With the historic nomination of Barack Obama as the first African American to be considered for the office of president, one would think that this watershed event would be enough “firsts” for this presidential season.

However, in the coming days it will be overshadowed by the naming of Hillary Clinton as the first woman to be named for the vice presidential spot who garnered enough popular vote in the primary season to seal her nomination.

Yes, these two opponents will merge on one ticket to hopefully, for the Democrats, regain the White House.

After yet another win in a state that was called in favor of Obama, Clinton beat the now Democratic nominee by double digits. Why is this and other victories of such importance that two contenders that clearly have personal contentions would appear on the same ticket together? It’s because neither can win the presidency without the other.

Obama, although finally stumbling across the finish line, is bleeding politically. Look at his loss to Clinton in South Dakota. Again, this is another example of a state that polls showed he should win. But, he couldn’t seal the deal with voters.

Clearly, the messiah image that he once enjoyed for so long is gone. People across the country have learned of his racist tendencies and of his keeping friends with terrorists. If these things had been introduced to the American public before Super Tuesday, Clinton would no doubt be the Democratic nominee. And, the dirty little secret is that the Democrats know this to be true.

On Monday, this is why Democratic leaders called Hillary to offer her the number two spot on the ticket. They thought Obama would win both Montana and South Dakota overwhelmingly, pressing Clinton out. Some have wondered whether Obama really would consider Clinton as his proxy but now he is left without a choice, which explains his midnight call to Clinton asking her for a sit-down meeting.

Never before has a loser been left holding all the winning cards. In the words of the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow, “down is up.”

Obama may now hold the Democratic nomination, but Hillary is holding the keys to the White House.

It’s funny how history repeats itself. This scenario is very much like the first Clinton administration we all endured throughout the nineties.

Larry Brooks is a staff writer for the Walker County Messenger. He can be reached by email at lbrooks@walkermessenger.com.