Speculation about who Hillary Clinton might choose as her running mate ran almost as furious as speculation about when she was going to announce her candidacy in the first place. And once the word got out earlier this week that Clinton's campaign would likely kick off on Sunday? Hoo boy. All those “what ifs” went into overdrive. Who will she pick? Who would be the best fit? Will it be one of the favorites — maybe Kristen Gillibrand or Elizabeth Warren — or will it be someone who comes entirely out of the woodwork? It will likely be some time before we find out, so in the meantime, all we can do is continue to make our most educated of guesses.
But you know what? Let's expand our horizons for a moment. In order to broaden the playing field, we've put together a list of other folks we'd love to see run alongside Clinton — a Presidential Dream Team, if you will. Of course, while some of the people on the list aren't entirely outside the realm of possibility… some of them are. I mean, if we're dealing with “Dream Team,” we may as well dream big, right? Even if that means including some people who may not strictly… y'know… exist. Because let's face it: Who wouldn't want to see one of the best political minds in the Game of Thrones universe team up with Hillary Clinton?
1. The Notorious RBG
Duh.
2. Beyonce
Double duh.
3. Margaery Tyrell
I know Margaery Tyrell is fictional, but I did say this was our dream list, right? Ergo, fictional characters (and dead historical personages, for that matter) are totally fair game. I would argue that Margaery Tyrell is by far the best politician in Westeros — although it's possible that she'd rather be running for President herself, not VP. Still, though — together, I suspect Clinton and Tyrell would be a force to be reckoned with.
4. Gloria Steinem
Steinem may not have felt that Clinton actually had a chance at winning in 2008, but that wasn't because she wasn't a strong candidate; said Steinem in the documentary Makers: Women Who Make America, “I never thought in 2008 that it was possible for any woman to win.” Now, though? Said Steinem to New York magazine in 2013, “I don't think we know whether she wants to do it, but if she should decide to run, she could win. At this point, I think she herself has been such an example of a woman in high leadership that now people can imagine it.” Continued Steinem, “By her own example, by both her toughness and her grace, and her intelligence and her hanging-in-there — in the primaries and in the presidential race, and also as secretary of State — I think she's created her own possibilities.” Steinem herself has long been involved in politics, from the '60s all the way up to the present — and given her background as a politician, journalist, and activist, I think she and Clinton could do great things together.
5. Ashley Judd
It's not always advisable for showbiz folk to make the leap into politics, but if anyone could do it — and make some real, lasting impact by doing so — Ashley Judd is it. She's been an outspoken activist and humanitarian, and she hinted back in 2013 that she might even have plans to run for Senate. She ended up not confirming those plans, but maybe now would be the time to ramp up the game.
6. Shirley Chisholm
Remember how I said dead historical personages were fair game for this Dream Team? That means Shirley Chisholm is, too. In 1968, she became the first African-American woman ever elected to Congress; she represented New York's 12 Congressional District for seven terms between 1969 and 1983; and in 1972, she became the first black candidate for President from a major political party, as well as the first woman to run for the Democratic nomination. She passed away in 2005 at the age of 80, but man. That's one amazing politician.
7. Stephen Colbert or Jon Stewart
OK, yes, so Colbert might be a little occupied with The Late Show, but we still don't know what Stewart has planned for once he finishes up The Daily Show, right?
But while we're on the subject…
8. Jessica Williams
Heck. Yes. Or possibly, given that Williams herself noted that she was underqualified to host The Daily Show partially due to her youth, Williams in about a decade. Future Williams, if you will. Anyone have a time machine I can borrow?
9. Laverne Cox
I am convinced that a) Laverne Cox can do anything, and b) the world would be a significantly better place with her in charge. Much more than just an entertainer, or even a trans advocate and icon, she's smart, savvy, and incredibly capable. She's already been making so much positive change in the world — just imagine what she might be able to do with Clinton in the White House.
10. Wendy Davis
Davis' historic filibuster in the summer of 2013 proved her to be a formidable politician, indeed — one who would fight for the things the people she represents need. Furthermore, she has also been a big supporter of LGBT rights, creating a variety of important anti-bullying and nondiscrimination programs and bills. She may have lost the race for Governor of Texas in 2014, but that doesn't mean she's finished.
11. Cory Booker
New Jersey, while not the most glamorous of states, is often unfairly maligned. Cory Booker, however, is one of the things I like most about the place (I do live here, after all). As Bustle's Chris Tognotti pointed out back in January, Booker actually stands a pretty good chance of running for President himself in the future — and given how firmly he champions progressive politics, I feel like he'd be a good one to have both as VP and as Commander in Chief.
12. Hermione Granger
OK, so yes, Hermione would have to become an American citizen first — but come on. You know she'd be dynamite in the White House.
