Obama's VP: Take this to the Bank:

[denem]

I have no idea who Obama will choose, but I am sure he will want to strengthen, not dilute the cornerstones of his campaign. Off the top of my head, that means:

1. Not a Washington insider: Obama's meassage: change Washington.

2. Did not support the Iraq War 2002 -2003: Obama: A War that should never have been authorized or waged.

3. Not a Rottweiler attack dog: : Obama - A campaign of hope, change, ending division towards what we can achieve together. (The Democrats already have great attack dog with more gravitas than any VP: Chairman Dr Howard Dean)

4. A straight shooter : Obama - Old politics means promising people what they want to hear to get elected. Obama: ith the challenges that confront us, at this moment in time, we need to tell the truth.

5. Not too close to Big Money or special interests: Obama - It's the people who own this campaign.

Beyond that, its political calculations:

A) Someone reasonably well known enough who can dampen the anxiety of a leap into the unknown, without obvious swiftboats.

C) Someone who is rock solid on LGBT / Pro Choice / Civil Liberties / Civil Rights. ( On a personal note, I have always seen LGBT rights as the canary on in the coal mine. Obama should leave behind the shadows of October)

B) Someone who can fill a hole in the resume : Administrative / Business / Military .

C) Someone who adds to Demographic appeal: Hispanics, 'working (hard working ) class', Women, Older Voters, Catholics, Jews.

D) Someone who can appeal to a state or a region: ( I discount this somewhat - its the 20+1 strategy, but you can hardly be ignore it)

E) Someone who can at least say nice things about Hillary Clinton with conviction.

I am not advocating anyone, but a set principles and policies and positions. Serious compromise would dilute and detract from a successful campaign, which above all, has championed a consistent message.

[DevonRex]

1. I keep thinking Richardson. I like him so much and he's a

westerner, a hispanic with an anglo name, and he's a governor, lots of experience...

Some folks think it would make the ticket too "brown" but I still like it.

[MonkeyFunk]

8. Richardson isn't rock solid on GLBT issues

he said he thought homosexuality was a choice, and referred to gays as "maricones" during an interview.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

11. Another reason I don't like Richardson.

[anonymous171]

13. His entire campaign can be described as a series of horrid gaffes

I like his record, but I'm not sure how he would handle the spotlight.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

59. Richardson had the backbone to support Obama when it really counted

I do know that.

[DevonRex]

19. That is so disappointing. Good grief. nt

[MonkeyFunk]

38. It is disappointing

I'd always liked him. Still do like him, but he's sort of gaffe-prone.

[JackORoses]

41. Bill Clinton passed DOMA yet you seem to adore him

[MonkeyFunk]

42. No, a republican congress passed it

he signed it. A veto would've been overridden, would've hurt dems in the election, and would've prompted an effort for a constitutional amendment.

It was Newt Gingrich's bill, not Clinton's.

[invictus]

49. Not only did Bill Clinton gleefully sign it, he said he agreed with every word of it. Hillary too.nt

[MonkeyFunk]

52. gleefully? Nah

It was a political ploy by Newt Gingrich to hurt Bill Clinton with Democrats. It's still working, I see. Newt thanks you.

[Eric Condon]

78. Well, he ran ads on Christian radio trumpeting how he signed it.

Maybe not gleeful, but he hardly lost sleep over it.

[JackORoses]

58. excuses,excuses

Once again, when a Clinton was faced with a big decision, they did the politically expedient thing.

[Creideiki]

62. Yeah, and on GLBT issues, Obama is a politician, too.

Illinois still has its DOMA, after all. Obama isn't giving any signals that he wouldn't have signed the federal DOMA.

On the other hand, when the new governor of New York said he was going to continue to push for gay marriage in the state of New York, Hillary was pretty obviously happy about it.

Obama's pretty awful on GLBT rights issues, overall. He needs someone that will at least shore up that support or the single most loyal Democratic voting block in the country will get splintered this time.

[MonkeyFunk]

69. Walk me through

how a veto would've been better.

Step by step.

[newmajority]

61. His actual record on LGBT isssues as governor is better than his verbal gaffes would suggest

I think his use of the word "choice" in the LOGO debate was more bad articulation than anything else. The episode on the Imus show is more troubling, at least from the account I've read. But he did personally apologize to the guy who was the recipient of the name calling.

Did Mike Easley apologize for calling Obama a "pansy"?

Here's some recent Richardson news.......

Equality Forum honors Richardson at annual gala
by Matthew E. Pilecki
EDGE Contributor
Wednesday May 7, 2008


Equality Forum honored New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson with its annual International Role Model Award at a gala at the National Constitution Center on Saturday, May 3.

With Equality Forum in full-swing across the city this past weekend, the Philadelphia-based organization honored New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson with its annual International Role Model Award at the National Constitution Center on Saturday, May 3. Equality Forum honored Richardson for expanding his state’s anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, providing health insurance for domestic partners and other pro-LGBT legislation.

"My counterparts, including some of my gay and lesbian counterparts, told me not to include transgender because the bill would go down," Richardson said as he reflected upon expanding New Mexico’s hate crimes laws and expanding the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act to include gender identity. "They said later is better, and I said, ’No. We’re going to do it because we’re going to be a model for this country.’ And you know what? We did it."

The former Democratic presidential candidate discussed his views on the election -- and the role LGBT issues will play this November -- in an interview with EDGE Philadelphia.

"I think for issues, such as LGBT issues, we need a president who can get things done and who can reach across party lines," he said. "I think Obama will work with Republicans and Democrats to pass legislation for equivalent domestic partnership laws and put an end to ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell."

Richardson endorsed Obama in March after he dropped out of the race following a disappointing fourth place finish in the New Hampshire primary. He said he believes it is essential to advance inclusive legislation when asked about the Human Rights Campaign’s decision to support a version of ENDA without gender identity and expression. Richardson also said he feels civil unions that extend the same rights as marriage, are the necessary next step.

http://www.edgephiladelphia.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=local&sc2=features&sc3=&id=74124

[jesus_of_suburbia]

10. Not gonna happen - it would be a big FU to Hillary supporters.

[PoliticalAmazon]

39. Why? Because Richardson endorsed Obama? ....

I think Hillary supporters are going to be disappointed if anyone but Hillary is named VP.

I don't think Obama's best interests, and the best interests of our country, is served by choosing a VP who was not an Obama endorser. Obama has a unique approach to politics, a unique strategy, and he needs someone who is going to be in sync with that 100%.

Richardson would be okay for me. He is uninspiring as a campaigner, but Obama has enough inspiration to make up for it, I think.

[MikeDJohn]

67. How about a woman? NOT Hillary

Oprah, or some career military woman,

Someone ? Someone?

The choice of VP for Obama is a major tactical issue, I agree.

[Skittles]

73. no way in hell that will happen

we have seen how they treat women - Obama would not risk it

[NewHampshireDem]

23. Sorry, but over at HillaryIs44, they'll be calling the ticket

Jesus and Judas, '08!

I guess that will be the ultimate UNITY ticket! ;)

In all seriousness, I do wonder if we are ready for a Black/Hispanic ticket. Obviously, some people are afraid of black men, but I think an entirely different group is afraid of 'Mexicans' (their term for any Hispanic/Latino) and for entirely different reasons. And Obama/Richardson ticket may be too much reality for some people.

Man, how sad is it that we have to strategize about this kind of crap? :sigh:

[merh]

25. Richardson for Secretary of State

the man has proven himself as a negotiator/diplomat.

[jefferson_dem]

2. Agreed. And here's who I recommend --

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Webb

[panAmerican]

12. That won't work. Jim Webb is on his 3rd marriage, his wife on her 2nd.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

16. do you really think that matters as much in 2008?

I'm really asking. I think it depends on how bitter the breakups were.

[Hutzpa]

70. Ofcourse it does matter,

because of who Obama says he is...3rd marriage does not display
good decision making.

[panAmerican]

82. People expect bitterness in a breakup, but 3 failed marriages!?!

It's too much of a character flaw.

Gov Sebelius has always been my preference for Obama's VP. If not her, then I hope Richardson. Clark doesn't really do it for me...What's his appeal other than military service?

[misanthrope]

34. McCain can't fling any dirt about marital problems...

...He has too much baggage himself.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

14. I like Webb or Clark

[Hutzpa]

71. Did you read the criteria

or you are just calling those two based on likability.

[knight_of_the_star]

76. Need him too much in the Senate

We want someone who isn't from DC for this one, we need every Congresscritter we can keep in there right now, ESPECIALLY in places like Virginia.

[killbotfactory]

3. All I hope for is that they are not DLC, and did not support this criminal war.

I don't think that's too much to ask for.

[Schema Thing]

4. Man, you just described Wes Clark

[denem]

15. No I did not advocate Clark!

Some compromise will be necessary. What I am saying is that too much compromise will damage the credibility of the Campaign, It does though, in my opinion, rule out Hillary.

[Schema Thing]

24. I said you described him. I'm doing the "advocating".

I don't think there is anyone out there who meets the criteria you set nearly as closely as Clark does. However, since interpretation of that criteria is subjective, I know supporters of others would argue otherwise.

[MindMatter]

51. I agree with the criteria and agree Clark meets all of the criteria well.

The timing is right for using Clark, and I mean "using" is a positive way.

When Clark ran in the last election, he was seen as too new to the Washington scene. Now he is a much more familiar figure, but not so familiar that he will drag down the tick as a tired old insider. He will still come across as a fresh player that challenges the status quo.

[SaveAmerica]

5. That leaves Ronald McDonald

[denem]

18. NO! - Some compromise will be necessary. TOO MUCH

compromise will damage the credibility of the campaign.

[ruggerson]

68. I think Ronald McDonald is fundamentalist LDS'er

or maybe that's that other clown family that keeps endlessly spilling out of the VW.

[DAGDA56]

6. I would also add that it NOT be a sitting Senator, unless he or she is from a state

with a Democratic gov.

[NewHampshireDem]

7. *cough* Clark *cough*

First of all, very thorough and well-thought criteria.

I'm not sure that I agree with #3 totally. I don't think he needs an attack dog, but someone with a little more bite might be useful to have on the ticket. But, yeah, they can't be a hothead (which puts Biden out, IMHO ... he's a loose cannon ... and makes Webb a bit more unlikely, too).

I think enough has been said about Clark as VP on the forum, so I won't belabor the point. I will add, however, that when I saw him in NH in 2004, he spoke very eloquently and personally about the move to don't-ask-don't-tell. IIRC, he tied it nicely to civil rights and the integration of the military--which others in the past said would never work--as well as making it an issue of personal decency--that is, doing the right thing for our 'sons and daughters'.

[NewHampshireDem]

30. Sorry ... I was not suggesting that you were being sneaky in your support of Clark

:hi:

On edit: I have no idea why I just replied to myself. :doh:

[george_maniakes]

9. Tim Kaine!

puts virginia and maybe missouri in play.

[Creideiki]

63. Sorry, no one from Virginia.

The gay flight from the state is becoming almost legendary due to the incredibly hostile anti-gay legislation there.

Unless, of course, you really want to let the gay community know that our support is neither required nor desired.

[george_maniakes]

72. whats tim kaine got to do with that? n/t

[Creideiki]

85. He's the governor of Virginia, right? That's what my google came up with.

Granted, Barack and anyone in Virginia's state government would be the HomophobesRUs ticket, but do you really want to send the 70% of the gay community that regularly votes democratic home for the GE?

[anonymous171]

17. He's going to need a well known moderate with lots of experience.

[Renew Deal]

20. Clark and Webb fit that perfectly

Clark might fit it better.

[scarletwoman]

21. I'd be delighted with Richardson as his VP, I really got to like him in the earlier campaign.

I honestly can't think of any other pol that wouldn't have a huge down side. Russ Feingold would be way cool, but I don't really want to pull TWO Dems out of the U.S. Senate.

There's just hardly any Dems that I can think of that I would actually trust. Walter Mondale comes to mind, but I know it would never happen -- nor should it, I might add.

sw

[Hope And Change]

22. Russ Feingold?

[gmudem]

26. Sounds a lot like Wes Clark.

I think that is the best choice Obama could make.

[denem]

27. I AM NOT ADVOCATING CLARK

or anyone else. For starters if Obama and Clark don't have any personal chemistry, it's game over. These are principles. SOME compromise WILL be necessary. TOO MUCH will damage and dilute the Change / New Politics cornerstone of a successful campaign.

[DarthDem]

35. We Get It

It's just that Clark really fits just about all of what you said very well. :)

[Clear Blue Sky]

28. We are in the midst of an unpopular war. I suspect he'll pick someone with military experience.

[TBF]

29. I like Kaine & Feingold - but I think he needs Clark

[nxylas]

37. Didn't he say he wouldn't, though?

I don't remember his exact words, but ISTR him saying something along the lines of "everyone says I need a military guy, but I don't think I do". I suspect he already has someone in mind, but I don't know who yet.

[Leopolds Ghost]

44. If he doesn't consider Clark a strong candidate, he is not thinking this through.

I am not impressed with the other candidates, for one, Clark is MORE LIBERAL than all these weak kneed Midwestern DLC types. Richardson -- a Hispanic business-friendly easygoing guy who supports NAFTA -- will not help Obama in his key area, the Midwest.

[Clear Blue Sky]

50. It's not absolutely necessary, but would be helpful.

McCain will certainly play up his military experience.

[tridim]

31. Al Gore fits.

[kenny blankenship]

40. He did his time in hell

doubt he wants more and I wouldn't ask it of him.

[TheDoorbellRang]

48. I wouldn't ask it of him, but if he volunteered I'd be on the bandwagon

in a NY minute.

[kenny blankenship]

55. You don't want to know what I'd be willing to do to make Al Gore President

I'd be on the bandwagon for his VPship but it would have to be all his idea.

[TheDoorbellRang]

47. Amen to that! Al Gore would be perfect

He's said "no" to a cabinet position, but I can still hope he'd do veep. I can't help hoping, after reading his book TAOR, that he loves his country enough to do it. It would almost guarantee a Dem win in the fall, and Obama could offer him as much authority as he wanted in the VP slot. We know he loves public service but hates the campaigning part -- Obama can carry the weight of the campaigning part and bounce the poison away from them both.

Sigh...

[TBF]

60. Isn't Gore just interested in the top job? I love Gore - he is always my first choice for any dem

spot. But would he even consider VP?

[TheDoorbellRang]

66. Probably not. But still, think what they could accomplish together

Talk about the dynamic duo.

[DarthDem]

32. Clark or Webb?

Good post. In thinking about possible living humans who match it (kidding - - it's a really good list of criteria and very well thought-out), I keep coming up with Clark and Webb. I think they match all of the charcateristics you listed except perhaps the demographic appeal (I forgot or never knew whether either one is Catholic - - not sure if they appeal to older voters, but I suppose they probably well might). I will say, with regard to Webb, that I would want to check his social/civil rights credentials. He's a gun advocate, which doesn't really bother me for a VP candidate, but there aren't any anti-choice skeletons in his closet from his time as a Gooper, are there?

Webb places Virginia in play and Clark places Arkansas in play - - and each of them might help in other states like Colorado, which seems to be impressed by people with gravitas.

Most importantly, I think either former military man gives Obama the foreign policy and defense cred that he needs to combat the forthcoming MSM mantra that McCain is a strong leader on those issues, blah blah, even though he really isn't.

[Leopolds Ghost]

45. The neo-liberal vultures hovering around Obamas campaign will tell him Clark doesn't put Ark in play

And that's all that matters. Which is of course BS, since none of these candidates except possibly Kaine, Strickland or Rendell put a purple state in play AT ALL. And Kaine, Strickland, and Rendell are awkward fits for other reasons.

[Creideiki]

64. Colorado will be in play

Just because of the Senate race. Udall vs. Schaffer.

[nomorewhopper]

33. richardson

or maybe biden

or somebody like retired general newbold

[grantcart]

36. Too bad Wes Clark doesn't have better ties to the Clinton campaign

otherwise your criteria would have fit him to a tee.



Another factor is putting the McCain candidacy in a bind.


For example Sebilius would bring in the midwest and of course help on the woman's demogaphic. What would McCain do to respond - get somebody from the Mid West? A woman? He would have to atleast try to counter one of these two demographics.

Oh and I am not advocating Sebilius! lol.

[Blondbostonian]

43. I think there's one no brainer candidate for VP

I know he's a hillary surrogate at the moment.

Governor Rendell of PA. He helps to lock up PA and would have some influence in Ohio too. It also helps to deal with the divisions between the Clinton and Obama supporters by having a VP who was supporting her.

[graycem]

46. Ew no he doesn't

plus he praised Louis Farrakhan (there's video). How would Obama repudiate his VP? It's going to be Obama/Clark :)

[grantcart]

53. I have to disagree Rendell is THE no brainer candidate for VP

Not one brain in that fat fucking head of his.

[graycem]

56. hahaha!

for a second there, I thought you'd lost your bearings! :P

[kenny blankenship]

54. Wow, no love for Edwards here. I'm surprised.

Not advocating for him, just surprised other people aren't already hoping he'll bring populist cred to Obama's run and help him in those "border" states-states that were on the border of the Confederate secession which are frequently called battleground states in Presidential elections.

[WA98296]

74. I LOVE Edwards, I think he's be great!

[boppers]

75. We're gonna need an attorney general.

;)

I think Edwards would have more power, and a better-suited position to maximize his talents, in that role.

[Cha]

57. You just described the anti-

hilary and I LIKE IT!

The nice thing about hilary is she hired mark penn which in itself reveals her inner being and then that whole inner being of hilary's just got blasted open.

[Tippy]

65. I believe Phil Bredesen

Might be someone we should be taking a look at...We would probably carry TN with Phil on the ticket...Using your criteria he is a perfect candidate for VP.....

[DesEtoiles]

77. Webb

[Stinky The Clown]

79. You just described Wesley Clark

You may not like that .... but you did.

[denem]

80. OK - To Play devils Advocate - How does Clark

Broaden the appeal to any demographic group?
Bring in votes in a particular region or state?
(Don't tell me AK is Blue - able)

[Stinky The Clown]

83. Arkansas *is* bluable, I think, but no matter .......

I don't think a Clark VP slot would be for the notion of bringing this or that state. He may be from Arkansas and in fact still lives there, but I don't see him as much of a 'favorite son.

What Clark brings is what he brings everywhere ........

An indefatigable campaigner. The Energizer Bunny of the stump. He was a better Kerry surrogate than was Edwards (in my view ... and not to diss Edwards).

He brings in (some of the) the military wannabe/tough 'Ahmurika" types.

He is not afraid of guns (I have **no idea** where Obama stands on this, but I **bet** most people think he's against them).

He's unequivocally GLBT-friendly.

He's a Southerner.

Foreign policy creds out the wazoo.

Military creds (obviously)

He really is from 'regular guy' stock and still pretty much is.

His wife is a lovely woman who is smart and tough and disciplined and yet comes off as your grandmother .... or your den mother.

Downside ...... his son (who I really like) is something of a loose cannon and can be relied upon for quotes that most people would rather had never been said.

Anyway ...... that's off the top of my head.

Apart from brining in a specific state, he meets every one of your criteria, maybe better than anyone I can think of.

Oh .... and as he (stupidly, in my view) endorsed Clinton early on, he fits the bill as an 'olive branch' candidate.

[sfam]

81. So Hillary Clinton is the choice?

Just kidding!!! sorry, couldn't resist. :)

[Celeborn Skywalker]

84. Clark, Clinton, or Richardson is my guess.

I would be perfectly fine with Hillary as the VP. It may be the only way to unite the party.

[denem]

86. Nunn :Old politics and DADT at its best; Zinni - unknown;

Betrayus? - Up to his neck in Iraq; Hagel - Toxic.

Obama should be looking for someone who advances his message without too many compromise.