Strategery or Synergy?

I do not know about anyone else, but this story in today's Times about as rapprochement between Hillary Clinton and Newt Gingrich fascinates me. It is nearly impossible to know if the two are using one another for mutual benefit, if the piece itself is overstated, or if Hillary and Newt aren't really just old time pols (how we should all miss them) capable of making deals, working together, slapping one another on the back, and sharing a bourbon at the end of the day.

Is there really any doubt that both have their eyes on the White House? And of the two, is Hillary not the more viable? Right now, and for obvious reasons (the fact that the GOP is in power and thus has a platform; the general state of dishevelment of the Democrats) the Republicans have more wattage among their big lights, but Hillary has a few things that will give her a distinct advantage: An enormous fundraising edge over almost any Democrat; Name recognition; The Clinton political machine (given what our options have been, is there much doubt that we would be in the midst of a fourth Clinton term if the Constitution allowed it?); the lack of an obvious and anointed and incumbent Republican; and a record that suddenly would be hard for her opponents to pillory. Not that they won't try.

To be sure, Hillary also has some disadvantages, starting with an almost built-in opposition that will surely be higher than any other candidate both in the Democratic primaries and in the general election. But that opposition is mostly Republican anyway, and likely part of the 40% that seems pretty much allotted to one party or the other.

Rudolph Giuliani is the name most often bandied about, but what are his credentials to be President? That he oversaw New York City almost a decade ago (by the time the 2008 election rolls around)? That he came across as sympathetic on 9/11? That has always seemed like a pretty thin reed upon which to hang a presidential candidacy.

Photo-ops and gushing compliments from someone like Gingrich will help inure Clinton from some of the worst charges she is likely to face from the right. Her record and stunningly sensible policies on issues such as defense and security (is there a stronger Democrat than Clinton on these matters?) and abortion have gotten her both great press and conferred legitimacy on her. The fact that she has been willing to do the grunt work from the back benches when she could have been a star to begin with will only help among her colleagues. On the whole, Clinton is positioning herself brilliantly. Just ask Newt.