Teaming up now makes good sense for Democrats?

How can any Democrat emerge from the current field of nine to give Bush a run for his millions? A clever candidate might borrow a page from W's playbook and do something both novel and dramatic. Here's a strategy that's sure to change the dynamic: Select a running mate now -- more than a year before the Democratic convention -- and run as a ticket during the primaries.

• It's outside the box. Democrats are starving for something exciting and new. What better way to energize the party faithful than forging an unconventional, audacious alliance to march through the nomination process?

• It's media-savvy. This kind of bold political move might awaken a slumbering media. If Republicans howl that it's a desperate ploy, well, that's just more airtime and column inches for the Daring Duo.

• It's efficient. Four bodies (counting spouses) on the campaign trail are twice as nice as two. Why wait 15 months to start tapping the connections, campaign funds, staff and personal assets that a running mate can provide now?

• It's got legs. A strong ticket would build momentum as key party leaders fall into lock step. It will get the attention of the roughly 700 "super delegates," who constitute a third of the votes needed for nomination.

• It's effective. A preemptive pairing will mercifully stick a dagger in the hearts of nonstarters Carol Moseley Braun, Dennis Kucinich and Al Sharpton. The field would narrow faster, saving resources better spent dethroning Bush the Younger.

• It's presidential. To become something, you must first convey that you are that thing. By picking a running mate and building a team early, the ticket will ooze with the confidence and gravitas of inspired, and inspiring, leaders.

Now, the fun part: speculating about the perfect pair.

Gephardt-Graham and Lieberman-Landrieu are alliterative tickets that might have crossover appeal to wider ideological audiences. Dean-Richardson offers ample brainpower and energy.

With Edwards' cash and Kerry's cachet, the most formidable pairing might be Kerry-Edwards.