Obama's Informal Short List - Kaine, Daschle, Webb, Napolitano. Personality before politics.

[jefferson_dem]

It's Vetting Time!
The history of the selection of modern-day vice presidential nominees is chock-full of blunders caused by haste or miscalculations.
Sat. Jun. 21, 2008
by Marc Ambinder

...

Some Obama advisers who are not privy to the process have come up with an informal short list based on previous discussions with Obama and informed guesswork. The list includes Sebelius, with whom Obama has a warm and easy friendship; Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, one of the first elected officials to endorse Obama; Daschle, who has become one of Obama's closest advisers; Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia, who is too politically appealing to avoid vetting; and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, another early endorser whom Obama has grown to admire. Before the campaign clamped down on leaks, Obama's friends said that Clinton remained a remote possibility, but added that her chances could improve if Obama seems to be having trouble uniting the party.

Two associates said that Daschle told Obama months ago that he did not want to be considered, but Daschle told National Journal that he wasn't adamant: "What I said was that I'm not anticipating going back in government. I didn't say I wouldn't do it. I, of course, would consider something if it were offered. But I have absolutely no desire to put my name in consideration." Dodd and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson are both interested in the job, their advisers say. Dodd recently hired Miles Lackey, who guided Edwards through the process in 2004, as his chief of staff. Edwards has said publicly he doesn't want the job and has told friends he would not accept it. Kerry has his sights set on a national security Cabinet post, according to a close adviser.

In weighing potential VP nominees, political reporters start with politics and end with personal qualities. Obama has been advised to do the opposite. Advisers say that as he thinks about his possible choices, he will first determine whether the person would make a good vice president and, if necessary, a good president; whether the person is someone he could get along with for eight years; and whether the person is trustworthy. Only when Obama is satisfied that the person passes those tests will he begin considering the political angles.

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http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/print_friendly.php?ID=cs_20080621_9379

[Thrill]

1. I've said it all along. I think its going to be Kaine

He was with Obama when he had few supporters. One of the guys who have been there since the beginning. That means something. Especially to the candidate. I think people should remember this while he goes through the process of picking his VP.

[Spider Jerusalem]

2. Interesting to note that when asked if he'd accept (several months ago)...

Kaine said he thought Jim Webb would be an excellent VP pick.

[Barack_America]

5. He's loyal, won't steal the spotlight...

And brings the whole white Catholic, but Spanish-speaking element to the table, among others.

Obama is looking ahead to who will help him govern, not just get elected.

It is so going to be Kaine.

[book_worm]

8. If it is a Virginian Kaine makes the most sense

1) he can't succeed himself as governor
2) We need Webb in the Senate
3) We need Warner to be elected to the Senate.

[Zynx]

3. I'm glad Dodd's not on that list. The guy is not who you want on the ticket in this financial crisis

He has been in the pocket of the investment banks.

[Barack_America]

4. Woo Hoo Kaine!!

I love that ticket!

:woohoo:

[jefferson_dem]

6. Yes. We. Kaine.

I could definitely live with that.

[Barack_America]

9. Yes We Kaine!

Love it!



It looks good, doesn't it?

[gblady]

14. what does he bring?

I did a quick search, saw he opposes abortion on faith based reasons, and does not have the foreign policy piece that some say is so needed...what do you feel he brings to Obama?

[book_worm]

7. I think Daschle is a dark horse possibility.

[Clark2008]

10. In other words, another list written by people who don't know.

:shrug:

[jefferson_dem]

11. You could say that. I'm thinking nobody really "knows" much more than the other at this point...

Maybe even Barack himself.

That being said, Ambinder is a high quality source.

[fujiyama]

12. Kaine is a good pick

Fairly popular governor of a highly competitive state this election for one, an early supporter, and he doesn't take a senate seat away...I'm not crazy about Daschle...What does he really bring to the ticket?

And his name is easy for people to say. Napalitono sounds like Neopolitan ice cream for ignorant Americans...Sebelius is waaaay too tough to say for many. The names might sound way too 'ethnic' for some.

[blondeatlast]

13. Please not Napolitano. If it's her, our own Katherine Harris takes the Guv's chair.

(Jan Brewer-ugh.)

For the love of God, NOT NAPOLITANO. Arizona needs her desperately.