Realistic Vice Presidential Poll - June 8, 2006

[newmajority]

There's only one sitting Senator on this poll. I absolutely do NOT endorse her as VP, and I hope with every fiber of my being that she is not chosen. But she's included here because of the whore media/DLC talking points. Other than that, two senators on a ticket is political suicide

There are no Republicans on this poll. Nor will I add any. It may be possible that Obama will name a Republican to some cabinet position, but not as VP.

If you have a "write in" here who is not a Repuke or a Senator, go for it. I'm sure I missed someone.

[featherman]

1. Please consider that both Kaine and Schweitzer would be succeeded by

Republican Lt. Governors. This could be a problem

He's a little under the radar right now but Colorado Governor Bill Ritter is also a Catholic governor of an important state and is about the right age at 52 for a 2016 candidacy

[Eric J in MN]

2. How about Ted Strickland, governor of Ohio? NT

NT

[bookman]

38. I'd like to know more about Strickland.

I just don't know him that well. Although an Ohio candidate could be big.

[mod mom]

50. As an Ohioan, I never heard of him until he was running for Gov (against Blackwell)

WEak on foreign policy and military but he is a minister. Not enough credentials for me.

I have to admit I believe the bobblehead video loops will be used against him.

[Eric J in MN]

55. What do you mean by "bobblehead video loops"? NT

NT

[Blondiegrrl]

62. Video clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_X-RoRghAY

That's Strickland in the background, enthusiastically nodding along to Hillary's, "SHAME ON YOU, BARACK OBAMA!" spiel.

Ugh. That still pisses me off every time I watch it.

[Eric J in MN]

89. I'll forgive him for the nodding if he gets Ohio for Obama. NT

NT

[gateley]

3. I am ruling out women or ethnic "minorities" -- which means Richardson.

With Obama on the ticket, we are already crashing through a glass ceiling. I think it might be iffy to try to bring another 'ceiling breaker' along on the ticket. If Dems alone were voting, I'd be all for it, but we have to appeal to millions of people in this country who don't think like we do. The bad news is that many of these people would be exceptional in the position; the good news is we have plenty of equally qualified white guys from which to choose. :7

So, at the risk of being flamed, I'm going for a white guy. Schweitzer.

[jefferson_dem]

12. I agree.

Barack should select a conventional "white male type" running mate - preferably one who bleeds red, while, and blue... or at least talks that "down home" talk.

Webb or Schweitzer fits the bill perfectly.

[sfam]

16. I disagree. Hard working white folk want change too. Double down - choose Sebelius...

Doubling down on change is the right decision. I agree that in doing so, there are a number of candidates who can fit the bill. Personally I think Sebelius is best suited to Obama's needs.

[gateley]

22. If I agreed with you about the doubling down on change,

I'd agree that Sebelius would be the best choice.

I'm just not as confident as you are about people being willing to accept both a black guy AND a woman in one fell swoop.

[hokies4ever]

85. Past elections have shown that people don't vote for the bottom of the ticket

so the fears aren't necessary.

[donheld]

70. Where is this no women or ethnic crap coming from

I heard it from a friend Saturday and I think it's daffy.
Who the hell is pushing this shit? Get all the women and
minorities together and we can kick some major ass!

[musicblind]

4. Thank you for including Hillary on this poll

even though she is not your pick. I appreciate it. :hug:

[ellisonz]

5. I don't get your reasoning for including Warner...

And excluding Webb. Warner is running for the Senate and appears to be a near lock. Webb is a Senator in a state with a Democratic governor. You do not offer, and I do not believe that putting two relatively new Senators on the ticket, neither of whom were in office during the 9/11-Iraq imbroglio is political suicide. Sure Clinton/Feinstein, Kerry/Leahy, Obama/Boxer is nuts, but Obama/Webb?

[sfam]

14. Warner is there because he's the only one who guarantees VA

Webb and Kaine do not (I say this as a Virginian). That said, I agree that Webb should be included on this poll for other reasons. Yes, he helps in VA, but more importantly, he's the best candidate to nullify McCain's foreign policy exp, and Iraq decisions.

[Cosmocat]

52. I am getting a Warner vibe ...

I am not a Virginian, but what you said reaffirms what my sense of things there ...

Seems to me that Warner was the one who broke through to get a D into one of the big three spots Gov/Senate ... And, while Kaine is a real decent guy, he might not have gotten there had Warner not blazed the trail before him ...

I am of the mind that it is NOT vital to have a military guy as VP ... IMO, BO is running for Commander in Chief ... It helps but it also hurts to have the perception that a VP has to be holding his hand for miliary matters ...

People want to say taking Warner loses a senate seat, well taking Kaine loses the governors job, and Webb just got the job ... I like both of them, and will be OK with them as VP if he goes that way, but IMO, Warner is the best bet to "deliver" Virginia, and IMO is a real "down home campaigner" who adds good economy creds and brings even more money to the table ...

J

[newmajority]

15. History says that it's hard for Senators to move into the executive branch.

We have an anamoly of history here where both parties nominees are Senators, so in that respect, Obama and Gramps cancel each other out. It then falls to the VP selection. McCain understands this reality, and that's why he invited Mittens, Charlie Crist, and Bobby Jindal down to Sedona for his Memorial Day BBQ.

Caroline Kennedy (ironically, the daughter of the last Senator who was elected President) had better be paying attention.

As far as Jim Webb goes, I think he's better off right where he is, in the Senate. He's a former Navy secretary and veteran himself with a son who is in Iraq. Who better to lead the Senate opposition to this occupation?

[ellisonz]

24. History is history. Things change.

And I don't think John McCain ought to be giving us our cues...

[newmajority]

29. This probably isn't so much as Gramps itself as it is his party consultants

Not to say that party consultants are always right. Hell, some of "ours" are usually wrong. If Bob Shrum comes anywhere near Obama, I swear I'll kill that old fart myself.

But in this case, they're going with a proven historical reality.

We're already breaking historical tradition by running a Senator. Not to mention the first African American nominee of a major party. And the actions taken by Obama since last Tuesday have already made him a target of the corporatists and status quo.

[ellisonz]

33. "proven historical reality"

Oxymoron. Kinda like political science...

[cottonseed]

6. Schweitzer: big and beefy. Just the kind of guy Mathews loves the smell of.

All kidding aside. I'm really starting to like the guy.

[ebdarcy]

7. Do you know how Schweitzer is on the stump, as a speaker?

I've seen his name thrown around a lot. I've googled him, and I like almost everything I see. But how is he as a candidate?

[newmajority]

8. I've only heard him on Thom Hartmann's show.

He sounded pretty good on the radio at least. But I've never heard a stump speech from him.

[PolNewf]

9. Very good

IMHO, a rural white cowboy version of Obama. 70%+ approval in a red state and he is progressive.

I posted some Youtube links here http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6322074

Or just search YouTube yourself.

[jefferson_dem]

18. Check out the Governor on Energy Policy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TxRxipXI_w&eurl=http://

[Blondiegrrl]

61. He's whip smart. Also, he seems very genuine.

I don't get any of that "phony" vibe from him that I get from so many politicians. He's the real deal.

[ebdarcy]

26. Thank you for the link. He seems like a good guy.

And welcome to DU.

[gateley]

17. I've seen some you tube clips --

and he's extremely well spoken and confident with a sense of humor. And he's VERY likable. From what I've seen, I think he'd kick ass on the stump, and also in a debate with McCain's VP - whoever that might be.

[ebdarcy]

27. You're right.

I just watched a few clips on youtube. He seems like a good guy and he seems like he knows what's he's talking about.

[ruggerson]

51. There are some good reads on Schweitzer right here at DU

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=361

[Political Heretic]

77. Don't think Obama/Schweitzer is going to play well as ticket names.

If Obama could find a qualified "Smith" he'd probably go for it.

[Condem]

10. Still undecided, new.

I think he should wait. We've got a ton of time. Many great choices, though.

[sfam]

11. If its a realistic poll, you really need to include Webb

Whether or not you or I personally believe two sitting senators is suicide, realistically, MANY people are looking at Webb as the best candidate to nullify McCain's only strong point - foreign policy.

Personally my choice is Sebelius, but if its a realistic poll, Webb is on pretty much everyone's potential short list.

[cbc5g]

13. Last I checked, Webb was highest on intrade, why is he not in the poll?

*edit, hillary is now by a little bit, but anyone with a brain knows she won't be the VP because with all the things she's said recently about Obama, it would be a disaster. The RW would have a field day and embarrass the hell out of Obama with Hillary's own words.

[BzaDem]

19. What about Ted Strickland? n/t

[justinsb]

20. Tossup

I like Richardson (who I voted for) but would be just as happy with Warner. I think it depends on where the Obama team feels they need the votes the most.

[Nitrogenica]

21. Jim Webb

[TBF]

37. Another vote for Jim Webb.

[onetwo]

23. Schweiter has to be the guy.

Not only is he a total reinforcement of Obama's ideals, he shores up many of Obama's weaknesses. As evidenced by his 70% approval rating in Montana, he connects extraordinarily well with rural voters for a progressive Democrat. With a guy like that on the ticket, let's just say that "Bittergate" will never have a chance to rear its ugly head again (Schweiter is big on guns and hunting; he was endorsed by the NRA).

I love the fact that he is laser-focused on the one agenda that EVERYONE cares about right now -- energy independence. Brian is an excellent, down-to-earth speaker that can clearly communicate the idea to the masses that eliminating our addiction to foreign oil is the TRUE way to win the war on terror. He has an unusual amount of hands on experience in the Middle East (he is fluent in Arabic) and appears to be very credible on foreign policy issues. BTW, he too also strongly advocates talking to our enemies.

This is the REAL dream ticket. It is so good a match, it's scary.

[davidwparker]

25. Webb.

[LucyParsons]

28. WEBB

[MadBadger]

30. the poll is not realistic if it doesnt include Jim Webb.

[Douglas Carpenter]

60. quite correct - without Webb -- the poll is completely ridiculous and unrealistic

Anyone reading the insider reports and following the market speculation know that Webb is at least in the top 3 or 4 of possibilities.

This is a completely ridiculous unrealistic poll

BTW Webb would NOT be my personal first choice. I'm simply talking about keeping the discussion in the bounds of the real world.

[Sensitivity]

65. You are too polite. The arrogance of the OP is entirely baseless

[newmajority]

71. Excuse me?

What the fuck is "arrogant" about a poll??

Believe me, this poll isn't a selection of MY favorites. More like the most realistic choices out of the names that are being floated.

Obviously some people are Webb fans. But the fact remains that two senators on the ticket is not going to work. Or was 2004 really that long ago?

I was against it then too, by the way.

[tencats]

31. James Henry "Jim" Webb, Jr., the junior Senator from Virginia

.

[muryan]

32. Poll without Strictland/Webb not really realistic

[newmajority]

44. There's only 10 slots on the poll

Webb is certainly leading the "write in" category, but (at the risk of repeating myself) two senators is political suicide. And Webb would do better in the senate right now, for reasons I've already mentioned.

Strickland? I didn't want to have all governors on the poll. I'll admit I don't really like the guy because he's DLC and was a huge Hillary booster, but even in the practical sense, I don't think he adds much to the ticket.

With Ken Blackwell gone, we have a good shot at getting Ohio as it is. We need to change entire regions from red to blue, not put all of our eggs in the same basket that was stolen from us last time (Ohio)

[gmudem]

68. Webb has to be included in this poll

I voted for Schweitzer but it's absurd to say that Tom Daschle or Gary Hart have a better chance of being VP than Webb. Neither Daschle or Hart have any shot at all, while Webb is looking like the most likely pick at this point.

[Joe Bacon]

34. Some wild cards to consider!

1) Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas

2) Senator Bob Casey from Pennsylvania

3) Senator Kent Conrad from North Dakota

4) Rep Bob Wexler from Florida

5) Governor Dave Fruedenthal from Wyoming

6) Senator Sherrod Brown from Ohio

7) Senator Patty Murray from Washington

8) Rep Rosa de Lauro from Connecticut

9) Rep Frank Pallone from New Jersey

10) Senator Ken Salazar from Colorado

I got a feeling Obama has a deck of trumps up his sleeve

[Obama4prez4life]

35. Clark!

[and-justice-for-all]

36. Bill Richardson?? Really?...Edwards is a better choice. nt

[newmajority]

42. I left Edwards off the poll for two reasons

First, he has said several times that he is not at all interested in the VP position.

Second, I believe he would be a much better Attorney General than VP, given his stated campaign goals of taking on the corporate criminals.

I would have no problem whatsoever supporting an Obama/Edwards ticket if that were Obama's choice, but I believe it would be a waste of John's true talents and abilities.

[asdjrocky]

39. Webb or Edwards....

And I've said this like a hundred times... Richardson can't be vetted.

[NotThisTime]

40. Conventional Wisdom Webb, but I bet there's someone none of us would think of

[Undercurrent]

41. Brian Schweitzer

Great resume, and he has a cool country dog!


Jag the Dog

[Bongo Prophet]

47. Heck, we might be able to win with the dog as VP, if s/he can be vetted.

Betty Davis eyes, there.

Shephards are extremely smart - would wipe the floor with the likes of Mitt, et al.
And then lick it up.

Obama/Jag '08

Sounds good.

[Bullet1987]

43. Why do people keep picking Richardson?

Do you seriously think Obama is going to pick a Hispanic man for his VP after all the racial BS of the primary?!?

[cbc5g]

45. I'm wondering why people keep picking Hillary, she has 0% chance of getting VP

It would be a disaster for Obama after all the statements and videos of her attacking him.

[newmajority]

46. My best answer to that is to paraphrase Bush Crime Family consiglierie James Baker

"Fuck the bigots. They won't vote for us anyway"

And it really is as simple as that. If it already bothers someone to have an African American president, then how is a Mexican American vice president going to make a difference one way or the other?

Most of the bigots wouldn't vote for an Obama/Clinton ticket either, since racists tend to be sexists as well. So why pander to them, trying to create a ticket that they're not going to vote for anyway?

[ribrepin]

81. Thank you somebody finally said it

The bigots aren't going to vote for Obama...no matter who else is on the ticket. A white guy is the best bet. I really like Schweitzer of Montana...progressive, anti-war, energy alternative friendly red-neck. He loves to hunt and is really popular in a red state. He'd help across the mountain states and possibly the midwest.

I think the mountain states rip for the taking.

[Bullet1987]

86. You may be right...but Obama I doubt wants to stoke the flame.

[mascarax]

48. Webb

I know what you're saying about two Senators, but Webb would be a good choice so that's my "Other".

JoeBacon - I like Sherrod Brown but think he doesn't have the military experience that likely will be weighed heavily for VP because that's what McCain will be squawking.

I think Edwards will be part of the administration...but not VP.

[RBInMaine]

49. Webb and Strickland NEED to be on here.

[DenverDem23]

53. There are many choices, Web and Richardson are in the forefront, IMO eom

[Douglas Carpenter]

54. both Intrade and Rasmussen Markets have ONLY Webb and Clinton in the double digits of possibility

Sen. Webb at 19.8%

Sen. Clinton at 18.9%

Of course this is only the speculation and educated guess of market forces:

http://www.intrade.com/jsp/intrade/contractSearch/

http://markets.rasmussenreports.com/

[Breeze54]

56. Other!!!! --- Kucinich or Feingold-- none that were listed!!

[Political Heretic]

79. REALISTIC choices.

If you truly, truly believe that Kucinich or Feingold are realistic choices, then fine.

But we're not talking about what our hearts want, in this thread its supposed to be about who we think realistic choices are...

[Breeze54]

90. Stuff it. Almost all that were listed are DINO's or DLCers.. We need a Progressive in the WH!

As for most of those listed? :puke:

[Bread and Circus]

57. Why is an "ex Senator" somehow more appropriate than a sitting Senator?

[madfloridian]

58. Wouldn't Webb be replaced by a Democrat.?

[SoxFan]

59. Biden!

Not sure some of these choices are realistic. Hart is in his 70s, Warner is in the midst of an almost guaranteed winning Senate race.

I never got this fixation with not picking senators. It's one of the 2004 memes that seems to hang around.

By the way, the "DLC talking points" act is a bit of nonsense, too. Richardson, Sebelius, and Warner have all been active in the DLC, and have addressed the organization on a number of occasions.

[apocalypsehow]

63. All the choices are realistic except HRC - that ain't gonna happen.

He will not choose the hands-down most divisive figure in American politics right now on the Democratic side of the aisle (Bush is, of course, simply the most divisive in the country, period). No way, no how.

[faithfulcitizen]

64. Gary Hart? I didn't know he was a serious contender.

[ccharles000]

66. I like Hillary.

I would also like Mark Warner.

[nsd]

67. A poll that doesn't include Jim Webb, but does include Gary Hart, is not realistic.

People at DU are prone to making pronouncements about how senators can't be elected and governors, even those with minimal talent or experience, are to be preferred. But I think this primary season has demonstrated that this piece of conventional wisdom isn't really true. No matter what happens in November a sitting senator is going to be elected president.

Webb, Biden, and Bayh are all realistic possibilities (in that order, IMHO). Given the size of the majority Democrats are likely to have in January, I don't think Obama should be discouraged from choosing one of these people.

[Zhade]

69. You made a mistake - clinton is not a realistic choice.

Thankfully, she won't be the VP, either.

[newmajority]

72. Like I said, I only included Hillary because of the talking points.

I wanted to get a sampling of how many people were buying into it. ;)

[nebula]

73. Two Senators on the same ticket is a bad idea,

Schweitzer all the way!

[fujiyama]

74. People say Warner can almost guarantee VA

That would be great, but he looks to be in the running for the Senate right now. I don't know if he can be persuaded to do the VP thing. Also, if he's not running for the Senate, who is? Can another Dem win that seat?

Personally I like Webb. He's tough as nails and very plain spoken. But he's got that whole history where he didn't want women in combat. That might be problematic for Obama especially when he's coming off a primary against the first realistic female presidential candidate.

And I have to honestly say, that over the last few weeks Hillary has risen on my VP list. But, aside from Webb, I like Schwietzer but it might be good to have someone with more of a foreign policy background.
Some may allude to that him and the soon to be former VP are from the same region...

[27inCali]

75. RICHARDSON ALL THE WAY BABY

We could really take the West, I think Richardson could help us take Montana.

I think it's time to show the Libertarians out there in those big sky states that we share a lot of their most cherished values, like a deep love and respect for the Constitution, personal liberty and privacy etc.

[Political Heretic]

76. Whoever it is, its going to be a white man, likely with working class appeal OR

a foreign policy god, whichever the campaign thinks they need more.

[Political Heretic]

78. What about Joe Biden?

[newmajority]

80. Secretary of State maybe. VP, no.

Aside from Joe being a senator, he's also in a state with an open governor's seat. The current governor is a Democrat, but apparently she's out due to term limits after November. If a Democrat takes the seat, then appointing Biden to a cabinet position would work.

[Political Heretic]

82. Ah I didn't know that.

[Hope And Change]

83. Mark Warner.

[hokies4ever]

84. Can't have Hillary and Richardson in the same administration

Obama probably is leaning toward Richardson as a V.P. or Secretary of State. Perceived bad blood between Richardson and Hillary probably puts Hillary on the outside looking in.

With regards to the poll, Sebelius is probably Obama's favorite right now.

[scheming daemons]

87. June 8, 2006?????

[newmajority]

88. I can't believe it took 87 posts for someone to catch that.

Unfortunately, I didn't even catch it myself until it was too late to edit. :evilfrown:

[hedgehog]

91. Gary Hart is still around?