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Bayh Makes Move Towards Presidential Run
Sen. Evan Bayh is set to be the next Dem to make a move towards a Presidential run, filing papers to set up an exploratory committee early next week, the Associated Press is reporting. Bayh has a history of electoral success in Indiana, a Republican-leaning state, where he's served as Governor and Senator. The AP also notes a history of careful centrism:
As a member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services committees, Bayh was one of the first Democrats to support military action in Iraq. But in December 2005, he changed his position, saying he would not have supported legislation authorizing the invasion if the facts the Bush administration used to support the move had been presented to him accurately.Bayh, 50, has charted a centrist’s course throughout his political career, including two terms as governor and eight years in the Senate. He also has served as chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council, which is a prominent voice for moderation within the party, and has helped establish the centrist New Democrat Coalition.
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Watching him on things like C-Span's "Road to the White House", my feeling is Bayh has the ability to connect with voters and should be considered a serious candidate. If he has staying power in the early primaries he may be the type of safe choice that Dems often gravitate toward. Like Obama, his youthful appearance may work against him. Unlike Barack, however, he has loads of experience. A moderate Dem from a Purple state makes sense. He's also a safe bet to be on the V.P. short list.
December 1, 2006 8:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
I find it hard to see him attracting the finances and putting together the infrastructure for a serious run. I think he's in the race for a shot at V.P.
December 1, 2006 10:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bayh would be wasted as a veep nominee -- I don't think he could win Indiana as #2. His ability to attract the money will all depend on perception -- from what we saw with Dean, we all know the dynamics can change very quickly. If John is correct that Bayh can really connect I think he would be a perfect candidate, as he's a centrist, a former governor AND senator, from the heartland, youthful... If he could swing Indiana and nail down next-door Ohio then he would be in an extremely strong position to beet McCain. I think there will be a growing sense soon that it's going to be either Hilary, Edwards, or Bayh. Then one of Bayh's hacks just needs to publicize on YouTube that feed of Edwards preening himself for minutes on end and it will be down to two!
A Bayh/Obama ticket would be great -- an Indiana/Illinois analogue to Clinton/Gore '92. In any case, I think that we could shorten the Dem convention by a day by nominating Obama for Veep by acclimation right now.
December 2, 2006 2:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Evan Bayh in not my cup of tea but he'll be a formidable candidate. As for his prospects, Bayh's fishing from the same pond as Vilsack in terms of early support - I wonder who gets elbowed out?
December 2, 2006 4:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Gotta dig out those "I'm a Bayh Partisan" bumper stickers from 1976..... NOT!
December 2, 2006 9:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
I've gone back and forth on Obama being on the ticket. He doesn't have much experience. With a lot of credible candidates with more experience, I cannot put Obama on the top. As for VP, would he really be better than, say, Richardson?
I'm a littled ticked at Edwards for doing such a poor job as VP candidate last time--hell, Wesley Clark wasn't on the ticket and probably raised more money and attended more events for Kerry-Edwards than Edwards. Edwards was supposed to be the young, energetic running mate that would help Kerry. He didn't. Would Obama as VP do better than Edwards? No offense to Edwards, but he had only four years of public service (his last two in the Senate were spent campaigning, not legislating).
If there weren't so many credible candidates with more experience, I'd be more inclined to Edwards or Obama. But there is a pretty deep pool on the Dems side, IMO. I prefer to go with someone with a good record than good looks and good rhetoric.
December 2, 2006 1:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
I need some ejumication on Indiana politics. What is the old man's legacy? If its a good one, when coupled with junior's own reputation it would seem to answer the money/Vilsack questions.
December 2, 2006 8:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just what we need! Another DLC triangulator who's supposed to do well in the red states because he's a "moderate"!
Didn't anybody learn ANYTHING from the last two election disasters? McCain will roll any of the current crop of DC losers like Bayh and Hillary like an Indiana tourist in a 3-card monte game!
We need someone who will stand up and make a strong case for change. Because otherwise there's really no reason to vote for a Democrat. If they're going to be Republican lite, why not vote for the real thing?
McCain is going to be a formidable candidate. Only a real populist campaign can beat him, because it's necessary to make a real contrast. Somone has to stand up and start talking about getting back what America has lost, decent job security for the middle class, affordable health care and education.
It has to be harsh and in your face, because the Republicans sure won't be tossing soft-balls and they need to get smashed right back.
Someone like Edwards, but he sounds like such a wimp. If Jim Webb at least 1 term had more experience he'd be the perfect type, because his theme of social justice is exactly the stuff.
The media would absolutely hate it, but voters would love it. If we're all alone like the Marlboro Man and government can't do anything to help anyone, then we might as well give in and elect one Republican after another.
Because that entire theme makes it totally impossible for a Democrat to win. We have to completely change the dialog and that can't be done by "moderation". It has to be an in-your-face out-front change that is not at all shy and willing to escalate every vicious attack and smash the Republicans back in the mouth for every dirty trick they try.
We saw a BUNCH of red-state Democrats win doing just that! From Webb to Tester and a bunch of house candidates. You need a real fighting candidate to pull that off. I don't see one in the current crop of Democrats.
December 4, 2006 12:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Saw Bayh on "This Week..." yesterday. Certainly not a firecracker, is he?
Milquetoast is definitely not in the playbook for victory in 08. I really don't see this guy doing well responding to the impending Swift Boat Machine.
Dissent Protects Democracy.
December 4, 2006 12:35 PM | Reply | Permalink