2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumSen. Jeff Merkley for Vice President?
Robert Borosage, of the Campaign for America's Future, makes the case for Senator Jeff Merkley for Vice President:
Merkley offers real value. Hes the sole senator who endorsed Bernie Sanders in the primaries, an act of remarkable courage. Putting him on the ticket would pay tribute to the millions of voters who backed the Sanders surge. His presence would excite the young and independent voters that were at the heart of the Sanders vote. It would reassure skeptical labor activists. He would add credibility on trade, on investment, on Wall Street reform, on money and politics and on climate, all areas where doubts linger about Clintons commitment. He more than anyone other than Sanders himself can make the case about why the movement that Sanders helped to build needs to mobilize to rout Donald Trump in the fall. ...
Hes a progressive reformer with the courage of his convictions. He has already demonstrated his maturity in helping build a bridge between the Sanders and Clinton campaigns, even while pushing hard to have the Democratic platform express the commitment to progressive populist principles from campaign finance reform to a new trade policy.
Oregon has a Democratic governor and a requirement to hold a special election as soon as practicable. Merkleys appointment would not risk a Senate seat.
OPB's Jeff Mapes picks up the story, noting that Merkley "has deflected questions about joining the presidential ticket by saying he sees other more likely candidates, such as Warren."
What do you think? Would it be a good idea for Hillary Clinton to put Merkley on the ticket? Do you think she will?
cosmicone
(11,014 posts)He doesn't add anything ... OR is already blue
Coyotl
(15,262 posts)Of course Oregon is blue, they elected Merkley!
cosmicone
(11,014 posts)and to deliver a swing state or a constituency.
Anyone who is in Jeff Merkley's electorate will already vote for Hillary -- he adds nothing.
MissB
(15,812 posts)And I'm from Oregon. But no, as a VP pick he wouldn't bring more Oregon voters to the table.
Coyotl
(15,262 posts)Picking the very best possible V-P is a sign of strength.
sufrommich
(22,871 posts)would respond: "who?"
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,836 posts)Coyotl
(15,262 posts)Jeff is a well-known, highly respected, progressive U.S. Senator. He is also an ordinary guy, not an elitist 1%'er.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,836 posts)Just pointing out that, like it or not, name recognition is a BFD in electoral politics. Merkley might be well-known among people who pay close attention to such things, but I very much doubt that many ordinary voters who don't follow these things know who he is.
Peigan68
(137 posts)He endorsed Bernie. That makes him dead in the Clinton's eyes.
Coyotl
(15,262 posts)NO!!!!!
An absolute non-starter.
MohRokTah
(15,429 posts)leftofcool
(19,460 posts)DemocraticWing
(1,290 posts)Shocking to see such disrespect on here for somebody who, as much as any straight lawmaker, has pushed for LGBTQ rights.
LoverOfLiberty
(1,438 posts)Even though it comes off that way.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)That's why it comes off like disrespect. It is disrespect. Walks like a duck? It's a duck.
LoverOfLiberty
(1,438 posts)and I live in Oregon and had no problem with Merkley endorsing Sanders. I also happen to be gay.
I think you just have a lot of very opinionated people who think that, for whatever reason, Merkley is the wrong person for the job. As a matter of fact, no matter who you offer up, you are going to get a lot of negative reaction to it.
MissB
(15,812 posts)I don't think he'd be a good pick. I'm am Oregonian and was thrilled when he took Smith's seat. He's done a great job, and I appreciate his work.
That doesn't mean he'd be a good VP pick. I'm a supporter of LBGTQ rights but that isn't the lens that I view his potential candidacy through.
So, no, not disrespect.
eastwestdem
(1,220 posts)HereSince1628
(36,063 posts)Progressives can gain influence in the senate with fewer wins than the house as it's a smaller body. It also regularly runs up against rules about supermajorities which makes small cohesive blocs of sentators more significant.
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)BobbyDrake
(2,542 posts)Cover Your Ass.
Merkeley endorsed Sanders to keep his job in a deep-blue state. Courage? This column insults the meaning of the word.
LWolf
(46,179 posts)I like my Senator right where he is, in the Senate. I don't want him leashed.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)actual and consistent and proactive ally of LGBT and he's been a most excellent Senator.
fun n serious
(4,451 posts)NOTHING at all.
fun n serious
(4,451 posts)He's a follower not a pioneer.
Response to Coyotl (Original post)
rjsquirrel This message was self-deleted by its author.