Obama's VP Decision Near?

Clever moves by McCain (0.00 / 0)

Earlier I figured that Obama needed a running mate who could play attack dog in response to a dirty Republican campaign.

But McCain's incredibly weak campaign over the last month makes that seem unnecessary..

---

by: elwood @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 20:30:19 PM CDT

Yes, but. . . (4.00 / 1)

In spite of McCain's weakness, he's still single-digits behind -- or closer depending on what poll you believe.

Obama doesn't need an attack dog.  He needs someone who highlights the qualities that drove him to the domination -- populist change with openness and enthusiasm.

And that's Brian Schweitzer (although I'd be happy with Kaine, too).

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 22:26:07 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Though I'm not familiar enough with Schweitzer to support or oppose his nomination for VP, (0.00 / 0)

I do agree that Obama doesn't need an attack dog VP.  He should pick a VP on three weighted criteria:

90% how well they can work together and how well this person can fulfill the role Obama envisions for his Vice President

5% lack of baggage

5% geography

---

by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 23:46:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Dodd admitted that he was being vetted, (4.00 / 1)

but he has not been cited on any short lists lately.

The fact that Biden has made it so far is interesting to me.

Kaine seems to me very analogous to Schweitzer, both from flippable state, but the former having less of the physcial oomph, and the latter having fewer electoral votes in the home state.

While I would love to see a female Veep, I have to admit that I was really bored by the one or two times I heard Sebelius speak.

Bayh is great in many, many ways, but doesn't seem like the best fit ideologically.  If Clinton were the nominee, I would most have wanted him as Veep for her.

I wonder if there is just too much recorded media back and forth on between Obama and Clinton during their long struggle for it to work for her as Veep.  On the other hand, you can make the same case there for McCain/Romney, yet Mittens is apparently a top contender.

And whatever happened to Richardson?

---

by: Dean Barker @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 20:44:28 PM CDT

I left out (4.00 / 1)

 from my comment about Biden: part of me is just dying to see him be the attack dog on McCain.

---

by: Dean Barker @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 20:45:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Biden, Richardson, Sebelius, etc.... (0.00 / 0)

With the exception of what the people being vetted have been told about their own chances, I doubt anybody other than Obama, Kennedy, Holder, Axelrod, Plouffe, their spouses, and a very small handful of staffers have any idea who it's going to be.  And maybe Howard Dean.

---

by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 23:51:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Dodd can't happen because of CT politics I believe (0.00 / 0)

If he were to resign the Republican Governor of CT would appoint his replacement.

I think they were initially looking at what it would take to get that situation changed, but it became impossible for several local reasons I don't understand.

---

by: Mike Caulfield @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 12:50:58 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The Countrywide issue is a far bigger barrier (0.00 / 0)

I don't believe he intended to do anything wrong, but this will dog him nevertheless.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 13:56:41 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Deep in the heart of Texas (0.00 / 0)

June 26, 2008, 11:55 am
Pelosi Suggests Texan as Possible Obama VP

Sarah Lueck reports on Congress.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Rep. Chet Edwards's work on veterans' issues is one of the reasons she's suggested him as a possible running-mate for presidential candidate Barack Obama.
-snip

Ben Smith (on Kaine):

I think it's now safe to say that he's the main object of speculation; which could mean Obama's going to pick him, or that it's a convenient distraction while Obama holds a secrets summit with Edwards.

Not that Edwards. The other Edwards.

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 21:09:19 PM CDT

I Love Chet Edwards (0.00 / 0)

He would be an excellent choice -- not because of his stance on veterans issues, but because he's a damn fine politician, one whose populist charm has beaten back several GOP-inspired attempts to redistrict him out of his seat.

I don't think it'll happen, but Edwards adds more to the ticket than any candidate other than Schweitzer, Kaine, Strickland (who has taken himself out of the race), and possible Sibelius and McCaskill.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 22:29:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Kaine as an outsider (4.00 / 1)

Of the possibilities written about, I hope he chooses Kaine.  Bayh and Biden come off as Washington insiders and Obama needs to continue the "change" meme to win. Sebelius is too much of a light weight.

I have also heard the name of Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island mentioned as a possibility. Reed was with Obama on his recent trip to Iraq.

Reed has a military background but voted against the war resolution. Too bad he comes from a reliable Democratic state.

---

by: gradysdad @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 21:18:43 PM CDT

Agreed (0.00 / 0)

. . . although I wouldn't call Sibelius a lightweight.  You don't get elected governor twice in a heavily Republican state, AND implement a series of progressive changes on health care and education, AND stand up to the radical anti-choicers, and be a lightweight.  Her only problem is that she's a bit dull.

As for Reed, his only asset his military background -- which, as I've noted in earlier diaries, only reminds people/press of a perceived Obama weakness.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 22:31:55 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Kaine has alienated his base (4.00 / 1)

Remember the "Raising Kaine" netroots people that were promoting him?

Their site now talks about him turning hard right on issues from estate tax to stem cells.

---

by: elwood @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 14:41:15 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Wow (0.00 / 0)

I didn't know about the stem cell thing.  If true, that could be a deal breaker. . . . The one litmus test we have as a party is choice (for good reason).

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 15:09:55 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The base wasn't listening (0.00 / 0)

I voted for Tim Kaine when I lived in VA Beach during his run for Governor.  In fact, I saw Barack Obama stumping for Mr. Kaine at a rally in Norfolk. I don't know much about the VA estate tax issue (I moved back to NH 2 years ago), but he did often cite his Catholicism during his campaign.  A 'move to the right' on stem cells doesn't surprise me much.

This move the the right on some issues should not preclude him from the VP nomination. In fact, it may make him the prime candidate for VP.  If there is one voting block that is up for grabs in the election it is the Religious Right, who for 20+ years have been reliably voting for the GOP.  McCain lost the nomination in 2000 in part due to his dismissal of this group, and they are not particularly fond of his nomination this year.  Additionally, many in that community are not fiscal conservatives, but agree with many principals that our party espouses.  Yet they are driven to the GOP due to the social issues with which they so strongly disagree.  Putting someone like Tim Kaine on the ticket may encourage these voters to rethink their allegiance to the GOP, and begin to notice that it truly is us Democrats who have the biggest tent.  

"He who loves correction, loves knowledge.  He who hates reproof is stupid." - Proverbs 12:1

---

by: jdblanch @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 21:21:48 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

and if something should happen (4.00 / 1)

and he becomes president? Since when is a right wing stand on social issues welcome in our tent?

Anti-choice, anti-gay, anti-stem cell, anti-union - explain to me where the difference is between him and McSame?

---

by: susanthe @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 22:01:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

If you trust Obama, ...trust his pick (0.00 / 0)

Whomever that may be.

Let's not get cold feet.

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 22:06:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Wait a cotton pickin' second. . . . (0.00 / 0)

Kaine is definitely pro-choice, and, aside from his opposition to gay marriage, he's pretty solid on that issue, too.  And labor in Virginia appears to love the guy:

http://blog.aflcio.org/?tag=Ti...

Am still try to chase down his stem cell stand -- yes, that would disturb me -- but there are VERY clear differences between Kaine and McCain, Susan.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 22:16:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Now people (4.00 / 2)

At times like this, we have to unify and think of inspirational stories. Like those South Dakotans at the 2000 convention, cheering on Tom Daschle.

---

by: JimC @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 22:22:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

respectfully (4.00 / 1)

I disagree, Dartmouth Dem.

Stem cell
http://vabio.blogspot.com/2007...

Strongly supports right to work lawhttp://www.workinglife.org/blogs/view_post.php?content_id=5633

Kaine against marriage equality, against civil union, and supported the VA constitutional amendment against marriage equality:
http://sicsempertyrannis.blogs...

He is NOT pro-choice:

http://www.mydd.com/story/2008...

http://www.ontheissues.org/Gov...

http://www.medicalnewstoday.co...

---

by: susanthe @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 22:32:06 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Choice (4.00 / 1)

Tim Kaine holds a personal religious opposition to abortion, but has committed publicly to protecting a woman's right to choose.  He has kept that pledge in Virginia.  Big difference (and one that your links above do not take into account).

It is true that Kaine supported parental notification and the so-called "partial birth" bill.  I disagree with these positions, but affect only a miniscule number of abortions performed in this country, and they are identical to those of Joe Biden and many other Dems who have NOT been criticized on this site.

Here's what the bad guys say about him:

http://www.lifenews.com/nat408...

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 22:58:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Miniscule, yes (4.00 / 2)

But such bans represent the incremental strategy advocated by the likes of Samuel Alito; caving on them represents a capitulation.

---

by: JimC @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:11:09 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

C'mon (0.00 / 0)

Tim Kaine is not Alito, and you know it.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:30:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Didn't say that (0.00 / 0)

And you know it. :)

---

by: JimC @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 06:08:19 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

"Making the perfect the enemy of the good. . . . " (0.00 / 0)

. . . is a very reliable way to lose elections.  

Let's put this into perspective here:  Tim Kaine, with very minor restrictions affecting an extremely small number of women, publicly supports protecting a woman's right to choose during her entire term.

If he can enable Obama to carry Virginia and replace eight years of the Religious Right and their bullshit efforts to impose their faith on women's bodies, I'll take it.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:39:27 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

But (4.00 / 2)

Let's not make party loyalty the enemy of issue advocacy.

"Minor restrictions" and "public support" is a moderate Republican position.

Can I live with it? Sure, if I have to, but don't expect me to keep quiet about it.

---

by: JimC @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 06:12:31 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

except (0.00 / 0)

That Kaine belongs to "Democrats for Life."

This is their mission:  

* elect pro-life Democrats to office
       * support pro-life Democrats while in an elected position
       * promote a pro-life plank in the Democratic Party platform
       * achieve pro-life legislation with the help of national and state pro-life democrats
       * participate actively in Democratic party functions and offices

Sorry DD. This is inconsistent with choice. This is working against choice.

---

by: susanthe @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:11:54 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Except for the fact. . . . (0.00 / 0)

. . . that he made a commitment on choice when he ran for office and has subsequently kept that commitment.  And, as far as electing Democrats to office, let's remember that he was the first governor to endorse Obama, and is revered by Northern Virginia's most progressive office holders.  

As I have made clear, I'm a Schweitzer support.  And I do believe that Kaine has flaws, not least of which his lack of ability to solve Northern Virginia's transportation crisis.  But this guy is not the enemy.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:26:38 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Washington Post Article (0.00 / 0)

Let's get to know this guy before we run him off the side of the road.  Tim Kaine's progressivism has roots, as well as depth rare among political leaders.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/...

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:35:10 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I do agree with you. . . . (0.00 / 0)

. . . that his membership in this organization should be "clarified" (e.g., repudiated) upon his selection, especially since its mission doesn't reflect Kaine's practice.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:42:09 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The only position on choice (4.00 / 1)

that matters on a Presidential ticket is: who is the candidate likely to appoint to SCOTUS?

---

by: elwood @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 05:44:22 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Rights are rights (4.00 / 1)

How would you feel if your rights were in the miniscule category? When they tell a woman what she can do with her body they are telling you too...you have no constitutionally protected rights about your own body. This is a deal breaker.

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

---

by: JonnyBBad @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 06:13:10 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

John McCain (0.00 / 0)

Barack Obama is pro-choice in 100% of all cases.  Tim Kaine is pro-choice in ~95-98% of all cases.

John McCain is pro-choice in 0% of all cases.  Our priority should be keeping his ass out of the White House.  I don't think Tim Kaine is our best candidate (Go Schweitzer!), but this is most certainly NOT a deal breaker in my book.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 08:03:44 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Gay Rights (0.00 / 0)

True, Kaine opposes gay marriage, but so does BARACK OBAMA.  Let's keep our perspective here.

Furthermore, I have a hard time criticizing the convictions of the subject of this article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/...

And rest assured that campaigning for the rights of gay couples is considerably less popular in Virginia than it is in New Hampshire.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:02:09 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

that don't make it right (0.00 / 0)

Kaine also opposes civil union - and was in favor of the anti-gay marriage amendment in VA.

Perhaps instead of trying to make excuses for a guy who hasn't been chosen, we'd do well to put our energy into urging Obama to make a progressive choice, as opposed to a regressive choice.  

---

by: susanthe @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:07:13 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I disagree with that characterization (4.00 / 1)

The guy is the most progressive governor in the history of Virginia.  He is emphatically pro-education, pro-health care, and pro-environment.  Furthermore, this is a guy who -- through his missionary work and subsequent public service -- has shown his passion on issues of poverty and social justice.  To call him "regressive" is just plain wrong.

The article that I enclosed shows his commitment to protecting gay rights -- which, need I say again, is not a winning political issue in the South.

Our sole concern should be picking the candidate that can best enable Barack Obama to be our next President.  Whether that candidate agrees with us 95% of the time or 100% should not be a barrier.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:23:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thomas Jefferson was Governor of Virginia (4.00 / 3)

if we're seriously going for the most progressive.

---

by: Alex Gallichon @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:41:54 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Touche (0.00 / 0)

:)

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:42:54 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

okay (0.00 / 0)

VA progressives are no longer comfortable with Kaine. Read elwood's link.

If choosing Kaine alienates the base, how, exactly will that help Obama win?

The question we all must seriously ask ourselves is  "Would you be comfortable with Tim Kaine as President?"

---

by: susanthe @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:42:38 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Agree with your question, but. . . . (4.00 / 1)

I wouldn't say that "VA progressives are no longer comfortable with Kaine" at all.  Quite the contrary -- this recent poll shows him with a 68-23 approval rating among self-proclaimed liberals in Virginia, and a similar number among moderates.

http://www.surveyusa.com/clien...

I think that the key question is, "Can Tim Kaine deliver 5% more for Obama in Virginia?"  If so, then he has to merit serious consideration.  If not, then he's not worth it.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:47:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I already gave THE key question (0.00 / 0)

but riddle me this - if Kaine delivers in Virginia will it make up for what it may cost Obama elsewhere?  

---

by: susanthe @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:50:48 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

also (0.00 / 0)

liberal does not necessarily mean progressive.  

---

by: susanthe @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:52:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Stem Cell (0.00 / 0)

OK, you got me there.  This does bother me.  Am not sure it's a dealbreaker, but I'd feel a lot more comfortable with the pick if Kaine "clarified" his position on funding for embryonic stem cell research.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:05:14 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Being Catholic doesn't mean oppsing stem cell research (0.00 / 0)

And Obama has problems with his left. He's in no position to further court the right.

---

by: elwood @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 05:42:01 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Come again? (0.00 / 0)

The left has a problem with the left.

Liberal stereotypes wielded by the right are based on some truth. It kills me as the bourgeoisie have their principled hissy fits.

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 06:55:35 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Obama isn't "left" (4.00 / 1)

He has been careful throughout his campaign to not stake out strongly progressive positions. The National Journal arithmetic that says he has the most liberal voting record deserves some scrutiny - it must be some odd assortment of bills to peg him above Kennedy and Sanders, or Feingold for that matter.

Other than the war - which is not a matter of left/right ideology - he has run a centrist campaign.

I said after the NH primary that he consciously chose to not go after the progressives who ended up supporting Edwards. That tack has continued throughout the campaign.

The notion that - after a campaign that takes the left for granted and courts the center - he should now "balance" things by choosing a conservative just doesn't stand up to any scrutiny.

---

by: elwood @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 07:19:32 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Me Centrist, Ug. (0.00 / 0)

The fulcrum is amusing. Watching the "people of principle", right and left, hoist their mores up with the flag, on most days, is the best part of our American dynamic. We have a Constituion that sets the rules. It goes from there.

Except these days, I am bleeding from the neck! Winning just may help with that.

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 07:33:56 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm really not demanding tribute here (4.00 / 2)

If I were running his campaign, I would probably chart the same course.

But I AM going to call "Bogus!" when anybody suggests that Obama must reach out to the right because he already sits on the left.

He doesn't.

---

by: elwood @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 07:41:20 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

R U coming to the Bash? (4.00 / 2)

I'd like to buy you beer.

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 07:46:47 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Maybe (0.00 / 0)

I've got a wedding in Oklahoma that weekend - I haven't checked the dates / hours...

---

by: elwood @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 07:57:22 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

if it weren't for (4.00 / 1)

the people of principle you seem to have disdain for, women wouldn't be voting, nor would people of color. Kids would still work in factories, and there would be no safety protections for the employees or the environment - and so on.

How much principle are you willing to sacrifice to win? And if you sacrifice too much principle to win, can you really call it a victory?

---

by: susanthe @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 08:12:39 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I don't think Jack expressed his point clearly (0.00 / 0)

. . . or perhaps I'm just putting words into his mouth.  I'm no centrist, that's for damn sure.  But what I hope he was saying was this:

How much principle are you willing to sacrifice to win? And if you sacrifice too much principle to win, can you really call it a victory?

There's nothing wrong with strongly held progressive principles -- virtually every change that has mattered during the past century can be attributed to people who place passion ahead of politics.

But, if we allow our small differences to drown out our far larger agreement on the type of America we hope to build, if we constantly criticize those with whom we agree 95% percent of the time for their lack of perfection, then we lose.

There's a time and place for ideological purity.  A general election for the right to save our country ain't it.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 08:34:25 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

choice (4.00 / 2)

is not an issue of ideological purity. I've shown you evidence that Kaine is anti-choice. You tell me he favors choice, but have shown me no proof.

Would you be comfortable with Kaine as President? Would you trust President Kaine to nominate potential justices to the Supreme Court? And just for fun - if Roe v Wade should be overturned on the Democrats watch, how do you suppose that would affect the party?

Would Kaine bring enough to the table to make up for those who would be alienated by his choice as VP?

---

by: susanthe @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 08:49:31 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

You ARE a centrist (4.00 / 1)

So am I. So are Susan, Jack, and Elwood. We're all willing to work within the structure of the two parties to achieve our political goals.

Call me a left-leaning centrist if you want. Call me a liberal, I have no problem with that. Call me whatever. But every time we debate about where the center is, we narrow the spectrum. We should broaden the spectrum. And a broad spectrum has a wide center (OK, my metaphor may break down there a bit, but you get my point).

---

by: JimC @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 09:46:20 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Liberal Fallacy (0.00 / 0)

or is it Pharisee.

The eagle flies by the two wings flapping to keep it aloft. One wing isn't better then the other. The bird would fly in circles, if that wasn't the case.

That is my version of centrist. Can I go back to my Dunks now?

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 10:11:40 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Get me a cruller (4.00 / 1)

The eagle flies because there are many feathers in each wing, plus a head, eyes, beak, claws, etc.

Chocolate cruller, by the way.

---

by: JimC @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 10:35:31 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Holistic Governing (4.00 / 1)

and throw in some fractal policy for good measure.

Blog On!

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 10:40:29 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Point Duly Noted (4.00 / 3)

*[new] You ARE a centrist (4.00 / 1)
So am I. So are Susan, Jack, and Elwood. We're all willing to work within the structure of the two parties to achieve our political goals.
Call me a left-leaning centrist if you want. Call me a liberal, I have no problem with that. Call me whatever. But every time we debate about where the center is, we narrow the spectrum. We should broaden the spectrum. And a broad spectrum has a wide center (OK, my metaphor may break down there a bit, but you get my point).

Can't let the DLC folks steal our thunder. . . .

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 10:43:24 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Nice roundup (4.00 / 2)

I agree that change is paramount. That may rule out Richardson, Biden, even Dodd.

And one thing I never believe is the names batted about.

Instinctively, I mistrust the "governor" CW. I can't quite explain it, but it wouldn't shock me to see him go with a Bloomberg figure (though not Bloomberg himself).

---

by: JimC @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 21:50:25 PM CDT

Mayors (4.00 / 1)

I'm intrigued by the idea of a reforming big city mayor -- but not Bloomberg, as billionaire Jewish New Yorkers aren't exactly a "need" demographic.

Gov. Martin O'Malley is an interesting guy, a wildly successful Mayor of Baltimore and first-time Governor of Maryland.  But his first couple of years in Annapolis have been a bit bumpy.  He might have to wait four years to be considered.

The only other mayoral name that comes to mind is R.T. Rybak of Minneapolis -- the first big city mayor to endorse Obama, and from a swing state no less.  He's an attractive an innovative leader, but perhaps a bit too obscure.  

I also really like the Mayor of Providence (Cicilline), but am not sure that nominating a gay man with an African-American would be our best move this time around.  Hopefully, that won't be an obstacle in the future.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 22:39:32 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Kaine is a former mayor too (4.00 / 1)

Prior to his time as VA Governor and Lt. Governor, Kaine was Mayor of Richmond for 2 years (incidentally, according to Wiki, he was a city council-elected mayor and served on the Richmond City Council for 7 years).

Maybe another reason for Dartmouth Dem to climb aboard the Kaine bandwagon :)

Alderman-elect, City of Manchester (Ward Six)


President, NH Young Democrats

---

by: Garth Corriveau @ Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 22:53:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

C'mon, give me SOME credit (0.00 / 0)

I've been on the Kaine bandwagon for at least four weeks. :)

http://www.bluehampshire.com/s...

Good catch on his mayoral service.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 05:41:11 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

You all know my bias with respect to Richardson (4.00 / 1)

but I don't think the fact that he has more experience than anybody else precludes his being seen as an agent of change.  Keep in mind that he's been out of Washington as since the 2001 inauguration.

He's also the second most popular Democratic Governor, following Lynch.  Personally, I think the things holding him back are the fact that his mind and his mouth move at different speeds, leading to some gaffes, and that the Obama campaign will be hesitant to pick a non-white running mate (politically hesitant, I'm not accusing anybody of racism).

---

by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 00:05:51 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

That's Biden's problem, too (0.00 / 0)

Personally, I think the things holding him back are the fact that his mind and his mouth move at different speeds, leading to some gaffes

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 05:42:50 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I disagree (0.00 / 0)

Biden is very good in debates, while Richardson is best in conversation.

---

by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 10:09:45 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

But. . . (0.00 / 0)

Biden has said a lot of stupid shit over the years.  He's gaffe prone.

Personally, I love Biden, but feel (as with Dodd, Richardson, Nunn, etc.) that he's being considered to provide experiential "balance" to the ticket -- a strategy that is doomed to fail.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 10:56:14 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

VP as a crutch (4.00 / 1)

If Obama picks an insider, GOoPers paint him lacking and unsure.

If Obama picks a fresh "Change" face, GOoPers paint him arrogant, wanting the spotlight.

Which poison do you pick when, imo, the Prez race is ultimately picked from the top match up.

Change v. McSame!

I would say, pick an old dog that can be painted as "the godfather of change." (h/t to Neil Young) At least that name is known nationally. Voters need not mull over two newbies.

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 11:06:33 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Disagree (0.00 / 0)

The Repubs will try to paint Obama as inexperienced and "lacking" regardless of who he names as a VP.  Nominating an old DC soul like Biden or Dodd will only accentuate that weakness.

We must go with someone who accentuates Obama's strengths, just as Clinton did with Gore.  This person must be dynamic, populist (folksy would be nice), and able to communicate a message of change.

In my book, Schweitzer, Kaine, Edwards, and maybe Sibelius fit that bill.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 12:03:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

For mayors (4.00 / 1)

I like Rocky Anderson

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

---

by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 06:13:25 AM CDT

Would *love* a VP named Rocky (0.00 / 0)

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 07:22:49 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

If the Veep is Rocky (4.00 / 1)

and the other guy is taller, with protruding ears...

---

by: elwood @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 07:34:12 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Which GOoPer would get tagged as Natasha? n/t (4.00 / 1)

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 07:41:41 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

My fav Republican (0.00 / 0)

he leans Green
My mother met him on the Nation cruise to Alaska last summer.
He set up an anti-war protest when Bush came to Salt Lake City a few years ago...

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

---

by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 09:28:03 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Rocky's a Dem (0.00 / 0)

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 09:35:04 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

It's true; he endorsed Richardson in the primary (0.00 / 0)

---

by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 10:11:08 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank you (0.00 / 0)

I assumed given Utah's traditional Republican voting...

Anderson was first elected as mayor in 1999 and was reelected for a second four-year term in 2003. Although the office of mayor in Salt Lake City is nonpartisan, Anderson is a registered Democrat, and much of his platform is that of a liberal Democrat. While Utah generally votes Republican in statewide and national elections, Salt Lake City is primarily Democratic in party allegiance.[5]

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

---

by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 15:04:40 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

amen bro (0.00 / 0)

Rocky Anderson .....rocks!  

---

by: susanthe @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 12:31:26 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

All this mayor talk is interesting (0.00 / 0)

But, for the record, what I meant by "Bloomberg figure" is a person who is known outside politics. Somebody like Warren Buffett -- but not Warren Buffett.

---

by: JimC @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 08:29:15 AM CDT

Alec Baldwin? (0.00 / 0)

Just kidding. . . .  

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 09:36:04 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

A Damper on Kaine (4.00 / 2)

(H/T to Trapper John)

Similarly, I think he's unlikely to pick Tim Kaine, whose lieutenant governor is an arch-conservative Republican.  It's taken the Democratic party 40 years to get to the point where it's a majority party in Virginia -- I just can't see willingly handing over the governor's mansion to a Republican, even if it is for only one year.  And for what?  Kaine's not necessarily that helpful in Virginia, as Silver pointed out yesterday.  I mean, Tim Kaine's a great guy and everything, but does any marginal improvement that he adds to Obama's campaign offset the damage of coronating a Republican governor in Richmond?  I doubt it.

Bill Bolling is VA LtGov.

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 10:04:28 AM CDT

Who's your pick, Clark? (0.00 / 0)

---

by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 10:12:27 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

He is my personal fave, but (0.00 / 0)

I think Pelosi may be on to something with Chet Edwards. He does have impeccable vet cred and TX is a prize and a half.

He is also a small loss in terms of his seat being taken by a Republican.

Many have been pumping Daschle. Much of his former staff went with Obama and Daschle himself opened the NH primary campaign office in Manch. (That was my first visit, btw, in March of '07)

Obama will be giving the VP a wide authority, so it must be someone that he trusts in his bones and has the chops to be VPOTUS. That shortens the list considerably.

I wonder, if Obama will float cabinet names after the con. Maybe that is why Biden, et al. are getting vetted?

I was talking to a Clinton supporter, who now cooly supports Obama, that was looking for some inclusion of the "Clinton Brand" in Obama's picks. That was key to his....enthusiasm.

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 10:33:57 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Expanding on this.. (0.00 / 0)

I wonder, if Obama will float cabinet names after the con. Maybe that is why Biden, et al. are getting vetted?

Imagine if Daschle or another, but lets stick to Daschle because he will steer the Senate for Obama. imagine that has been the plan from Day 1.

Obama would have to make it look good, the whole Veepstakes BS, because he would look like a "decider" if he didn't. Follow?

He could be using this vetting period to clear the way for cabinet and "future picks." That would be pretty crafty in my book.

Who here doesn't think Obama is crafty?

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 10:51:24 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I like Daschle a lot, but. . . . (0.00 / 0)

. . . . he would be an awful candidate for the following reasons:

* His key asset -- his experience -- only serves to accentuate a negative contrast between Obama and McCain.  As noted previously, "balanced" tickets don't work.

* Daschle lost his Senate seat the last time he ran for public office.  That doesn't look good.

* He's as "inside Washington" as you get -- a decades-long legislative leader turned million-dollar-a-year "senior policy analyst" for a major DC law/lobbying firm.

* He's not exactly Mr. Charisma.

I would be willing to accept this if Daschle could deliver 5 points in Florida, Ohio, Michigan, or Virginia, but. . . don't think South Dakota will prove a key battleground this fall.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 11:02:29 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Daschle now works for a lobbying firm (4.00 / 2)

That seems like a no brainer disqualification.

---

by: elwood @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 11:01:09 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Another one bites the dust! n/t (0.00 / 0)

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 11:08:24 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Disagree (0.00 / 0)

Too broad a disqualification. Besides, it's one question on Meet the Press. Sweep it away and talk about McCain's lobbyist-drenched staff.

Daschle may have other liabilities, though. I like Jack's point above about the "godfather of change" notion.

---

by: JimC @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 11:26:25 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Obama has run against lobbyists (4.00 / 1)

He makes a point of not taking lobbyist money; he talks about the influence of lobbyists as a central part of what needs to change in DC.

Picking a lobbyist as running mate throws that out the window. Yes, he can say McCain is worse. But he is then different in degree, not in kind.

I can't see why he would cede that supposed moral high ground.

---

by: elwood @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 11:35:32 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

You are 100% right (0.00 / 0)

And yet, it might be too broad a disqualification. What if your spouse is a lobbyist? Etc.

---

by: JimC @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 11:47:10 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Drat! (0.00 / 0)

That rules out Holy Joe...

---

by: elwood @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 11:48:47 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Walks like a duck (4.00 / 2)

but is he a "registered Federal lobbyist?"

He is listed as a Senior Policy Advisor by Open Secrets. Daschle is listed under the section "revolving door." That is not a compliment, btw.

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 12:00:49 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

There may be a very real and important (4.00 / 6)

distinction in that. Lobbying firms might hire someone with a policy wonk background to help develop and refine their ideas - without any "influence peddling" involved.

But if I were Obama, I wouldn't sign up to spend time explaining that distinction.

---

by: elwood @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 12:04:58 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

That's a lobbyist, Jack (0.00 / 0)

Either way, Daschle whores out his legislative experience and knowledge to the highest corporate bidder.  That doesn't make him a bad guy, but it should remove him for consideration as Obama's running mate (along with the other factors noted above).

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 12:07:48 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

"Clinton Brand" (0.00 / 0)

That theory is why I think that Evan Bayh (who is a running buddy with John Edwards) might have a good chance.

---

by: gradysdad @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 12:48:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Listening to (0.00 / 0)

The Diane Rehm show this morning, the Veepstakes was the topic. There was someone who used to work for Edwards in '04 and I think she said Bayh would be a good choice for the "first, do no harm" rule of picking a VP.

he seems to be a likely candidate.

---

by: Jennifer Daler @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 15:51:21 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

"Do No Harm" (0.00 / 0)

By nominating someone who runs completely counter to Obama's strengths as a candidate (re: energy, change, communication, inspiration), you are doing harm to the strength of his brand.  

I would only consider Bayh if I could be convinced that he would deliver Ohio and/or Indiana.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 15:54:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Harm to Brand? (4.00 / 1)

I am not quite sure he runs "completely counter" to Obama's strenghs. He was a governor for 8 years and he has been a senator for ten years, yet he looks young enough not to make it obvious that he is more experienced than Obama. He, and his family name, has got to be some help for Obama in Indiana, a battleground state.

Bayh is not my choice for VP but he did pretty well advocating for Obama on a recent Sunday morning show I saw. I have noticed he has been very active on television lately.

Bayh also does very well in this video putting Lieberman in his place about Obama:

---

by: gradysdad @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 17:07:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

True (0.00 / 0)

Thanks for pointing that out -- hadn't seen the video.  Definitely helped my perception of Bayh's potential benefits.

Still, there are better choices.

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 18:19:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Another thought (0.00 / 0)

Maybe Hillary gives up a roll call vote at the Convention in return for Bayh as Vice President.

---

by: gradysdad @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 20:40:49 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Staring and waiting (0.00 / 0)

for the rim shot, 'cause surely you jest, Sir.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Still not funny.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Nope!

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 21:56:27 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Max ? (0.00 / 0)

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

---

by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 22:04:03 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

As usual it does not take much to get you guys going . . . (0.00 / 0)

Just us the word "Hillary" and you jump off the cliff.

---

by: gradysdad @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 06:50:44 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The Key Question re: Kaine (0.00 / 0)

Is the definition of "marginal improvement":  If polling shows that Kaine can add five points to Obama in Virginia, then it is damn near impossible for McCain to win.  

And victory in the presidential election is well worth a year with a lame-duck right-wing governor.  

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 12:06:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Dascle, K Street & FISA (0.00 / 0)

(emphasis mine)

2005 and beyond

Daschle has not made intentions clear as to whether or not he will run again for office; however, he has signed on as a Senior Policy Advisor with the K Street law firm Alston & Bird. Daschle was recruited by the former Republican Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole.
****
On February 13, 2006, Daschle became one of two Democrats (with Rep. Jane Harman of California) to endorse a warrantless domestic surveillance program conducted under the authority of President George W. Bush by the National Security Agency (NSA).

That K Street connection is under Bob Dole's umbrella. And Obama's "modified" FISA position would snug up to Daschle as a VP.

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 11:41:32 AM CDT

2000 Democratic Convention (4.00 / 1)

Whenever I see Dashle's name mentioned, I think of the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles. What a cold fish he was.

The New Hampshire Delegation was seated right in front of the podium in front of the South Dakota delegation.  The members of that delegation continually complained that we were standing too much and cheering too loud!

We were so good that we offered our cheering and sign waving services to other delegations. Whenever their Governor or Senator spoke we would stand with that particular delegation and hold signs for that state to make it look good for the home town cameras and reporters.

---

by: gradysdad @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 12:39:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

South Dakota! (4.00 / 5)

20 minutes before Daschle was scheduled to speak, Nick Baldick, who was our floor whip, told us the SD delegation was tied up in traffic, so NH went and pretended to be South Dakota.  There is a lot more to the story, but suffice it to say we were so good at pretending to be South Dakotans that Tom Brokaw turned to then DNC chair Joe Andrew in the NBC booth and said, "Those South Dakotans  really love Tom Dsachle."  My husband actually got a South Dakota for Gore sign that was on the floor of the South Dakota delegation area which is still hanging up in our barn.    

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

---

by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 13:17:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Awesome (0.00 / 0)

That story made my day.

---

by: JimC @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 13:26:07 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Brokaw's FROM South Dakota (4.00 / 2)

I wonder if you really fooled him...

---

by: elwood @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 13:40:02 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It just gets funnier! n/t (0.00 / 0)

---

by: JimC @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 14:23:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No surprise. (0.00 / 0)

At the Richardson delegate selection caucus, my main pitch to the attendees was that I promised to cheer louder than the Iowa delegation.  Needless to say, big victory.

---

by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 13:38:02 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

TV ads during the Olympics (0.00 / 0)

Watching Keith Olbermann on MSNBC stream. He commented that if Obama announces soon, they could have the ticket advertised during the Olympics. And that would give Obama an edge over McCain.

Though, lest we forget, Mitt Romney is very closely associated to the games.

Veepstakes. This is fun. Yippeeeeee!

www.KusterforCongress.com  

---

by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 14:00:39 PM CDT

Case for Schweitzer (0.00 / 0)

This sums it up better than I did in my earlier diary, although it doesn't fully address his excellent communications skills and folksy populism:

http://www.theleftanchor.com/2...

---

by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 18:23:41 PM CDT

Interesting Analysis on VP candidates (0.00 / 0)

This article I found rates the VP candidates by their "power numbers" which is a calculation of their state polling numbers factored against their party identification in their state.

Not surprisingly the candidates who are Democrats in Republican or red states fair the best with Sebelius, Bayh, and Schweitzer leading the pack with Kaine a little ways back.

Maybe Kaine is a smokesceen for a Sebelius pick. One of my classmates is the Lt. Gov of Kansas (a Republican turned Democrat) and he claims that Obama is conferring with Sebelius on a daily basis.

---

by: gradysdad @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 14:21:25 PM CDT