Reply #9: I don't have a real strong opinion about Mr. Gephardt, but I do see how he could be considered [View All]

[Douglas Carpenter]

1. Having served in the U.S. Congress between 1977 and 2003 and the leader of the Democratic Party in the House from 1989 to 2003 certainly brings experience, gravitas and political skills to the ticket.

2. He has favorable geography. Missouri is a swing state. He could conceivably help swing Missouri and other border and midwestern swing states and be reasonably appealing in small town, rural areas and mid size cities.

3. He is truly beloved by labor

4. His record in support of domestic social programs would make him almost a genuine old school New Dealer. Yet, his personal manner makes him approachable to a lot of socially conservative people.

5. In that he is retired from elected office, there will be no problem with any possible forfeiture of any seat or Governor's mansion.

The one glaring negative is that he did back Bush on the Iraq War. However, that would be a problem for most of the other candidates under serious consideration.