With all due respect to Hillary Clinton's supporters and The Tribune editorial board, Barack Obama's first priority is to bring a winning ticket to the White House ("Obama's choice: The winning icon should ask Clinton to run with him," Our View, June 4). While Clinton is a bright, capable person, I'm not sure the Obama train has enough steam to haul all that Clinton baggage through to November. He cannot afford to have the famous Clinton egos (including Bill's) detract from his dynamic visage, as did his goofy former pastor.

What does Obama need from Clinton? Fundraising? Consolidation of the Democratic base? If he can't do that otherwise, he is in trouble, and she certainly won't help him win over the centrist voter, without whom he cannot win in November. On the other hand, a Clinton on the ticket will certainly mobilize the extreme right wing, many who currently feel lukewarm about their party's nominee.

Rather than serving to undermine a promising campaign, Hillary Clinton's talents can be put to better use in an Obama cabinet.

Anthony Musci

Salt Lake City