How much will Obama choosing a running mate from Virginia help in the region?

[4_Legs_Good]

If he chooses Webb or Warner, for example?

It better deliver Virginia at least, but what about helping in NC? SC? Both of those are seriously in play, and just need a little nudge? What about WV? OH? IN?

Edwards didn't tip NC in 2004, but Kerry was a different candidate from Obama.

Thoughts?

David

[LSparkle]

1. Warner would definitely help

He was elected governor twice and left office VERY popular
(even with Repugs).

[lisa58]

2. If Obama chose Webb as VP...

he would win more than VA. Webb is anti-war with a military background, has a son in Iraq (or did) can bring in the white, working class vote that Hillary has been getting. He spoke last week about how poor white americans need affirmative action as much as minorities and he and Obama could go a long way in bridging this gap in the country.

[ossman]

3. especially since his first book was about the bitter white people of Appalachia... which he is one.

He is the perfect choice. 2 authors on the ticket!

[lisa58]

6. I just ordered that book...

...I think he's the perfect choice too - a perfect balance for Obama with the same goals.

[hokies4ever]

14. He was hitting up the news networks last week talking about the 'bitter' stuff

and he sounded like he had some great insight as to how to win over those voters. Webb might be the best person to help Obama win the election, but that is only one criteria for choosing a running mate.

[Tippy]

7. Before he ran for the Senate...Webb was a registered Republican

This is a problem for me...I remember when many on DU wanted McCain to run for president as a Democrat...if not that then at least they thought Kerry should have chosen him for VP...Looking back I would say most would have come to regret that decision...Before I put a stamp on someone to run for President or VP I want this person to be a Democrat and to have been one for a lot longer than a few measly years......

[lisa58]

10. I know, my husband didn't like that about him either until...

...he heard him talk about the poor white in his state who always vote against their best interests because they don't think the government can or will help them. Now he wants to read Webb's book to find out more about him.

[cbc5g]

4. If Obama won the south

Conservatives would shit themselves. I think he can do it if he picks someone from Virginia. Im from Virginia and we love our elected democrats here.

[4_Legs_Good]

5. I have a Republican co-worker from Virginia and he said he'd vote for Warner

back when we were discussing possible candidates a couple years ago.

He also has very little regard for West Virginia. Is that somewhat true across the region? Would a VP from Virginia carry any weight in WV?

David

[cbc5g]

17. Probably not

WV has a lot in common with SW virginians but that's about it. They are appalachian, virginia is not.

[ossman]

9. Do you guys trust Webb being a new Democrat? Any fears of his former GOP life?

[MadBadger]

15. I like that most about him

Hes anti war, pro choice...I'm sold.

[mystieus]

8. Its more important to pick a compatible VP, not if he or she may help win a state.

[ladjf]

11. I don't trust Senator Webb. For one thing, he used to be a

Republican. The other is that he just sounds "shady" to me.

[4_Legs_Good]

13. Kinda funny, On MTP last week (or the week before) he advised the candidates not to choose him

Maybe it's because of his shadyness!

:)

David

[NorthCarolina]

18. He's also a DLC member so his conservative roots run deep

eom

[Tippy]

19. I wasn't sure about him being DLC to lazy to look it up

Clinton lost my vote because of the DLC as far as Webb goes I might hold my nose and vote for him as VP.......But I don't like it one bit. We have enough Good Strong Democratic candidates to run why pick someone who is at best still a Democrat lite...

[WorseBeforeBetter]

12. I'm thinking Webb is the way to go.

Corporate Media will play McCain the War Hero to death -- perhaps Webb would steal some of that thunder. I think he'd help deliver at least VA and NC on the military issue.

I haven't read Born Fighting, but Webb was on Olbermann the other night and made interesting points about the Scotch-Irish and why Hillary did so well in Appalachia. This is the group that gave us Nascar and country music, and perhaps Webb does "understand" them (which was a major criticism of Kerry). He'll also appeal to fiscal conservatives and the gun crowd. I'm referring primarily to PA, WV, VA, NC, and OH -- states that we could win. I don't know how far gone IN is, but SC, no way. How "in play" is it?

I'd prefer a true progressive be named as Obama's running mate, but at this stage, I'm desperate.

[4_Legs_Good]

16. In SC some polls have Obama only down 3 points

And the polls don't mean anything, IMO, other than a starting point. If he can mobilize the base in SC, and convert a few on the fence, I think it's winnable, particularly becaues (along with IA and WI) it was a major victory for Obama that marked a milestone in the Primary, so they may come out to vote for the person who they helped put over the top in the Primary.

Just my thoughts.

David