FACE IT: Obama's VP Selection will not gain us or lose us any votes!!!

[KansasVoter]

It is going to come down to Obama...no one else. I don't think the VP choice will change anyones mind.

We are worrying way too much about it.

I guess it is just something to talk about.

[gateley]

1. I disagree.

I think the right person on the ticket may go a long way in attracting voters who may have concerns about Obama (for whatever reason). I'm just not sure who that "right" person is. :7

[scheming daemons]

4. I disagree too..... the wrong choice can definitely cost us votes...

and the right choice can shore up support.

[Chan790]

24. I know it can...

I have not one, nor two, but three lifelong GOPers (admittedly all moderates.) in my family who, sick of the Presidunce, are strongly considering voting for Obama depending on who he picks for a running mate. Not one of the three though gives a hell who McSame picks though. I'm not sure why.

[WillParkinson]

2. Believe you're wrong

Who Mr. Obama chooses as his Vice Presidential candidate will have an impact. I would have problems with him nominating someone with a less than stellar record on human rights (i.e. gay rights). Would it make me not vote for them? Depends on the severity of the record, I guess. Honestly, I can't say till the nomination is finalized.

[On the Road]

3. That is Historically True

Although I do think the VP nominee can make a critical difference in this election. Negative campaigning will be needed to win, and Obama does not want to engage in that himself. A Bayh or Kaine will not be effective at political attacks. A Biden or Webb would be very effective. Next to ability to assume the presidency, that should be at the top of the list of qualifications.

[L. Coyote]

10. WRONG.. LBJ in 1960 made the difference.

[Alter Ego]

5. First rule of the VP: DO NO HARM.

[Uben]

6. That's ridiculous, of course it will

I don't know what universe you live in, but here on earth, the VP choice ALWAYS garners more votes. Whether it be by the picks political ideology or geographical origin, he/she will bring more votes.

I personally don't think Obama can do it on his own. His pick will be crucial to his sucess.

[MercutioATC]

7. I completely disagree.

If Obama picks a VP that shores up his appeal in rural America, we'll gain votes.

If he picks somebody who doesn't, we could very well lose votes.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

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[L. Coyote]

9. WRONG. It may result in millions of new registrations.

Richardson would also convert a lot of Hispanic voters from Rs to Dems!

[napi21]

11. I disagree! I LOVE it that Barack is a thoughtful, very even tempered

person. One who thinks things through before he puts his mouth in motion. BUT...along with that comes a vulnerablility to the hard hitting lies & slams the Pubs ALWAYS throw at their opponents! I believe he needs a REAL BULLDOG! One who has the ability to strike back with short & very damaging arrows, and won't back down until the enemy is down! Needless to say, MY dream is that he will choose Biden! Take any of McNut's VP options...then close your eyes and visualize a Biden v/s XXXXX. Plus, Biden takes the inexperience, lack of foreign policy, off the table!

I DO believe the VP selection...especially on the Dem side, will matter!

[LynneSin]

12. I honestly think that Kaine would help secure us Virginia

Although with Mark Warner running for Senate that would be a major boost too.

Sebelius probably won't bring us Kansas.

We should win New Mexico but Richardson would help bring us that.

Delaware is in the bag but Biden is popular in Pennsylvania, which is where he was born and raised (moved to DE after law school) and might help us out there too.

[stray cat]

13. I disagree - Obama will either reassure or cause doubts with independents with his pick

[Larkspur]

14. If the choices really are Biden, Bayh and Kaine

Any of them will land with a thud. Biden at least has a sense of humor but his support for the Credit Card industry against working Americans will not generate much enthusiasm for him. Kaine is anti-choice and would alienate women voters, especially the Hillary Clinton fanatics and Bayh is a corporate whore who would piss off Labor.

Even though I voted for Obama in CT's Feb. 5 primary, I don't find Obama inspiring. I was basically an "anybody but Hillary, DLC and Republican" voter and Obama was the only viable choice by then. I definitely don't find Biden, Bayh, or Kaine inspiring enough to get me off the couch and work for the Obama campaign.

[RichGirl]

15. Wrong.

Obama has known all these people for a long time. If the VP had no bearing on the election outcome; if it were only a matter of Obama picking the person HE liked...he could have done that months ago. The fact that it is taking so long is a clear indication of how very, very important it is. With the numbers being this close, it could be the deciding factor between winning and losing.

[gateley]

20. Yes -- it's a strategic decision. nt

[flamingdem]

23. I agree wholeheartedly, you know they have a warroom devoted to this nt

[David Zephyr]

16. It does impact the election.

I wish it didn't, but it does.

[grantcart]

17. The VP can have a significant positive impact in one respect

exciting ethnic groups.

a Spanish speaking VP would generate strong interest in Hispanic circles.

There is also evidence that a Catholic VP candidate would have a positive impact on traditional ethnic Catholic neighborhoods.


I would be happy with any VP candidate that could delever just 3 points in 4-5 key swing states. That modest goal is, I think possible.

[highplainsdem]

18. The delegates and superdelegates don't agree, and they favor Clinton as VP

and think she'd help the ticket.

But what do they know? They're only delegates and superdelegates, not DUers...

[Thrill]

19. Sorry. But I think it does matter. The right person will make

some of these white and older voters be more comfortable voting for Obama.

I hate to say it but to crack some of those people. He may need to go with Nunn or Biden.
But again, I think someone like Schweitzer or Kaine would be the difference in winning a Red State.

[EstimatedProphet]

21. Yes and no

In the case of an extremely bad choice (like when people were suggesting Kerry choose McCain in 2004) it could have a drastic impact. For the people on the short list I don't think it will change much.

[ContinentalOp]

22. I don't think that the VP helps much directly but the choice is important.

The decision itself reflects on Obama and so it's important in that sense.

[antigop]

25. Want to win Ohio?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6665377&mesg_id=6665377

[polichick]

26. Not so - veep choice can move people on the fence one way or the other...

This year, when we have the first black candidate AND a young man, it's particularly important ~ especially to older voters.

[Metric System]

27. Wanna bet?

[Skwmom]

28. You're wrong. The VP will help to define Obama. Edwards was a terrible pick

in 04 (which was most likely why some people were pushing so hard for him).

[jesus_of_suburbia]

29. Not true.. the VP is important for both Dems and Repukes this election

More so than any other election I can remember.