Name your choice (only one) for Obama's VP with a short explanation of how

[Colobo]

the person would help Obama win the GE.

My choice: Jim Webb- He is a former Reagan official, with a big following in Virginia. He's got a great appeal with working class whites in Appalachia and understands them well. His foreign policy credentials are top notch.

Exactly what Obama needs.

[Colobo]

1. Kick.

[TahitiNut]

94. Wild cards: Paul Krugman, Colin Powell, Gary Hart

:shrug:

[donheld]

110. Colin Powell?

:wtf:

[SergeyDovlatov]

117. Bill Richardson

Obama is perceived as far left. Richardson - moderate, balances out.
Also, will help with hispanic electorate.

[TahitiNut]

120. The only people who regard Obama as "far left" are LIV and Faux News addicts.

His stated policy positions are to the right of Eisenhower Republicans.

[SergeyDovlatov]

125. Didn't we have a discussion awhile back about voting record?

Where Edwards was perceived as a far-left populist and Obama nearly right of center, whereas their voting record showed that Obama was pretty liberal and Edwards moderate.

[TahitiNut]

135. Too much of "voting record" analysis is akin to looking at a pack of jackels over the corpse ...

... of a water buffalo and pointing out which jackal is a vegetarian.

:shrug:

[ellisonz]

126. Paul Krugman?

:wtf:

[saltpoint]

159. Krugman would be a trip. Especially after roughly a year's worth of

anti-Obama columns, but he's a smart guy and could do Obama some good. After that U.N. mobile weapons unit address, I'm just not into Colin Powell, although his endorsement of Obama might send a surge thru the Republican ranks.

I think Hart would be a very solid choice. He has that Divinity Degree and he and Obama could lay claim to the "spiritual" demographic. There's be no one on any stage in the country who knew more about it that Hart, and Obama's no slouch at it himself.

[usregimechange]

2. That is my first pick for the same reasons but would like to see how the combo polls

[Tippy]

3. Sorry has not been a Democrat long enough to prove himself to me...

Criteria for me would be....How long has this person been a Democrat...Is this person a mamber of the DLC...Did they vote for the war....How they voted on issues is very important..

[Colobo]

4. Valid points.

[Faygo Kid]

13. He's solid on the issues, always against the war.

Can't help you on length of time as a Dem, but there's something to be said for conversion.

[Colobo]

17. I'm with you.

[Joe Chi Minh]

53. I read he was in favour of keeping military bases in Iraq for ever. Well,

presumably for a long as the oil lasts in the Middle East.

[Eurobabe]

66. Here we go with that Democratic pedigree shit

Seriously, we need to STOP this. It's insulting.

[muryan]

87. Someone made a post a few days ago

Listing all the scores Webb has received from PACs/special interest groups and he has a tremendous record so far in the senate based on the numbers I saw. Him previously being a republican also works for a ticket that is seeking broad appeal.

[Why Syzygy]

5. In a perfect world, Bill Richardson ..

This morning for some reason, I've been thinking Kerry maybe.

[Tippy]

16. I like Bill Richardson but he is DLC.......

[Why Syzygy]

34. Are you sure?

He has the most liberal social views of all, imo. And he has prior cabinet and diplomatic experience.
He's got to be on the team in some capacity.

[Tippy]

93. His name is on the membership list

[Colobo]

18. Kerry is not a bad choice, believe it or not.

[Tippy]

21. Kerry is DLC...but I voted for him in 04 it was one of those "lessor of 2 evils"

vote for me...

[Why Syzygy]

31. I didn't like him at all in 2004

[MadBadger]

38. Your new name is "Buzz kill"

[Joe Chi Minh]

56. Kerry was for a New Deal, and his continual work for veterans and

disadvantaged folk lends a lot of credibility.

[Unbowed]

134. Kerry has done a LOT for Veterans and for Democrats since 2004.

But the whiners don't give him credit.

[blm]

103. Not because he uncovered more government corruption than any lawmaker in modern history?

Not because he has been the top lawmaker in DC on environmental issues?

Not because this country would be in its second decade of fascism if Kerry hadn't unraveled IranContra, BCCI and CIA drugrunning when the entire DC powerstructure was against his work?

Not because he has been the most effective advocate for open government issues than any lawmaker of the last 25 years?

Funny what people choose to be their priority when there is so much information available to them....if serious government issues matter, anyway.

[Why Syzygy]

35. When someone wrote we need a military guy, I thought of Kerry.

But, I don't know how he polls in our weak areas. I bet you he would carry Ohio ;)

[Unbowed]

133. Kerry's running for re-election to the Senate this year.

And Ted Kennedy's health may mean he will retire sooner than planned. Better for MA that Kerry win his re-election rather than running on a national ticket.

That said, in 2009, I'd like to see a position for Kerry in the Obama Administration.


I'd rather see Kerry as Secretary of State or Attorney General than VP. He's above and beyond that, IMO.

[benddem]

6. Let's use some common sense in this discussion

there shouldn't be two senators on the ticket, especially two Junior Senators. R/O Webb
there shouldn't be two out of the ordinary candidates on the ticket R/O Clinton
the ticket should be balanced by experience, (course we thought Cheney would give that to *)
The best choice would be a Governor with a military background. I don't know any, with the exception of the former Gov. of Mississippi...Ray Mabus who is a great guy but hardly a household name.

[tokenlib]

7. Schweitzer...

Would surprise the pundits... Would show empathy for the concerns of the West, help defuse cultural concerns on guns,would reach out to small town america...

The guy had a great resume--overseas business experience in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East---speaks Arabic. Takes complex issues and puts them into common language. Innovative ideas on energy.
He embodies the change we need.

[Colobo]

10. That's an IMPRESSIVE resume. Has to be considered.

[faithfulcitizen]

30. WOW, he looks like a great choice. Only problem for me is he is a relatively new governor.

But wow, great resume!

[laurentius87]

43. Warner or Webb

If Obama wants to win Virginia, then I would say Mark Warner or Jim Webb.

[Cosmocat]

79. Warner ...

I am starting to get a real Warner vibe ...

I disagree that he needs someone with a military background ...

The choice between him and McCain is going to cut to one simple truth ... Ain't a war as an elected official that John McCain has not liked ... BO has a balanced and reasoned view of foreign policy ... He doesn't need his VP to carry his water on it ... HE is going to be the Comander in Chief ... It weakens him to HAVE to have a military guy holding his hand from the VP slot ...

You are either voting for a person who is going to be restrained and reasoned with our military power or someone who is going to use it or lose it ...

I think Warner brings thst governor type experience, he has strong business creds, he was the guy who broke the damn for Ds in Virginia, he is a strong campaigner who gets at the level you need to be at to get the "working class" to buy into you, and he brings EVEN MORE money into the mix ...

It would likely lock VA ... He could campaign full-time ...

[earthlover]

107. Warner is running for Senate this year in VA

And likely to win.

If he runs for VP, how would that play? I would not want to sacrifice a Senate pick up for the Dems for a VP nominee. He would be a good VP, but at what price?

Webb would be better on that score, since Kaine could appoint a Democratic successor, whereas Warner hasn't been elected....YET!

[sam kane]

136. wind farms are sexy! n/t

n/t

[Faygo Kid]

8. Yup. No candidate is perfect, but Webb works for me.

Definitely not Hillary; otherwise, I'm pretty easygoing on this one.

[helderheid]

9. Wexler.

Do I really need to explain why?

[Colobo]

12. It would enlighten us.

[helderheid]

14. For one, he is from Florida. For another he is very aware of the problems with the voting machines.

[mithnanthy]

115. I'll go along with Wexler.

He always impresses me with his passion and determination.

[lumberjack_jeff]

11. Jon Tester or Patty Murray

Tester has a minimal record to criticize, is a legitimate progressive and a plain spoken guy who can appeal to the great unwashed rural masses.

Murray is progressive, a woman and has a strong record advocating for veterans.

[tokenlib]

20. Jon Tester was pushing and promoting Brian Schweitzer with glee the other night on MSNBC...n/t

[MrRobotsHolyOrders]

146. Murray is incredible

As is Tester. But I don't know if Murray translates outside her Western Washington superbase.

[JohnnyCougar]

15. Joe Biden.

Joe instantly gives the ticket more foreign policy credibility, and combats the "experience" claim pretty well. Joe is a great attack dog, and has shown willingness to go after Republican misinformation and propaganda aggressively. Joe is also Catholic, which may help a little bit with a swing demographic.

[dansolo]

62. Biden voted for the IWR

To me, that is a immediate disqualification. It will be difficult to argue against the folly of the Iraq war if he picks a VP who voted for it.

[KittyWampus]

64. Biden-Lugar Amendment. Look it up.

[sampsonblk]

19. Gen Wesley Clark

Clark is one of the few Dems who got it right on the invasion of Iraq. He has been hammering the GOP on foreign policy for years, and is man enough to hit right back at them on any issue of international affairs.

He will eliminate any advantage McCain might have in this area. Plus he's a tall white southerner. That won't hurt.

And he's been out campaigning and raising money for our party, and he's pretty damn good at it.

[Colobo]

23. I think Wes is not a great campaigner nor a good surrogate.

Great individual with a great resume, but... I don't see him as an asset for Obama.

[sampsonblk]

111. Don't assess the guy based on four years ago

He has worked very hard and has improved quite a bit.

[elleng]

152. and was most requested surrogate

in 2006 election, all over the country.

[Tippy]

26. Wes Clark.....Former REPUBLICAN......no voting record

Just b ecause he is against the War/Bush does not necessarily mean he is Presidential material

[KittyWampus]

65. Clark has been out working his ass off to get Democrats elected since 2003.

[Eurobabe]

67. Once again, you are insulting. n/t

[Tippy]

100. I am insulting? How so...?

[Eurobabe]

173. By suggesting that someone is not fit to be a DEMOCRAT

if they were ever a Republican. I for one, find this ''must be Democrat from birth to be worthy' meme very insulting and counterproductive.

You can bet the Repubes don't care if anyone was ever a Democrat and switches parties.

Suggest you stop pushing the blue blood meme, it really doesn't help the Democratic party.

[sampsonblk]

113. Huh?

There are dozens of reasons why so many Democrats love Wes Clark.

[elleng]

149. You've missed A LOT.

He was NEVER a Republican; he voted for Reps when he did because they favored enhancing funds for the military.

He's a GREAT leader, testified to by many of his former soldiers.

I'd prefer him as head of national security counsel because he's capable of keeping lots of ducks in a row at same time as keeping goals in mind.

And he was MOST SOUGHT AFTER surrogate, in 2006 election, to speak for numerous Dems running all over the country.

[faithfulcitizen]

55. I'm all in on Clark personally. The ? mark about him is...

would people say this Obama/Clark ticket lacks experience? Of course by experience, they would mean *elected* experience. He still has that outsider appeal and his message has always been about change. I thought he was a great campaigner. If you were ever able to see him give a stump speech, you know what I'm talking about! He tore Bush to bits in his speeches. Whether we want to face it or not, Obama's patriotism is going to continue to be questioned. A Clark pick would go a long way to squash that, plus he trumps McCain's military experience. Just have him tell the story about rappelling down a mountain side to rescue marines from a burning army vehicle, in his 50's no less! A true story of Bosnian sniper fire. In debates however, he could have done better. (much like Obama) On the whole, I haven't seen a better pick yet.

[goclark]

104. He said on MSM the other day that he was not

intereted. "shrug:

[elleng]

150. He and they always say that,

its a given.

Where did he 'say' that?

[goclark]

161. It was on Tweety or one of the One In The Same Pundits

asked him straight out and he said he "wasn't interested."

"shrug:

[elleng]

162. Was Wes on tweety recently?

Sorry i missed him, if he was! BUT then again, I live very happily without most of the 'pundits.'

[goclark]

164. I put them all in the same basket

so it may have been another of the Media thugs.

[elleng]

165. Morning Joe,

maybe. They laughed about it, I think.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

22. Wesley Clark

Congressional and Washington outsider, gives the ticket some military boost, good name recognition, as a Clinton supporter helps bridge the ticket.

[Joe Chi Minh]

61. What's this military stuff you're on about. I don't recall other nationalities

taking military considerations into great account. A lot of you people seem to be endorsing the Republicans' framing of non-issues as issues. You spend most of our GDP on military materiel, yet as Hunter S Thompson pointed out, you've fought goodness knows how many wars against third world countries without a semblance of a substantial military, since WWII, and got beaten like a drum. At the height of our empire, we Brits got our *sses kicked by Afghan tribesmen. What is it with you and this military obssession?

Not a word about Edwards. What, is he too Socilaist for you people?

[faithfulcitizen]

72. As a 30 something, I can't say it's always been this way, but this is a "time of war" in the US...

so it is on the forefront of many Americans' minds. As the death toll in Iraq climbs, and terrorist threats continue to build, people in the US want to know we can trust the commander in chief. I would venture to say most don't like McCain's foreign policy, but many still seem to trust him as a commander in chief because he has seen war up close. Of course Wes Clark has too, and therefore his policy is to use military force *only* as a last resort. I agree we seem to be obsessed with military "cred" in US elections... this is just my attempt to try explain it.

[Joe Chi Minh]

86. But Obama would be taking the troops out of Iraq. And he doesn't need

war experience for that. Nor did the great British PM during WWII, Lloyd George, in order to massively improve our war effort. Ironically, he was a dove, who was against our imperial wars, until they had been started.

http://www.helium.com/items/405656-how-was-britain-organised-to-fight-world-war-1

Note his role in getting a grip of the profiteering and the munitions supplies.

As for your being at war, it is, as Gore Vidal pointed out, a war of your own making, nor is it a close secret that it has created many more terrorists and made you very much more vulnerable, rather than less vulnerable, to the asymmetric warfare waged by them.
No. You need a war leader with first-hand experience of it, like a hole in the head.

[faithfulcitizen]

121. I agree with pretty much everything you said. I just want Obama to get elected.

Having Clark on the ticket, in my opinion, helps him in the general election. I realize this is a war of our (meaning bush's) making, but Clark and others were against it from the beginning and warned of creating far more terrorists. I don't think anyone on DU would argue against what you said. I'm talking about the American electorate as a whole, having military credentials is helpful, especially when this General was a dove from the beginning. Of course I trust Obama could get the troops out probably better than anyone, but the republicans will do their best to portray him as "unpatriotic" and wanting to pull the troops out in a "dangerous" way due to a "lack of experience".

Either way, I'm very hopeful that we will win no matter who he picks for VP and that we will be able to restore some of our credibility in the world.

[elleng]

153. Military experience is NOT THE SAME

as 'war' experience, tho Wes has both. And I think McC has only one, and not much of that.

I remember reading his resume and concluding that in fact MCC has LITTLE relevant experience to be Potus.

[sampsonblk]

158. Its a tradition. For a reason.

Its good to have man who is accomplished at commanding troops. That's an absolute plus, and has been a springboard into American politics from George Washington to US Grant to President Eisenhower. There isn't a thing in the world wrong with that.

Plus General Clark is a super guy, and a solid Democrat.

[Joe Chi Minh]

174. "That's an absolute plus, and has been a springboard into American politics

from George Washington to US Grant to President Eisenhower."

That is why you are the only advanced country in the civilised world who don't have a free, national health service for all, and why you have millions of homeless people, and that figure set to rise. Furthermore, your elections, presidential and otherwise, are now routinely stolen by private companies for the Republicans. As Wedgewood Benn once observed, to the right wing, the working class are the last of the colonies.

You are politically naive. Read the link I posted to an article on Lloyd-George. He had neither military experience, not WAR experience.

As for Tom Rinaldo, he may argue till the cows come home, but the reality is that Clarke was retired early on what was stated to be "character" grounds. Moreover, in WAR matters, his judgement could scarcely have been more devastatingly impugned than it was by the British General who refused an order from him, stating that he was not going to be responsible for starting WWIII. The said general was not cashiered.

[Tippy]

24. DLC'ers

Evan Bayh Senator... not mentioned here but has been mentioned as a possible.

Dianne Feinstein Senator mentioned early on..

Bill Richardson, mentioned before

Kathleen Sebelius Gov of KS

Tom Vilsack Gov IA

Mark Warner Gov VA

Bill and Hillary Clinton President/Senator

John Edwards...Former Senator

Christopher Dodd Senator

Ed Rendell, Gov. PA

[Colobo]

28. Would you support any of them as Obama's choice for VP?

[crankychatter]

47. I might. Napolitano... she is governor through Public Campaign Financing

and she brings the Southwest to the table...

But I'm going to defer to Obama's judgement.

I have a list of no, nevers... but don't know enough to pick just one.

I would say Webb is a bad choice because the Governor of Virginia is liable to put a Conservative in his place in the Senate.

WE NEED MORE, not fewer, progressives in Congress. There will be an insurmountable Senatorial bottleneck under Obama's administration. That bottle neck represented by the Democrats that voted for the war.

There are 151 (I'm told) legislators that are profiting from the War. Clinton was one of them... so is Feinstein.

[gmudem]

112. The Governor of Virginia is a solid Democrat

Tim Kaine is a popular Democrat in Virginia. If Webb was picked as VP then yes he would probably replace him with a moderate Democrat, it would be extremely difficult for a very liberal Dem to win statewide office in VA.

That said, Kaine himself wouldn't be a bad choice for VP.

[Tippy]

97. The second thing I look at is voting records.....I did vote for Kerry in 04

If all else fails I vote for the lessor of two evils...I never like the DLC and now after this primary...I feel even stronger....I did vote and worked for Harold Ford when he ran for the Senate here in TN..I wore my Yellow Dog pin when I went to meet him for the first time..."He said I got one of those"...but
I replied "it's to darn bad you no longer wear it, it would make it a lot easier to get you elected"....Everytime we were at an event I had my pin on...He always mentioned it, he came from a long line of Yellow Dogs, I often wonder if he thought of it in the days after the election...Probably not...he was to much of a Dino by then...As you can see I am a Democrat FIRST LAST and ALWAYS

[XemaSab]

25. Schwietzer

He's a soil scientist. The NRCS will turn out in DROVES to vote for him. He might even pull in the rest of the Department of Agriculture, and good sections of Interior, Commerce, and the Army Corps. Where could he go wrong? :shrug:

[Honeycombe8]

27. Obama needs foreign policy experience &/or military experience. Does Schweitzer have it? nt

[saltpoint]

33. Yes.

And he speaks fluent Arabic.

[Honeycombe8]

37. What foreign policy/military experience does he have? nt

[saltpoint]

39. I'll offer the Wikipedia link because it covers several aspects of

Gov. Schweitzer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Schweitzer

[Honeycombe8]

42. I looked up his bio. He has no foreign policy or military experience whatsoever.

Other than that, though, he looks very interesting.

I'm wondering, though, if the Jewish Dems would like a German ancestry VP, since Obama seems to be a bit weak toward Israel already, in their eyes. If there was no issue with the Jewish vote, it wouldn't be a problem. But shouldn't he be sensitive to that?

[saltpoint]

49. There's no one candidate, IMO, who can mollify the objections of

every single demographic group.

Napolitano is a great choice, but there is tension regarding her immigration policy.

Evan Bayh might make Indiana closer, but the grassroots Obama people are suspicious of his DLC profile.

Sebelius is a blue gov in a red state but is felt to be lackluster on the stump.

Boxer would be a dazzling addition but she'd frighten more timid Democrats.

Biden has extensive expertise in foreign policy issues but is regarded as old guard by some.

- -

Obama could go with someone like Richard Clarke, who has a bipartisan patriot appeal and obvious command of international security.

Or Gary Hart, who would take the stage in Denver as a home-field player.

But I think the election will be won and lost on a county level and in neighborhoods and in grassroots organizing, and for that, I think Schwetizer would be outstanding.

[ellisonz]

132. WOah...Over the Line!

"the Jewish Dems would like a German ancestry VP"

:wtf:

This ain't Arnold Schwarzenegger were talking about...

[XemaSab]

40. He'll smack you upside the head with a sand auger

while yelling at you in Arabic... :shrug:

[faithfulcitizen]

57. lol!

[Hippo_Tron]

48. The last thing Obama needs after 8 years of Bush and Cheney...

Is the illusion that he will run to his more experienced Vice President every time there is a crisis.

Obama is fully prepared to go toe to toe with McGramps on foreign policy, particularly since McGramps doesn't have foreign policy experience himself.

[Sensitivity]

83. In a time of TERROR AND WAR it is delusional to think that PUBLIC is not drawn to Mil Security

Strength. McCain would be at 20 percent if not for this.

[Hippo_Tron]

99. Didn't work for Kerry

He played the "I have credibility when I criticize the President's foreign policy because I served in the military" card and it didn't win him the election.

There are ways to use military and foreign policy experience to one's advantage. But sticking a military or foreign policy guy in the VP slot will look like a cynical ploy and the VP will simply overshadow Obama.

What Obama should do if he wants foreign policy credentials is to court those retired Generals who testified against Bush's surge plans and get their endorsements. He should then have them do numerous appearances on the talk shows debating whatever surrogates McGramps has shilling for him.

The public is undoubtedly drawn to military strength in a time of war, but there is a right way to use that and a wrong way to use that and a wrong way to use that.

[blm]

105. He won. RNC stole it for Bush and DNC let them. This election has a DNC working for all Dems

candidates and voters. Big difference from McAuliffe's DNC.

[Hippo_Tron]

109. blm, do you just sit there and search DU for all threads with the word "Kerry" in them?

[blm]

124. No - I search for inaccurate analysis and correct it accordingly out of the goodness of my heart.

Truly.....done for love of country and party.

heh....and I am not a bad person to love back, y'know. Those who GET my intentions rather like me. ;)))

[Willo]

116. First reason I've read for not having this VP profile

I appreciate seeing a different view. You reminded me of this endorsement.


In a news conference with reporters here today, Mr. Obama was flanked by 10 former generals and admirals who are supporting his candidacy.

[Hippo_Tron]

122. Yup those endorsements are undoubtedly important

But I think that people who really want a military/foreign policy VP aren't thinking strategically. The RNC will hammer the meme that Obama is weak and will go running to his VP every time there is a crisis. And frankly Obama can't counter that argument.

Obama needs to emphasize two things on foreign policy. One, for what he lacks in experience, he makes up for in judgment. Two, John McCain's supposed foreign policy experience is bullshit. He hasn't sat on the Foreign Affairs or Intelligence Committees and while we respect his serve, being a POW isn't foreign policy experience.

The worst thing you can do in this sort of situation is admit your own weakness and try to compensate for it. Instead, you hit your opponent hard on their supposed strength and turn it into a weakness for them. You make it about judgment and not about experience.

"Obama: the judgment to lead on day one" is a hell of a lot better than "Obama: inexperienced but it's okay because his running mate has experience".

[onetwo]

142. He certainly has the proper JUDGMENT.

Watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0i9o-ThOPM&feature=related

[tokenlib]

32. The skunk hide on the wall IS change we can believe in...

He sees the corporatists and lobbyists as skunks--I love it!

What a contrast with McCain and his corporate coddling cronies.... This is a killer ticket that would excite the country---

Barack will have other surrogates for the foreign policy/defense angle. Schweitzer does have international business experience in the Middle East and speaks Arabic...

[saltpoint]

29. Obama is fortunate to have a wide field of great choices, even if

this one or that one or the other one doesn't appeal to every single one of us.

I'll honor his choice, whichever he picks, although would prefer a Democrat to ex-Republicans, and having said that, prefer Chafee to Hagel if push comes to shove.

Subject to change, I like Brian Schweitzer. He's a west-of-the-Mississippi governor in an election cycle when we are meeting in Denver and sending GREAT candidates up for U.S. Senate races in those states, etc., including two -- count 'em -- two Udalls. I think Schweitzer is refreshing as hell and would be of a piece with Obama's theme of elemental change.

He's a white male with a good dog and might be able to step off a plane in Southern and border states and talk turkey with undecideds.

He suggests strength in his physical personality, a certain rugged outdoors, up-north, I've-been-there confidence that is convincing without ever being cocky. Handsome family as well. I think people would be drawn to him and that he would handle the attention with modest poise.

He will eclipse McCain's choice for the GOP veep, in all likelihood, and in every respect. I don't think anybody could shove Schweitzer around on issues like the Middle East or domestic agriculture. He's very strong on points alone.

And Schweitzer is Catholic, a key swing vote demographic.

Cheney is smart but lizard-souled; Schweitzer would be intelligent and ethical. I like Schweitzer in that historical comparison.

A veep pick in 08 might suggest an investment for our candidate in 2016. I don't think Schweitzer would disappoint in that respect, and 16 years of Democratic judiciary picks would have me screaming with elation.

[Colobo]

44. Great points, Old.

I'm warming up to this Schweitzer guy very quickly.

[saltpoint]

51. Hi, Katzenkavalier. Well, I'm just hunching out loud. Your pick of

Jim Webb has a lot of appeal as well -- I still am celebrating Webb's wipe-out of Cement-Head George Allen in Virginia.

What a wonderful night that was.

[dailykoff]

36. Caroline Kennedy.

Gets the glass ceiling vote (which is probably bullshit anyway) and she's a constitutional scholar who knows politics and will help restore what's left of ours. Also the right age to take over in 2016.

[hokies4ever]

156. Has she ever ran for elected office?

This point alone will keep her from being the V.P. choice. This point is more clear when you consider Condi as a V.P. for McCain. Where does she stand on various issues like abortion? Nobody knows. Also, Obama wouldn't have chosen her to lead the V.P. selection committee if he wanted her to be a potential candidate. It would draw to many parallels with Dick Cheney, who is hated in America. Not because of who he is, but what he has done as V.P..

[dailykoff]

171. Well, let's say she's never lost one.

I don't realistically think he'll put her on the ticket, though I'd be happy if he did, but when you think about it, Caroline is not that much less qualified than Hillary, who went from nothing to Senator in one election. Caroline is shy that's true, but I've heard her give a couple of dynamite speeches at Kerry's and Gore's conventions that were really stirring. She's also dedicated herself to Obama's campaign and now that her kids are grown it just seems like more of a possibility.

My second choice would be Richardson.

[kentuck]

41. I am still undecided but...

I think a Catholic might help him on the ticket. Someone like Governor Rendell.

I like Jim Webb but with Mark Warner already running for the Senate in VA, he could probably carry that state without Webb.

Richardson could help with the Hispanic vote.

Wesley Clark would help him with his defense credentials and his connection to the Clintons. He is highly respected in both the Clinton and Obama camps.

Or he could pick a woman, just to help with the woman vote. But if that woman was not Hillary, I doubt that it would help him very much.

Or he could pick someone from the South, to help him with the blue-collar vote, someone like a Sam Nunn.

In the end, I think I would choose Wesley Clark as the strongest candidate for VP?

[tokenlib]

54. Schweitzer is Catholic too...n/t

[kentuck]

68. Schweitzer would be an excellent choice also...

It would help him with the new voters in the Western states, also. He would be my second choice.

[Stop Cornyn]

59. Tim Kane is Catholic and actually served as a Catholic (Jesuit) missionary to Honduras.

[Stop Cornyn]

45. Tim Kaine -- most of the advantages of Webb and Warner without costing us a Senate seat

[george_maniakes]

50. Does Kaine have anyone pushing for him?

Do vp candidates generally have people quietly pushing for them?

[Stop Cornyn]

58. I hope so. Tim Kaine and Claire McCaskill both have excellent swing-state muscle, are outside-the-

beltway candidates, appeal to demographic groups where Obama could use a little help, were early Obama supporters and have proven to be effective Obama surrogates. Between the two, I prefer Kaine because he has strong connections with both Virginia and Missouri and because I'd hate to lose McCaskill in the Senate.

[kentuck]

69. But with Warner on the ticket already...

He may not need any more help from VA?

[Stop Cornyn]

74. Even with Warner on the ticket, I wouldn't call the presidential race in VA just yet.

[george_maniakes]

46. Kaine.

Gotta love people in politics who dont appear to be assholes.

[saltpoint]

63. Kaine is just a hell of a decent soul. Totally agree, george_maniakes.

It surely would be a huge change of pace from the current vice president.

[Rowdyboy]

75. Kaine would be ideal but his lt governor is a conservative Republican....

Thats a problem

[saltpoint]

80. True, with some of the choices we might lose a governor's seat.

On the other hand, we'd gain a vice president.

Always a tough call, but I could more than live with Kaine if Obama chooses him.

[Rowdyboy]

81. Certainly! Just hate to lose a governorship unnecessarily when we have...

such an embarrassment of riches from which to choose. I wonder if he's even seriously focused on the subject yet? The media speculation will be nonstop from here on out.

[stray cat]

52. Schwietzer looked really good on 60 minutes talking about energy a year or so ago

[dansolo]

60. Brian Schweitzer

This election is about change. There have been many people who have put their support behind Obama for that reason. But, like it or not, there are segments of the population who aren't convinced, either because they aren't sold on the message, or perhaps more significantly, the messenger. What we need is someone who can appeal to these voters, without diluting Obama's message. Having another minority (either a woman or a Hispanic) on the ticket may suggest that they are merely a token, placed there to appeal to their specific demographic. That is not what Obama's campaign is about, and even if that wasn't the motivation, the media will play that aspect of it, with the intention of trying to foment some backlash. So if that narrows us down to white male candidates, we still need to ensure that we don't antagonize voters with the selection. I like Webb, but we will constantly be hearing about his anti-women writings, which plays into the whole misogyny frame. That is the last thing that Obama needs, and may be the sole disqualifying thing about Webb.

Brian Schweitzer is a real outsider, to the point of his standing up to the Bush Administration and WINNING. Even more, he has been able to win without having to sacrifice his principles. He is a true progressive populist, who approaches things very pragmatically. I see him very much like Howard Dean in that aspect. He also is very knowledgeable about energy matters and the middle east. He worked in Saudi Arabia for several years and speaks fluent Arabic. He could play a very significant role in trying to work towards real peace in the middle east. He also could be key to winning over the "working class whites" and rural voters who haven't warmed up to Obama. I see absolutely no down side to Brian Schweitzer, outside of name recognition. But he has a way of appealing to people immediately, so I don't see that as a major issue.

[marions ghost]

147. I like the idea of an outsider

...is there anything in Schweitzer's background that could loom up as a negative? The way these witch hunts go these days, you have to ask the question.

Is he a big bio-fuel guy & is this a problem?

I don't know much about him.

[Stop Cornyn]

70. I love Webb BUT he's not the best choice for VP for 2 reasons: (1) his main asset is his credibility

on the war and military issues, and this race must be won on domestic economic issues -- not the war, which is yesterday's top issue not tomorrow's top issue -- and every time we get into a debate on military issues, we are buying into the frame that McBush wants because it is the ONLY card he has to play so, in effect, Webb is the VP who frames the debate as McBush wants it framed, and (2) we need Webb in the Senate.

Webb is a great man, and may be president one day. Like Webb, VA governor Tim Kaine also tips VA from a purple state to a blue state (especially with Warner on the downballot ticket) and Kaine also has strong appeal in Appalachia and among Catholics.

Kaine has the advantage that (1) he frames the debate on real solutions to real housing problems (we win that debate because McBush has NOTHING), and (2) he's term-limited so we're not losing a great Democrat from a position where he has a great future.

[KittyWampus]

71. Schweitzer will appeal to some civil libertarians and seniors on a tight budget

He stood up for his state against DHS re: private info on id cards. He refused to go along with that.

He organized citizens going across border into Canada for more affordable prescription drugs.

[mod mom]

73. Sen Jim Webb

Military experience, strengthens swing state Virginia, his speech on Kyl-liebermann

[Undercurrent]

76. My choice

[SCDem]

77. Joe Biden - and three good reasons

1) Talks blunt and to the point - good to play good cop bad cop with Obama as the President.
2) Senior Foreign Relations experience - extensive and strong Iraq engagement
3) A likeable guy

[Rowdyboy]

78. Tough to pick just one...

While all three Virginians mentioned are very attractive I think Obama will carry the state without their being on the ticket. I don't see him opting for any other woman if he passes over Senator Clinton and I certainly hope he has the sense to stay away from Republicans like Hagel, Bloomberg and Chaffee.

Of the remaining, I particularly like

Bob Graham
Dick Gephart
Ted Strickland
Wes Clark

Forced to choose among them, I'd pick Bob Graham. He's incredibly qualified on foreign policy and security issues, a legend in Florida politics, and, at 72, would not use the office as a springboard to a presidential run for himself, clearing the way for an open race in 2016. That could serve several purposes.

[Colobo]

84. All of those are former Clinton supporters.

Why should Obama go that way?

[Rowdyboy]

92. The party is split. Obama is a healer. I think it likely he will reach out

and name a Clinton supporter. How does selecting from within his own camp serve him in broadening his appeal? Thats my opinion based on what I know of the man.

I already mentioned Graham's qualificiations. From what I've read, Strickland would likely help carry Ohio and would draw more support from the mid-west and Appalachia. Gephart has a depth of experience, has been thoroughly vetted, and is widely popular among union membership. Wes Clark has, likewise vetted, has outstanding foreign policy/national security credentials and despite media boilerplate IS an effective campaigner.

Obama would run well with any of them.

[dansolo]

148. Dick Gephardt??

Surely you are kidding. There is only one Democrat I hate worse regarding the Iraq War than Joe Lieberman and that is Dick Gephardt. He worked a deal with the White House and effectively killed all opposition to the IWR in the House. For that I would never forgive him.

[LWolf]

82. Cynthia McKinney.

We'd end the gender/race wars with a woman of color. We could heal the ugly division caused by the Democratic Party savaging one of their own, and bring her back into the party.

We'd cut the biggest 3rd party threat off, as it looks like she'll get the nomination for the Green Party.

We'd have a true left/liberal on the ticket, bringing in all those left-of-center that don't stomach Obama's centrism well.

If you don't like that choice, if you must have a mainstream centrist, try Brian Schweitzer.

[tammywammy]

85. Richardson

[Sensitivity]

88. kerry webb hagel clark zinni petraeus -- anyone to blunt McCain NS advantage

[yardwork]

89. I tend to agree with the choice of Jim Webb, but I'd like to hear more about him.

If Webb were to become president, would he be a good one? Is he progressive?

[RiverStone]

90. Richardson!

Global experience, Latino vote, gets along great with Barack.

[muryan]

91. If Obama picks Webb

get ready for McCain to pick Sarah Palin.

I really like Webb though, and I Schweitzer is a very strong pick as well. I think at the moment Obama is suffering from an abundance of good picks, not a lack of them

[Bluenorthwest]

95. Not Webb

And no Republicans.

Gov Sweitzer is pretty good, and from the West. And he does not carry Webb's baggage with women, gay people, and those of us who don't trust folks who were drawn to the Republican Party for great amounts of their adult life. To me, he's a Republican who switched for advantage only. Conservtive and hawky, macho and pink as a flamigo. He is a newbie in the Senate and lacks national experience.
Webb...why Webb again? Because he draws breath?

[Barack_America]

96. Tim Kaine.

-Governor of VA, a swing state

-Native son of MO, another swing state

-Executive experience, with a reputation for fiscal conservation, as governor of VA

-Catholic

-Spanish-speaking

-Well-spoken, but not a limelight stealer

-Endorsed Barack in 2/07, the first national politician to do so

-Barack's mother and Kaine's mother are both from the same town in Kansas (highlights Barack's "heartland roots")

-50 years old and, thus, well-poised for a possible 2016 run

[terrya]

98. I'm still going with Bill Richardson

A very impressive resume, including UN Ambassador and Energy Secretary. Popular Governor of a state that Obama can win. Can help Obama with the Hispanic vote.

[jerryster]

108. I'm with you

My brother-in-law believes that Richardson might be in line for Obama's Sec of State. I agree that he's eminently qualified for that as well. However, the 2008 electoral map being what it is, Richardson as VP would definitely energize Hispanic voters and the ticket.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25028512

[Hippo_Tron]

101. I think Schweitzer would make the ticket function best overall

Because he fits in with Obama's message of change but at the same time provides the best geographic contrast as well as urban vs rural contrast possible.

[fadedrose]

102. I'd like Obama to ask & follow Dean's advice.....

Wouldn't mind seeing Dean as a White House advisor either...

[lojasmo]

106. Richardson

Brings the latino vote in many swing states. Wonky credibility.

[Willo]

114. Has anyone ever announced his VP along with other cabinet members?

I'm wondering if Obama might cover a few bases at once.

So far I like Sebellius, Webb and Schweitzer in no particular order. Schweitzer, Sebellius, Webb, if pushed.

[midnight armadillo]

118. That's too presumptuous

The VP choice is expected, and perhaps some allusion to other cabinet posts (i.e. GWB boasted that Powell would be SecState, no one batted an eye). However, outright announcing picks for cabinet posts is putting the cart before the horse.

[Willo]

123. Please explain. Why is that putting the cart before the horse?

Should all other positions wait until the president is elected? If so, why?

[PolNewf]

119. Brian Schweitzer!!

Reinforces Barack on almost every issue and can talk (extremely well) to the demographics Obama has struggled with.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0i9o-ThOPM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuWWtK6rIAc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TxRxipXI_w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McaAS-GzXBY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUr48lg9Ocs

[senseandsensibility]

127. Biden

I think geography is not so much an issue as it was. Biden brings the attack dog mentality that has been SORELY missing in the last two Dem VP nominees. His strength in foreign policy nicely balances Barak.

[jerryster]

160. I like Biden too, but

I think that geography is still a big part of this race.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25028512

[sfam]

128. Sebelius. She doubles down on the change message, but has no downside...

Sebelius has lots of good traits:

- She is recognized as one of the nation's best governors
- Her father was governor of Ohio
- She is Catholic
- She appeals to republicans and independents
- She helps us in the West
- She will help bring in the independent woman vote

Her only downside is that she isn't well known.

[hokies4ever]

155. Sebelius!

She's my choice too. :patriot: Also, I disagree with her not being well-known as being a downside. MSNBC had a political panel discuss V.P. selections and they made an interesting observation. They were making the point that a candidate gets a bigger media bump if he chooses someone who wasn't a major contender in the primaries. For example, if he chooses Hillary Clinton, it'll make a few headlines, but people are already aware of her right now. If he chooses Sebelius, there will be a lot of in-depth discussion over many media cycles about her. Who she is, what she stands for, etc.. This is kind of the boost that Obama got earlier in the primary season when the media were falling in love with him and they weren't as captivated by Hillary since she was more well-known.

Her father being the governor of Ohio is a great point too.

[MethuenProgressive]

129. Hillary Clinton. 18 million supporters.

Nuf sed.

[TahitiNut]

141. $31 million in debt

They 'supported' her campaign into bankruptcy. Nuf sed.(sic)

[gateley]

130. Brian Schweitzer

Strengths compliment areas where Obama is perceived to be weak: He received the NRA endorsement in his state, he's a 'down home' guy, the furthest thing from "elitist". And he and Obama are simpatico in many areas: Plus he's LIKABLE, which goes a long way.

[musicblind]

131. Hillary Clinton

I think she would do a great job campaigning for him. She would bring not just herself but Bill and Chelsea to do major campaigning. She has big money donors where as Obama has the small money donors. I don't think that she will be that big of a negative. No matter who is picked to be VP they will be smeared with lies (ie Kerry/Edwards). I think she does well in debates, and has a lot of passion for health care. She also helps with the image of unity and with getting ALL of the women's vote. I think she can help score well with blue collar voters and Appalachia voters. I know Bill's appearance went really well in small town NC. To me a Obama/Clinton ticket is still the dream ticket. :hug:

[ShaneGR]

137. Governor Strickland of Ohio...

Tons of experience. Governor of a must win State. Highly visible Clinton supporter to bridge the gap.

[BklynChick]

143. ita

[TeamsterDem]

138. I can't decide between 2 people: Jim Webb or Kathleen Sebelius

Jim Webb is seen as a "blue collar" guy, so that plus the fact that he's white might help with some of the Appalachian vote. Plus he's got military credentials which would help allay some foreign policy criticisms.

But Kathleen Sebelius is unbelievably smart, calm under fire, and might help bring over some of the upset female component of Clinton's camp. I'm not as sure about her ability to be the traditional "attack dog" that's a huge component of being VP, but her other positives are worth considering.

I'm not in favor of Senator Clinton being the VP because it undermines Obama's message of change and because it might make him look like a guy who can be pressured into making decisions.

[Unbowed]

139. Don't think he should choose another Senator. Let me just throw this out there...Gen. Anthony Zinni.

Any thoughts?

[Raine]

140. Jim Webb

for the same reason.

[TexasObserver]

144. Bill Richardson helps him win New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, California, maybe Arizona

maybe Texas, too, and perhaps some West or Midwest states.

BR won't hurt Obama anywhere, and most importantly, he's up to the job of president.

[Kber]

145. I read something recently that made sense

VP choices don't necessarily help presidents get elected, but, in so far as they help govern, they help get presidents re-elected.

Obama should choose someone who shared his vision and agenda.

Not sure who that is, tho.

[IndianaGreen]

151. Bill Richardson

but I will accept whoever Obama feels he will be comfortable with, not just as a running mate, but as serving Vice President.

[jefferson_dem]

154. Webb.

An authentic, principled, no-nonsense, straight-shooting, Washington-outsider who is an intellectual but cut from a "down home" working-class fabric that projects well.

Former Repug with military credentials and administrative experience. Could appeal to those "Reagan Dems" if there really are any.

[EffieBlack]

157. David Paterson, Governor of New York

Just because it would be fun to see Republicans' heads pop off.

:-)

[Colobo]

163. LOL!

[lastliberalintexas]

166. Hillary Clinton

I think the way this primary played out, either of them would have been fools to not offer the VP spot to the other. Whatever either side says, the voting block that each brings to the table is incredible, and we start with such energized voters that I think it would be great for the party. I do see negatives for Clinton being on the ticket, but I don't think they outweigh the positives.


And for what it's worth, I was a supporter of neither, so this isn't said with blind candidate support. I just really do think that the people who are excited about one of these would be excited about both, making the GE hopefully that much easier to win. :shrug:

[slinkerwink]

167. I like Claire McCaskill. She doesn't pull any punches when she speaks and I like that!

[slinkerwink]

168. Chris Dodd--he's got the foreign policy credentials, and he's a great surrogate on the stump.

[saltpoint]

172. Agree on all counts, slinkerwink. Dodd is outstanding, and fluent in

Spanish as well.

Gov. Rell of CT is a Republican, though, and I'd worry about that Senate seat...

[papapi]

169. Mark Warner. His competion for Senate, Jim Gilmore, is considered.......

defeatable by just about anyone who wants to run Democratic.

[CaptJasHook]

170. Gary Kasparov, smartest human on the planet.

Maya Angelou, wisest woman on the planet.
Naomi Wolfe, toughest fighter on the planet
Al Gore, Greatest number of ties to the world community
Kurt Vonnegut, Crustiest old fuck on the planet..... Sigh, I miss him.
My son Dylan, cutest kid on the planet.

[Alter Ego]

175. An index card that says "SEMI-RELIGIOUS WHITE GUY WITH

SOUTHERN ACCENT WHO'S BEEN IN GOVERNMENT FOR YEARS."

That's pretty much the only thing people won't criticize or agonize over.