen, but the two will eventually have to work together, maybe even campaign together, to garner support so their party has a chance in November.