Why Is Nobody Mentioning Tom Harkin?

[On the Road]

He would seem to be an ideal VP candidate in many ways:

Well-known, well-liked populist who can attract the base without giving conservative voters the heebee-jeebies (like Ted Kennedy). Has Gephardt's midwestern regional appeal, but can excite crowds. May carry Iowa, like Vilsack. Stands for economic fairness to blue-collar and middle-income people. No one would feel alarmed about Harkin's assuming the presidency if Kerry dies.

His only negatives are that's he's another senator and that's he's not young. But that applies to some of the other VP candidates, too.

Just curious.

[NMDemDist2]

1. hmmmm good point, and why not Ed Rendell? he's another goodie

from the heartland

[Freddie Stubbs]

2. Rendell hasn't even finished the first half of his first term

His time will come, but it won't be this year.

[ecoalex]

3. Harkin and Dean

Harkin may have some post Dean blow back , he was in the background when Dean gave his much touted rebel ( yankee ) yell.

[returnable]

8. Exactly. And why would Kerry pick as his #2...

...someone who didn't even prefer him as #1?

[jbfam4]

4. I like Harkin, but...

Only those in the mid west and those who pay attention to politics really know him..not a household name.

Harkin and Wellstone would have made a great combination...

[emulatorloo]

5. Anywhere but DU, Harkin and Kerry are both considered Liberals

so ticket probably wouldn't meet "balance" criteria.

6. I agree 100%

Harkin would make an excellent choice, and it's odd that he hasn't been mentioned at all.

Harkin is a Navy Jet fighter vet, and American Legion member. He authored the 'Americans with Disabilities' act of 1990, and has impressive Health Care and Education credentials. Harkin also hails from Iowa, a solid midwest-agricultral state (Harkin is the ranking Dem on the Senate Agriculture Nutrition and Forestry Committee.)

Of all states, Iowa has the greatest % of over 85ers, and Harkin has built a reputation there as a defender of Medicare and Social Security.

Why ISN'T this man a serious contender?

[AngryAmish]

7. Why not Marion Barry?

[cosmokramer]

9. Because he endorsed Dean...

...much to his embarrassment, I think.

10. link?

about the embarrassment part..

hearsay hearsay
innuendo
wishful thinking

BWAHAHAHAHAHA

might as well have some fun.

[cosmokramer]

13. Huh?

[dsc]

16. honest debaters back up their assertions

are you an honest debater?

[TSIAS]

14. Dean has little to do with it

I don't think Kerry will pick someone who is seen as more liberal than himself.

Not that Harkin would be a bad choice. There's dozens of competent VP candidates, but eventually only one can be picked.

[cosmokramer]

15. I think it is highly unlikely...

...that Kerry would choose someone who endorsed another candidate in the primaries just a few days before the Iowa vote...it was just too rude for a home state senator to make an endorsement days before an election in his own state, and Kerry was none too happy about it.

18. But you know that Kerry was cruising for the same endorsement!

And we all expected Kerry to get it, from one Vietnam Vet to another. Is Kerry the kind to hold that grudge? That seems to shallow a diversion for someone like John Kerry.

[cosmokramer]

20. Kerry thought Harkin was going to endorse Gephardt.

[Debi]

11. Tiger Cages?

[FrenchieCat]

12. Cause....

Harkin looked really stupid standing behind Dean holding his jacket....each time the Scream was played. Looked like he was a bit too anxious that the one he endorsed wasn't quite cutting it. Remember, he endorsed Dean...and Dean still came in third in Harkin's state. Don't think Harkin is even a blip on the Veep radar.

19. Harkin didn't look stupid

He just looked stupid to you because you want someone else to be the VP pick. I think Harkin looked enthusiastic and excited, and I really don't care who the VP is.

If you want to have a discussion about Dean coming in 3rd in Iowa, let's start another thread, ok?

[Armstead]

17. Harkin would be great

The thought crossed my mind. But he isn't DLC enough for Kerry.

But IMO he'd be a great choice. Passionate but civil, and a midwest lunch-bucket liberal from an agricultural state.

[grasswire]

21. what about Menendez?

I think he's ideal. Outstanding, actually.