Obama VP prospect Tim Kaine isn't the most exciting choice, but he's passionate about public service

[bigtree]

I like the way his public efforts mirror Barack Obama's in his Harvard law experience and in the way he sought to apply his degree to affect change and secure rights for individuals in his community.

Before he ran for city council in 1994 and for Mayor of Ruchmond in 1998, Kaine took a year away from his Harvard studies to work as a missionary in Honduras. In 1980 Kaine taught carpentry and welding in El Progresso, Honduras, receiving his law degree two years later.

In 1980, Kaine began to practice law. (from the Richmond Times: http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-07-30-0147.html)

"His workload would include serving as court-appointed counsel in two death-row cases; a bias case filed by a black couple blocked from buying a house in Emporia after white neighbors complained; and representing Housing Opportunities Made Equal, an advocacy group, in a lawsuit against Nationwide Insurance Co. alleging discrimination against black homeowners . . . He was a liberal-minded civil-rights lawyer who represented death-row inmates and victims of housing discrimination."


I just saw Tim Kaine on Charlie Rose. He was direct and enthusiastic about our Democratic agenda and about his support for Barack Obama's, as well. He has a natural speaking style and relates the needs and concerns of his constituency in an even, understandable manner. It may be because I've lived near the D.C./Va. metro area most of my life that Tim Kaine is so easy to identify with, but I think that may be a quality that would translate to the public at large, if he's chosen to run with Sen. Obama. Just my two pennies . . .

[FSogol]

1. He's a good choice. He was one of the first elected official to support Obama's

campaign. His selection will upset the far-far left, but if they look at him and his record honestly, they will see he's a good choice.

[TwilightGardener]

2. He's not the worst pick, but no one sees a gap in Obama's public-service experience.

I think there's not enough experience, both career-wise and national-spotlight-wise, and there's too much overlap with Obama on areas of expertise.

[bigtree]

3. It'll be a chore to satisfy that 'experience' expectation

. . . and still manage to have a ticket which represents "change."

[question everything]

4. With the White House proposing to define pills as abortion

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3417385

we cannot afford to have too many elected officials who "personally are against abortion."

Kerry was, Obama is getting there, Casey and now Kaine?

This sends a message that abortion rights are not that important any more to the Democratic party, as long as we can win seats.

You start with using the offensive and incorrect term for late term abortion (I will not repeat it here) and you end up with banning pills and IUDs.

[onenote]

5. well that disqualifies a whole lot of folks

because I can point you to lots of examples of Democrats (incuding Hillary and Kerry) using that offensive and incorrect term for late term abortion.

[FreeState]

6. He is among one of the worst possible choices IMO

He is against Marriage Equality and Civil Unions - these are basic core values of the Democratic party - he is a no starter for me and many other GLBT voters.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

7. How about a liberal for VP. Instead of the usual DLC milquetoast?

We have a moderate candidate for president. He could, at least, name a liberal as a sop to the left.

[bigtree]

8. I don't see any evidence at all that a "liberal" ticket would succeed

I'm not convinced that a liberal VP choice would enhance Obama's chances for success in the general election, even though I would agree with the sentiment.

[Bozita]

9. Kaine was on the Charlie Rose show last night.

I don't know if transcripts or video are available.

[bigtree]

10. here's the tape

http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2008/07/30/1/a-conversation-with-governor-tim-kaine