On “Meet the Press,” moderator Tim Russert asked Senator John McCain if he thought Senator Hillary Clinton would make a good president. McCain’s response, “I am sure that Senator Clinton would make a good president. I happen to be a Republican and would support, obviously, a Republican nominee, but I have no doubt that Senator Clinton would make a good president.” Russert added, “Equal time, Senator Clinton. The gentleman to your left?” Clinton, emitting a series of high-pitched laughs, “Absolutely.” Russert concluded, “We may have a fusion ticket right here.”

On the surface, Russert was just having fun with the two senators who are already making clear intentions to pursue their respective party’s 2008 presidential nomination. But just how far-fetched is the so-called fusion ticket idea? First, let’s assume both candidates initially try for their party’s nomination. If Clinton fails, that’s it. McCain would have no reason to recruit her, as she would only turn off conservative voters and he already has moderates in his corner. However, should McCain fall for a second time in the GOP primaries, who is to say exactly what might happen? John Kerry already all but offered the most exclusive element of the job, dictating foreign policy, to McCain last year – the VP, Pentagon, etc. What would stop Clinton from doing the same? Just a thought.