Now That Obama Is Our Nominee, Who Shall Be His Running Mate

[HCE SuiGeneris]

Yeah, I know he hasn't won anything, but I did get your attention.

IF OBAMA WINS THE NOMINATION... who would you like to have as the VP candidate? (listed in alphabetical order)

Feel free to express why, if you are so inclined...

[quinnox]

1. Clark is the obvious pick

He props up Obama's experience issue and weakness on national security.

[sfam]

22. Clark or Biden would both fill this role.

Agreed this is a need that Obama has to fill. Both Clark or Biden would both fill this role. Perhaps Richardson would as well.

[maddiejoan]

2. Webb

[HCE SuiGeneris]

3. I know there are a few I have neglected, thanks for the input. n/t

[sfam]

8. No way Webb gets selected for two reasons...

First off, as a VA resident, I can tell you how hard it would be to replace Webb with another democrat that would actually hold the seat. As it stands now, we have a solid chance for both Warner and Webb to hold these seats for quite some time. Webb cannot be replaced that easily.

Second, in the campaign here, Webb had a horrid time with his comments against women in the military in the 80s. Obama wants more of the women's vote, not less. Webb will not be chosen for this reason alone.

EDIT: If Hillary was the nominee, she could pick Webb, but I don't see how this shores up her weaknesses. I can imagine her picking other candidates before Webb.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

11. I believe you are correct. Great analysis.

[Zueda]

13. I voted 'Other' with Webb in mind...

but you just made too much damn sense. :(

[harun]

14. I think you're right as well. I don't think they pick Webb.

[Jennifer C]

41. Yeah, the other night I was reading some old articles

about Webb, and read his "Women Can't Fight" article. I completely agree with your assessment. Too risky, even though Webb has a different view now.

[sfam]

48. The more I think about it, the more I think Webb would work for Clinton as VP

He would make a great VP for her if he was able to swallow his hatred of the Clintons (he made some bitter comments in the 90s as I recall). His woman problem wouldn't come into play and he would shore up her anti-war support AND get more military votes.

But again, this will cost us a Senate seat in a few years...

[ecstatic]

4. It wouldn't benefit Clinton, so I'd say Dean

OMG, Dean is the perfect "attack dog" for the GE! I'd love to see him in the spotlight again.

[harun]

16. Actually if it is Hillary I would like to see Dean as her pick, not for

Obama though (n/t)

[sfam]

54. I can't see Dean being anyone's pick...

Hillary it seems to me should be working to shore up her anti-war support AND military support, or she should be trying to bring someone to carry a state, like Richardson might. Dean doesn't work for any of this.

[ErnestoG]

59. ROFL!! After all the "Fuck you"s she's lobbed Dean's way?

The good Doctor doesn't have THAT low a self esteem.

[featherman]

5. Obama/Clark = no brainer

[Blue-Jay]

6. No matter who wins, I think that Richardson would be a good

Secretary of State.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

29. And Biden Sec-Def.

[Thrill]

7. Jim Webb carrying Virginia with him

[sfam]

12. Not gonna happen. If you want someone from VA, choose Warner instead

Warner is more popular than Webb here in VA, and doesn't have a problem with the Women vote like Webb does. Both choices would cost us a seat in the Senate though, so I would hope Obama leaves both alone.

[Thrill]

43. VA has a Dem Governor

We wouldn't drop a seat with Webb.

[sfam]

46. You would after Webb's term is up...

If you're not from here, you might not know how hard it is to get a Democrat elected to a statewide office.

Our current "luck" is in place - for a few reasons.

1. Mark Warner really is a transformative figure with great political skills. Similar to Bill Clinton in the 90s, Warner flat outmaneuvered the Republican congress here. His name is golden, but this is rare for Democrats in VA. Kaine won the governor's race almost solely on this guy's coat tails. He doesn't have enough heft on his own to carry VA as a VP. Warner does though.

2. The republican party here has done everything possible to self-destruct. Herb Schantz, the behind-the-scenes Republican kingmaker here in VA got sick and then passed aways a few years back (Herb wrote the majority of the Clinger-Cohen act in the 90s, and was on Bush's transition team in 2000 - a hugely respected figure here among conservative party members). Nobody with a brain has replaced him. Since then, the right wing looney part of the party has taken over. This is why Warner is gauranteed to win a Senate seat - idiot right-wing Jim "I support the unfunded Car-tax repeal" Gilmore, the former Republican governor got the republicans to agree to forgoe the normal primary system for the upcoming Senate race, which would have favored the more moderate Tom Davis (my congressman, incidentally). Gilmore will get trounced by Warner, whereas Davis would have had a very legitimate shot, even with Warner's cred.

3. The ONLY reason Webb won was the Makaka comment - that's it. Literally. Prior to then it was a blow-out. The democratic party wouldn't give Webb a dime - neither did anyone else. He was our version of Dennis Kucinich - an interesting gadfly with no chance of winning. Even after he got massive support, the race still came down to less than a few thousand votes or so. NOBODY else on the democratic side other than Warner has a chance on the Senate side if another seat came up.

So if we put Webb on the ticket, we almost certainly lose his seat when its time comes up - its that simple. Worse, Webb hurts Obama with the Women vote big time. He will not get selected for Obama - possibly for Hillary though - this might even be a good choice for her.

Bottom line, yes, Northern VA has put the state in play on the national level, but its NOT an even toss-up. Republicans still hold a STRONG edge. Democrats have to be massively Blue Dog and in favor of the military to have a chance. Mark Warner is what makes non-locals see the state as a toss-up. It's not. He's just spectacular.

[PresidentObama]

9. Joe Biden. Absolutely. Obama/Biden would be strong.

[sfam]

17. This is my choice as well...shores up the foreign policy issue wonderfully

[Tatiana]

19. That certainly is a strong ticket. n/t

[harun]

10. Feingold would be my favorite but I don't know who Obama likes

to work with the most in the Senate.

[karynnj]

36. He has done legislation with Feingold on ethics and I think foreign policy

He has done a few bills with Kerry. Most are with Republicans - which is better if you can find one.

[goodhue]

15. Napolitano

I voted Feingold which would be my preference,
but some say it will be Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano

[HCE SuiGeneris]

25. My Governor. Hadn't heard her name bandied about. Thanks.

She is an astute politician.

[thoughtcrime1984]

18. Napolitano/Sebelius

Both excellent lady Governors who have eliminated billion dollar deficits in their respective states. Either would be an intriguing addition to the Obama ticket. There are so many great choices out there, though! I'd be happy with pretty much anybody on that list...

[MonkeyFunk]

20. Obama's our nominee?

Well, I know it was attention-getting.

I think any candidate would be wise to pick Clark.

[goodhue]

23. it's inevitable

eom

[sfam]

24. I'd be interested in a thread like this on Clinton as well. She should choose Edwards

I think most of us can think of Obama's perceived weaknesses easier than Clintons - at least those which can be addressed with a VP. I thread on Clinton's choice for VP would be interesting.

Personally, I think her best choice might be Edwards. He sort of shores up the "change" message.

[avaistheone1]

57. Obama is not my nominee either. This is really pissing we off.

We haven't even had Super Tuesday. The party is split right down the middle and most of you people are delusional.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

60. Let me get this straight. We are all delusional

because you failed to read the OP? This is a poll based on an "IF" scenario designed to ferret out opinions on strong VP candidates. "Oooo, I am so mad!" Please.

[Kucinich4America]

21. Well, he's not the nominee yet. There may not be a nominee until August.

Nor should there be, for that matter. But one thing is true, regardless of whether Obama or Edwards is the nominee (or God Forbid that other Bush-Clinton person)

You cannot have two Senators on the ticket. Even having one is not wise, given the last 40 years of history, and all the Kennedys in the world endorsing Obama won't change that fact. The running mate absolutely cannot be a senator. And since Al Gore will only enter this race as the nominee at a gridlocked convention, that lets out any viable vice-presidents. Which means you gotta go with a governor. Preferably not a sitting one, since we need to gain seats in this election, not lose them.

Howard Dean would be my preference. Hell, I'd rather he had the top job actually. Of course that would mean the good Doctor would have to ensure that the DNC was left in hands as capable as his own have been in that job.

Bill Richardson would be a solid choice. With a resume that would deflect any "inexperience" charges that the 'Pukes are likely to throw up regardless of who the nominee is.

There's always Gary Locke, former Washington State governor, if you want to throw the first Chinese-American governor into this "history making election". Not much on name recognition outside of this state though. (Even so, he was rumored to be on Gore's short list in 2000, before he went with Holy Joe)

Any other ex govs out there that could compliment an Edwards or Obama ticket?

[Yukari Yakumo]

45. Why not a current gov, Schweitzer? {nt}

uguu

[Kucinich4America]

50. What are the odds that another Democrat would be elected in Montana?

Again, it's important not to lose any Democratic seats in this process.

[Nailzberg]

26. Feingold? A cheesehead and a FIB on the same tickets?

That could rip through the fabric of the universe. Very dangerous.

On the other hand, I look forward to free beer and brats at the inaugural picnic/softball game.

[11 Bravo]

27. Holy shit! 49 people actually reponded! Could at least one of them ...

provide me with a link which proves Senator Obama to be our nominee?

[HCE SuiGeneris]

28. Did you READ the OP? No?

[11 Bravo]

33. I hate it when I do that.

Just read the thread title. My bad.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

39. No worries.

:hi:

[thoughtcrime1984]

31. .

I see you retracted your Holy shit, so I'll retract mine. :)

[GalleryGod]

52. Not yet..

We are the Party -- We are the Party of the New Freedom, the New Deal, and the New Frontier. We have always been the Party of hope. So this year let us offer new hope, new hope to an America uncertain about the present, but unsurpassed in its potential for the future.
Edward M. Kennedy

[Khaotic]

30. Obama/Kaine

I think if Obama wins he will pick Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia.

[sfam]

34. Good choice! It doesn't address the experience question though, and might not get VA

One issue with Kaine - the republican controlled Senate in VA has stymied any movement on transportation here. Kaine is just not able to change things. He really doesn't have the standing that Warner here does, so Kaine wouldn't guarantee a victory in VA the way Warner would...but again this would cost us a Senate seat...

[HCE SuiGeneris]

35. Interesting. Any details on why?

[grantcart]

32. i would have said webb until the guy frm Virginia made his good points

it should be someone like webb or clark who can get traction in the south. clark has never won an election anywhere and hasn't been doing anything since he got out of the military that is admirable except appearing on faux news.

[sfam]

38. It you want VA in the Dems column, the only clear winner is Warner, but it costs a seat.

He would get you VA hands down. But it WILL cost you a Senate seat. Kaine is getting bogged down in traffic concerns...believe me, this is HUGE in northern VA. He by no means guarantees the state.

BTW, Warner would be a terrific choice for Hillary as well. Same Senate seat caveot though.

[grantcart]

61. good suggestion

i would rather have a great vp and virginia than the senate seat

we might be able to get that anyway

[1corona4u]

37. Little early to be counting your chickens, don't ya think?

[HCE SuiGeneris]

40. Reading comprehension problems?

[Araxen]

42. Richardson

I actually like Richardson alot and was my second choice for President behind Obama. He has alot of experience especially in foreign policy.

[underpants]

47. RICHARDSON RICHARDSON RICHARDSON

Welcome to DU Araxen :hi:

[Yukari Yakumo]

44. Other- Schweitzer

It puts a Governor on the ticket, and I think two Senators on the same ticket could be the kiss of death. Plus he is better alternative to Richardson, who proved to be dreadfully lacking in charisma and debate skills.
Other things to know is that the Northeast is virtually a lock. And if Obama is the nominee, so is almost all of the Mid-West. The South is a lost cause, especially if Huckabee is anywhere on the RePuke ticket. That leaves the once-Red-now-Purple West as the most "in play" region for 2008.
Plus he can give the impression that he can be the type of guy you could have a beer with. Someone the the middle-class could identify themselves with. It's a tactic the RePukes used, but it proved highly effective. So why not use it against them?
Though he's running for re-election this year, he's got a high approval rating and he is not really in danger in losing his job.

[GalleryGod]

49. Our DREAM

For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.

[SammyWinstonJack]

51. "If" being the operative word here.

:shrug: And why should Edwards take a back seat to a candidate who has co-opted his message? It wouldn't do Edwards any good to be the VP to either Hillary or Obama. It won't be like with georgie and his boss, ie cheney, who runs the show. Edwards with either of those two, would simply be a seat holder, which is what a VP really is.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

53. Wesley Clark would be a good choice

I would also like to see Al Gore be involved in the next administration of whoever might be the nominee. I'd like to see the next President create a special cabinet post devoted to global warming and alternative energy. I think the issue is every bit as critical as homeland security, the post that Bush created in his administration. I'd like to see Obama, Edwards, or Clinton give Gore the type of free rein and power in revolutionizing America to put her on the path to a green future. If Gore had enough money and power to get the job done, it just might lure him back into government (maybe).

[oasis]

55. Clark won't consent to being on a losing ticket. He'll team up w/Hillary

and challenge Prsident McCain in 2012. That is if Hillary isn't fed up with the snot nosed Democrats in our party and decides to run again.

[sfam]

56. Just me, but I'm guessing the VP won't be chosen till after a winner is decided...

[lurky]

58. Edwards isn't experienced enough.

Assuming McCain is the R, he's going to use the whole experience thing against Obama. Obama needs someone to balance his perceived weakness. Biden would be perfect if he weren't from Delaware. Ideally (from a strictly strategic viewpoint), it would be someone from the South or West who has tons of experience and is seen as a centrist. Any suggestions? :shrug: