Clark's VP Choice? (If Clark Runs and Wins...)

[quam]

Clark presents an interesting scenario for VP selection, if he runs and wins the nomination because he single handily provides recent international and security experience. Clark is seen by many as a strong VP choice for other candidates because of this expertise. Selection of a VP has historically been an opportunity to pick up votes one would likely not obtain on his/her own.

With his mannerisms, connections and educational background, in my opinion, Clark may win the Northeast and parts of the West. These areas may be Democratic enclaves during '04. From Arkansas, Clark should pick up that state and perhaps a Southern state or two. Clark may have an opportunity to pick up states with large military populations, but not guaranteed. He may have a better chance to connect with large veteran populations, such as in FL.

Where would Clark need assistance? Perhaps the Midwest and the South, and of the current candidates, this would include Edwards (NC), Graham (FL) and Gephardt (MO).

Clark may want to select a candidate with enormous political experience to complement his experience. Clark may consider Senators Bayh (IN), Durbin (IL), Landrieu (LA), Breaux (LA), Rockefeller (WV), Lincoln (AR), or Zell Miller (GA)? Or Governor Richardson (NM)?

Of the candidates, Senators and Governors, Graham, Miller, Richardson, Rockefeller, and Bayh bring diverse political experience with some sort of executive experience.

My short list would include Miller, Richardson and Bayh for no specific reason and by elimination (i.e.: Clark is from AR, why select Lincoln?). Landrieu would be interesting.

Perhaps my thoughts about this issue are on the wrong path and maybe Clark would wish to strengthen support in the northeast -- George Mitchell or Joe Biden?

I remain convinced Clark would select a VP with a good amount of political experience, preferably executive experience with more than one and a half terms in office.

[kodi]

1. edwards

.

[Doctor_J]

14. THat's my choice

He'll be ready to take over in 2012.

[Starpass]

2. I have opinions--and will undboutedly be killed for them

I think Clark has as much chance, and better, of getting the nomination (his late entry is actually an advantage and I suspect his good buddy, Clinton, is his advisor on this). It takes the spotlight off the herd and onto one person. After all, Clinton didn't enter until late (that's why I suspect he's counseling Clark to do this). Now....

If he is nominated, I don't think Clark (as counseled by Clinton) would pick Dean because it's like a victory on one hand and a foot-shooting-off on the other. Clark would be a real viable candidate because he can say anti-war things while wearing four stars. If he chose Dean the media would go ahead and do what they intended to do all along with Dean---they would center all their attacks on Dean. In addition, no one picks a person from a inconsequential, electoral vote worthless state like Vermont....and I come from an equally worthless political state called Maine. So Clark would want people like: Gep for labor; Kerry to give a firm we-can-fight-and-protect-you ticket (but doubt Kerry would accept second billing); or Edwards/Graham to really hit the South with a batallion of Southern boys, etc. If he doesn't get the nomination, Clark has got to be the #1 guy for our nominee which shoves Graham right off the stage because he has more to offer (southland, military, etc.). Dean would pick him...that's obvious. But so would all the other guys. I believe, in one slot or the other, you will have Clark.

[arcos]

29. Bush did!

He picked Dick Cheney, from a "inconsequential, electoral vote worthless state" like Wyoming, that he was going to win anyway.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

3. He needs an economic populist like Kucinich

If Clark doesn't shore up the union vote, the anti-NAFTA vote, working class whites, Latinos, and African-Americans, he's toast. He needs to make a strong economic populist, economic liberal (and of course, fiscally conservative - no budget deficits) stand as soon as possible, and he can ride this momentum all the way to the White House.

Just say something about corporate loyalty and outsourcing, you will have to fight the voters off with a stick.

[Composed Thinker]

7. There's no chance of Kucinich being on the ticket

He's far too extreme in his policies. And the Democrats aren't in a great position, so if they really want to beat Bush, Kucinich stays in the House.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

27. Kucinich is pretty mainstream on the jobs issue

I think you'd find that most people would be quite receptive to Kucinich's economic policies, if they were given a little more publicity.

[JohnKleeb]

10. I dont think that would do

Kucinich for pres :). On Clark I doubt DK would run on that, he opposed the war Clark commanded a lot.

[Lefty48197]

4. Bill RIchardson

He would lock up NM (an important electoral state) for us, and he might stir passion among Hispanic-American voters.
I consider Missouri and West Virginia to be two of the most important electoral prizes in 2004. Perhaps Jay Rockefeller or Dick Gephardt?

[elfin]

16. I agree

Either Richardson or Graham. Need to think about possibly losing a Senate seat if name a sitting senator.

[rucky]

21. Richardson Just Got Elected

...I don't think he'll accept. It would be cool to see a hometown boy get the nod, tho.

[xray s]

5. Gephardt

Reason; Labor & experience on the hill

[Donna Zen]

18. Agreed

That's the soft underbelly of the bushco rule: the heart land. Kinda' smirky funny when you think about it. Those folks want the Cubian embargo lifted...so does Clark. Gephardt also brings an firm understanding of pushing legislation, and progressive healthcare reform.

Isn't he also giving up his seat to run anyway?

[Yupster]

6. I would think he would need someone who would add Washington experience

I would expect a modern Lloyd Bentsen type of choice.

The rap against Clark would be that he has never been elected anything. I think he would make up for that by picking some real recognizable Washington guy. Let's see...

Dick Gephardt
Jay Rockefeller
Dick Durbin
Joe Biden
Bob Graham
Chris Dodd

Note - these are not my recommendations -- just predictions. I feel this country has gone way too long without a woman VP. Maybe DiFei would be the right mix of experience and Washington.

[Mz Pip]

13. If Clark wins the nomination

I could see him picking someone who is not in the nine that are now running. except for maybe Gephardt.

I would love to see George Mitchell on the ticket or Robert Rubin, someone with "gravitas."

Don't know if DiFi would consider it. BUt maybe for one term she would. Then second term could go to Hillary, preparing her for the 2012 run. Just a thought.

MzPip
:dem:

[southern democrat]

17. No doubt we are definintly putting the cart in front of the horse

Lots of prospects,Mary Landreaux popular La. senator,Evan Bayh-wouldn't Indiana be a prize,Max Cleland-keeping with the armed service theme while bringing Georgia into play,Gephart-would help bring the union dough and bring Missouri into play,Hillary Clinton-would help imensly or hurt like hell,John Breaux-same as Landreaux,but not as good,Edwards-the race between the pretty boys vs.the naughty boys,brings along a chance of winning N.C.,Kathleen Kennedy Townsend-she's from up north but my strike a nostalgic nerve,Biden-would be like having an ace in the hole,if he was from the south or midwest,Richardson-great prospect,New Mexico would be nice in blue 2004,George Mitchell-a true statesman would stregthen any ticket,Sam Nunn same as above,My top 5 as follows 1.Gephart 2.Bayh 3.Landreaux 4.Edwards 5.Richardson

[Renew Deal]

8. Bill Richardson

He brings a lot of positives. There are potential negatives with the China energy problems.

[ShaneGR]

9. Edwards

Military plus working man's advocate. Why wouldn't he?

[gulliver]

15. Plus (more) South plus young(ish) plus poise plus looks.

Picture Edwards debating Cheney.

[Composed Thinker]

11. Some of those names are interesting, but...

have any of those individuals said they wish to run?

[Pepperbelly]

12. I hate to even speculate ...

the road is long, treacherous, and filled with obstacles. Wesley is a big believer in doing things in the order that they should be done and we are far from this point.

But, it's fun in sort of an inside-baseball kinda way. Actually, if we are going to speculate about who WE would each like, I think Bob Graham brings far more to the table than the electoral-rich Florida. I think Bob has a real hard-on for these PNACers and could well blast Cheney with it in debates.

[Nashyra]

19. Leave the Senators where they are

We need to keep the senate seats even if they would be candidates for VP. My first choice would be Dean, followed by Richardson and then Clinton's Treasury Secretary can't name him off hand. Having a brain fart. I think he would appeal to those worried about the economy and Clark would appeal to those worried about national security.

[Pepperbelly]

22. Clark's economic credentials ...

are almost as good as Rubin's if not his equal.

A twofer...

[Mz Pip]

24. Rubin

Clinton's Treasury Secretary.

MzPip
:dem:

[ewagner]

30. I concur with your analysis

Graham has a lot of legislative experience going for him.

[oasis]

20. Evan Byah or Zell Miller would pollute the ticket.

A strong figure like Clark could get by with a woman as his VP choice.

[Hippo_Tron]

23. I would love to see Breaux as VP

But it's probably best that he picks a more liberal running mate considering that he is a moderate. If we have a liberal VP people will be less likely to vote Green.

[Clark Can WIN]

25. I'd have to go with Richards

He's an experienced moderate who would bring some of the Hispanic vote back that we lost last election.

Gep is very experienced but might be a big red stop sign for moderate republicans, indys and cheese in the wind democrats who lost their minds and voted for shrub last time.

Kucinich, Bayh, Landrieu also = big red stop signs

hadn't dared to dream this far until today

[John_H]

26. Dean or Graham

nt

[dofus]

28. Cruz Bustamente

He'll have turned California around by then. He's Hispanic, an important growing force in American politics.

Actually, I'm rooting for Bustamente as Dean's VP.

[TacticalPeek]

31. Graham, Richardson, Dean all have their possible net plus effect. but

one obviously must select that ordnance when closer to the target.

Whoever, they should add the maximum bang to the ticket, the campaign, and won't necessarily be regional. The Big Dog was typically masterful with his selection, and I imagine his counsel would be helpful several months from now.

I love Rubin, have long thought he should get the Nobel Peace Prize, but can't see him here as VP. From that aisle I'd pick Laura Tyson, but mainly because I'd get to see more of her on tv (blush).

One quality you need is a good fighter, like Dean or Graham. I would be careful with the Senate seats, though.

We'll know in about . . . 11 months? Unless there is a very early general capitulation and VP picking, which is unlikely since a pre-convention announcement and hoopla provide media and momentum benefits.

on edit: Hard to see how any wishywashy moderate would help, but whatever it takes to win big is cool with me.