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Obama Campaigning With Potential VPs Today In Virginia
With the general election campaign now officially in full swing, Barack Obama is heading today to Virginia, a red state that has been trending Democratic in recent years -- and he's campaigning with two people who might just be on the VP short list.
Obama will be appearing with Congressman Rick Boucher, former Governor and current Senate candidate Mark Warner, plus Governor Tim Kaine and Senator Jim Webb. Both Kaine and Webb's names have been mentioned in press coverage as possible running mates.
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Webb for VP! I hope webb gives an awesome speech endorsing obama today. Of course that's why they are all together. Go Webb.
June 5, 2008 8:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Like you, I really like Webb but he's not a very good campaigner and he will not be easy for HRC's "you-go-girl" coalition vote to fall in love with. He is a very effective Senator who might serve the country best in that position...even though I agree that he'd be a fantastic VP.
June 5, 2008 9:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
I have a great deal of respect for Webb. But on women's issues, his history is not pretty and could drive many women voters away. I will vote for Obama no matter what, but I think Webb does a great job as a Virginia Senator (and hopefully, Mark Warner will make it 2 Dems) and would like to see him stay in that position. I really don't trust him completely on the women's issues I care about.
Similarly -- read some about Richardson -- his history with women is a little too similar to Bill Clinton for my comfort. I would say -- stay away from either of them for VP. There are lots of good people out there, men and women, who could do the job beautifully and not drive people away.
June 5, 2008 4:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Webb is a Trojan Horse. He supports telecom immunity. He should be dumped in 2012.
June 5, 2008 10:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
O hell, now the Veep game starts.
I don't care as long as it isn't a Clinton, a Bush or any other name I've seen in our government in the last 6 administrations.
Give us someone good and someone new - ish, please. The same old are the ones who got us here - let's see sumpin - throw it up if you're banging for freedom.
June 5, 2008 9:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
Webb isn't something new. He's something Republican, and he supports spying on Americans FOR NO FUCKING REASON.
June 5, 2008 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm putting my money on Mark Warner. If they can find someone decent to pick up his Senate race, it's got to be Mark Warner.
June 5, 2008 9:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
No national security cred. That's obama's weakness and mcbush's strength. Obama needs a kick-a** national security cred guy to go after mcbush's alleged strength and prop up obama's alleged weakness. That leaves, Webb. Go Webb!
June 5, 2008 9:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
You are buying the GOP talking point. I think Sen Obama has proven and will continue to prove that he can hold his own in the national security debate. He should not coose a running mate that re-enforces the opositions arguments about his perceived weaknesses.
June 5, 2008 9:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, I'm not buying the point its a fact. Of course obama can hold his own in the debate, but he needs an experienced hand to back him up. National Security is mcbush's only alleged strength, obama needs to go at it.
June 5, 2008 9:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
He will go at it and he will win on this issue regardless of who he picks as VP.
June 5, 2008 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
If you are talking about governing, then there will be a lot of people in the Administration other than the VP to advise Obama; but if you are talking about campaigning then I don't think Obama will play into the concept by picking a "military man" VP.
I think doing so would highlight a perceived weakness of Obama's so I don't think he'll pick Webb in the end. Just a note, I'm a Virginian and huge supporter of Webb, Kaine, & Warner so this isn't anything at all against the strengths of Webb.
June 5, 2008 9:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
Webb is basically a Republican though. We don't necessarily need someone to "balance" out Obama, because that would be admitting that Obama is weak on national security and needs to be babysat, which he doesn't. The point is CHANGE, not hedging our bets with adding the traditional crap to the ticket. I'd much rather have someone with a lot of DIPLOMATIC experience on the ticket, someone who can ADD to his message of change, not detract from it. I think that person is Bill Richardson, who has a ton of foreign policy experience. They don't need someone who has been in the military on the ticket, that is what positions like Secretary of Defense are for, and I think Wes Clark would be good for that.
Anyway, I just think Webb would be a bad choice, and we definitely can't risk that Senate seat.
June 5, 2008 9:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
Even if it's not webb, we need a national security guy. Go after your opponents strength. Mcbush needs an economy guy, like a governor and obama needs a national security guy/military guy. It would be foolish to ignore the national security issue and obama sure isn't a fool. I will bet anybody a lunch that obama picks a national security guy for vp.
June 5, 2008 9:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Webb is one of the most liberal public figures in the nation on economic and criminal justice issues. Where do people get the idea that he is conservative?
June 5, 2008 9:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you.
June 5, 2008 9:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
Could be the fact he used to be a Republican. He isn't conservative, but he is fairly moderate. What bothers me most is his pro-military attitude, and the fact that is still blames the Democratic Party and liberals for "losing" the Vietnam war. Vietnam was a bigger disaster and more immoral than even the Iraq war, and yet he blames liberals for not not supporting it, and that just bothers me.
That aside, there are still many reasons not to pick him as VP, #1 of which is the fact that his personality is not suited for being a VP. #2 would probably be the fact that we NEED to keep his Senate seat and having him leave it would be a huge mistake. I'd much rather have him than Hillary, but I think we could do a lot better. I think it would look like we are trying to out-Republican McCain at his own game by giving Obama a military toughman babysitter on the ticket, it would make him look weak, like he isn't good enough on his own.
We need a VP who will reinforce Obama's message, not play into the GOP's national security game. Obama is kicking McCain's ass on foreign policy as it is, he doesn't need Webb to do that.
June 5, 2008 10:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
He is nolt moderate in any meaningfull sense of the word. He is a liberal as the come on economic and criminal justice issues. He is a realist on foreign policy who understands the limits of military intervention in solving problems. He is conservative on some social issues that the conservatives are losing on through cohort replacement and he cannot change that.
June 5, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Agreed. Didn't any of you see Webb's response to Bush's state of the union address? It was devoted almost entirely to the growing economic disparity in this country.
But I agree with others when I think that, in a way, Webb is "too good" to be a VP. He should stay in the senate. His fight on the GI bill goes a long way to undoing this whole "anti-military democrat" meme.
June 5, 2008 3:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
I like heim where he is at as well. He could be a force in the senate for decades. he has the right temprament for it. A liberal loose cannon like him can be really effective. He could be the next Ted Kenedy but with military cred.
June 5, 2008 4:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
He was a Republican until shortly before he ran for Senate (switched in 2006)! Don't get me wrong I voted for him here in Virginia and I'll do it again but a liberal he is not.
June 5, 2008 10:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
Bullshit on the National Security credential crap. We've had National Security credentialed people for the last 8 years and we don't know shit. How about someone with National Diplomacy credentials. You want to be safe, then talk with friend and foe alike. It is time to stop acting like the world is an elementary school playground and we are the big bully. Let's start acting like reasoned adults.
June 5, 2008 10:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Me, too! I'm all in for Warner. Hope we get some good video from this.
June 5, 2008 9:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Not Clinton for VP!
June 5, 2008 9:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
Here's to that!
June 5, 2008 9:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
You think you think on your own but you don't. Isn't interesting how the Republicans define who is good and who is not, and the lap-dog Democrats like yourself accept the frame. Bill Clinton was the Democrats' best President since Kennedy, and America hates him with a passion, while Reagan was the second worst President since Kennedy and America loves him with equal passion.
Why is that? Why don't you learn to THINK FOR YOURSELF!
June 5, 2008 10:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well, that was rude. Three words of agreement and you accuse the poster of being a brainwashed tool of the GOP? That is not how to persuade.
I have been a freethinker my whole life and I strongly believe that Hillary should not be Obama's VP, not based on talking points, but by my own logic. I think a good VP pick is one that compliments the nominee while being comfortable in that person's shadow. Hillary (and by extension Bill) can do neither.
Now then, you might disagree with me, but please provide a GOP source that offers this argument before accusing me of thoughtlessly parroting them.
June 5, 2008 11:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
Although I grew up on the Tennessee side of town, he is in my hometown of Bristol, VA/TN, today. Rich Boucher, congressman of VA's 9th district was an early Obama endorser, so this may be some payback. Getting the other VA politicians to go there is somewhat of an anomoly, too.
This is also in the middle of Appalachia and Bristol's media market covers NE TN, SW VA, and parts of NC, WV, and even KY. Kind of Hillbilly Central.
I had heard he was going to other towns in SW Virginia which is coal country, but now I'm reading he will be in Northern VA tonight. Oh well, at least Bristol got it's 15 minute on the political front.
He should make a trip to Bristol Motor Speedway. That place can hold about 180K and it would be interesting to see if the NASCAR crowd would show up to see Obama.
June 5, 2008 9:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
He shouldn't just go there for a rally. He should also show up for a race, and take the small amount of time to actually understand the sport a little. I am no NASCAR fan, but I know people who are and I guarantee you a gesture like that would go a long way with them. Contrary to popular belief, they are not all brain-damaged idiots, and many seriously question the direction of this country under Bush. What could keep many from supporting Obama is a lack of knowledge about him, allowing them to fall into the "other" category, where Republicans are trying to place him. I think he is skilled enough to speak these people's language without coming off as a huge fraud or phony.
June 5, 2008 9:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, if he wants to sway the "white working class" voters, the NASCAR circuit is where they ALL congregate every Sunday, either in person, or via TV.
It still seems strange to see Brad Daugherty in a NASCAR booth, but he is doing pretty well there, so another tall, skinny Black guy won't seem so out of place.
He can't repeat his Bowling debacle though, so Brad needs to coach him on how to include at least three sponsor names in every sentence.
Obama/Sprint/Coca-Cola/Valvoline '08
June 5, 2008 10:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
I hate this particular question because we end up saying the same shit over and over and the same names and the same arguments.
But I'll say this for the 8000th time - Two senators on one ticket is a big damn mistake.
June 5, 2008 9:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
The individual character and qualifications of the candidate are much more important than what job they currently hold.
June 5, 2008 9:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
You know it's kind of funny, but I think conventional wisdom is out the window in this election to some extent. Historically, the problem with senators was the flip flopping all over the place in the senate if they had a long senate career. Neither webb nor obama have a long time in the senate, so they don't have that baggage. They can campaign as outside the beltway reformers. Also, both seats will be filled with dem replacements so we wouldn't lose the seats. Obama needs someone with national security cred.
Obama/Webb 08
June 5, 2008 9:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
I like Webb for sure. But not for his national security cred (though it is not a negative in my mind). I like him for his radicaly liberal economic and criminal justice stands on the issues. He is the most liberal choice Obama could make and that is a plus.
June 5, 2008 9:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree that we don't need two senators, and besides, we NEED most of our senators where they are, and we definitely cannot move one who is a competitive seat like Webb. It disqualifies him (and so does a lot of other stuff)
So that's reason #784 why I think Richardson would be a good pick, we don't really lose anything by moving him, and we gain a whole hell of a lot.
June 5, 2008 9:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Add my 2 cents for Richardson. He strengthens Colorado and brings New Mexico and Nevada.
June 5, 2008 10:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
[W]e end up saying the same shit over and over and the same names and the same arguments.
You said it. Remember: Sen. Obama is smarter than we are, and will make the wisest choice.
So saying, however, I just love the idea of Gov. Janet Napolitano as V.P. She's not the "best" choice electorally (cannot guarantee home state in the General (AZ. will probably go to McCain), has no foreign policy cred, relatively young, single, etc.) but . . . she's just awesome. Really.
And if there's one thing I've learned from this primary season, it's that going with the most awesome candidate can pay off in the end.
June 5, 2008 9:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
O yeah it is.
And that's my message to the deadenders - you can either get on board with the single most exciting election season for the Democrats I've ever been involved in or wander around the whole time outside, whining and complaining.
I would not want to miss this one myself. So come on and let's kick some fascist ass together. If you can't get there - then ok, it's your funeral.
June 5, 2008 9:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
Right on. I'm really not too concerned with the so-called "deadenders" . . . most will come around by November. The hardcore Clinton supporters (e.g., Riverdaughter, et. al.) are a negligible (yet visible) minority and should simply be ignored.
BTW, a quibble: Giuliani is a fascist. McCain is merely a garden-variety authoritarian. He will not even be able to make the trains run on time.
June 5, 2008 9:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
These Republicans are all fascists.
It's the American Fascist Party and the reason you are wrong here is maybe cause you don't really know what fascism is - no offense. It is characterized by the government and business coming together to run a government and McCain is head over heels in that up to his eyebrows and beyond.
McCain and the entire rest of the Republican party with a very small handful of exceptions, are Fascists.
June 5, 2008 9:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
I can certainly see why Bob Barr's going to be pulling votes off McCain. Small government Republicans have really been left out in the cold.
June 5, 2008 9:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
It is characterized by the government and business coming together to run a government . . . .
"Fascism" is tremendously more complicated than that (are you talking about the 1920s Italian fascistic tradition, or the realignment during the latter stages of WWII, or the South American military states during the Cold War, or the modern iteration in Burma?) . . . but as I said, it's a quibble (hair-splitting, really). I apologize for being a poli-sci terminological pendant (but I have to put all that historical book-learnin' to use sometime, right?).
In any case, "fascism" is as useful a short-hand label as any for the 21st Century Republican Party, I suppose. I prefer "maximalist totalitarian corporatism" myself, but it's neither here nor there. Label away.
June 5, 2008 9:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
Agree, Webb can't be the VP pick in my opinion. There's no one to pick up his seat, and he doesn't have any more executive experience to bring to the table, Mark Warner, as former governor of Virginia, does. I think the fact that he puts Virginia in play and was a governor, not a senator, makes up for the trade off on national security cred.
June 5, 2008 9:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
Jim Webb would NOT make a good VP, he doesn't have the right personality and he is far too conservative, hell, he used to be a Republican, and he still blames the Democratic Party for "losing" Vietnam. That and a thousand other reasons not limited to past sexist comments that WOULD be made an issue of by McCain trying to steal Hillary's female supporters shows that Webb would be a very bad pick for VP. Not to mention we NEED his Senate seat, and we wouldn't be that likely to keep it if he ran for VP.
My vote is for Richardson, a MUCH better choice all around.
June 5, 2008 9:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wes Clark is a good choice for Veep. As a vociferous and visible supporter of Clinton, he bridges the Obama-Clinton gap, he neutralizes McCain's military credentials, he's familiar to people nationally, he has the foreign policy experience that Obama lacks, he's from Arkansas (not that that matters all that much), and he will appeal to the hawkish independents who are drawn to McCain's military experience.
June 5, 2008 9:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think it would be a mistake to try to "balance" out Obama's "weaknesses" like that, because it acknowledges that he is lacking something that McCain has, when in reality he isn't lacking at all. Obama's ticket has to be about change, it has to add to that value, not balance it out with traditional BS. Obama is holding his own against McCain on national security as it is, and I think we'd be better off with someone who could add to Obama's message of strength through diplomacy, and I think that would best be done by Bill Richardson.
Having said that I think Wes Clark would make a great Secretary of Defense, and I'd encourage Obama to pick him for that, because SOD is the place for military people, not VP.
June 5, 2008 9:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Totally agree.
I see something that may not bother other people but bothers me - the age difference between Obama and Warner and Obama and Clark and to a lesser extent, Webb, whom I oppose for mainly other reasons - he's too conservative and he has baggage.
If Obama picks some running mate much older than he is, I think it looks like he needs some kind of guidance - and he doesn't. Maybe that's just me, but that's how it strikes me. I wish he'd find someone younger, closer to his age.
June 5, 2008 9:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree, we don't want someone who is going to make Obama look like he NEEDS them because he is lacking something, like military credentials or age. Richardson is a bit older, but he doesn't look as old as he is, so I don't think that would be a problem there.
June 5, 2008 10:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
Pragmatically, Richardson brings nothing to the table except the ability to shore up Obama's weakness on foreign policy. He's terrible on the stump, and, quite frankly, would be quite risky in that we need the Clinton voter to vote for the ticket. Two minorities, as ugly as this sounds, is a difficult sell to that constituency.
Denying that Obama has "weaknesses" in the eyes of the average voter places him at tremendous risk. While you and many others are entirely comfortable with the change as the primary reason to vote for Obama, there are millions--as evidenced by this primary battle--who are not. We need their votes.
June 5, 2008 9:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'd be fine with Warner, but we can't afford to punt a big opportunity to pick up that Senate seat.
Richardson looks great on paper but is reported to have some potential baggage- they'd have to be extra-careful in their vetting and be absolutely convinced it's just rumors.
I agree that Webb's past statements probably rule him out, but please do not dismiss his current incarnation as being a Republican. On economic issues he is substantially more progressive than the corporatist mainstream of the Democratic Party.
June 5, 2008 9:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Warner's been mentioned a decent amount, too. Robert Novak (shitty source, yeah) said a week or so ago that Warner had told his friends he was being considered. His candidacy is just as rumored as Kaine or Webb's, though. I personally like all three...they all bring something a little different but in the end they help put Virginia in the blue.
June 5, 2008 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
The problem with Clark and Richardson is the same: they are both limp noodles on the stage. They won't stand next to Obama well on charisma and speaking ability. Also, Clark brings nothing to the table electorally speaking (we ain't winnin' Arkansas, folks) and Richardson has this annoying problem of putting his foot in his mouth a lot.
June 5, 2008 9:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree - let's not pick a Lieberman for him - let's find someone with a lot of energy and who is dynamic on his or her own.
Otherwise it's going to be very one-sided, which is ok, but didn't work well for Gore.
June 5, 2008 9:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
To be fair, Richardson's at least an elected official. He and Wes Clark both strike me as candidates that might look better on paper, though.
June 5, 2008 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Kaine's the ticket.
He's from a tactically key state;
He's smart and decent;
He was the first significant elected official outside of IL to endorse Barack;
He's devoutly Catholic (though prochoice) and speaks Spanish;
His selection would not lose the Dems a Senate seat; and
Most importantly, he and Obama are reportedly just very comfortable together.
Would be interested to know whether any Virginians (I'm not one) think I'm overselling him.
Here is Kaine: http://youtube.com/watch?v=CkQ04Tk7dTk
June 5, 2008 9:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sounds good.
And comfortable together is a big damn deal, I think. Even just for the look of the thing and for our comfort level.
I really do trust Obama and his people to make a good choice- so far they've shown excellent judgment in just about everything.
June 5, 2008 9:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
Agree -- they're hella canny. I would quibble a bit with their choice of middle name for their candidate , but otherwise flawless.
June 5, 2008 9:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
He's also limited to only one term as Governor so there's no long term loss even though the Lt. Gov. is a Republican. I've heard he's not quite the "rock star" Warner is (I suppose just in terms of popularity) but he seems to have a good rapport with Obama and to be an energetic campaigner.
June 5, 2008 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Although Kaine is popular here, I am not sure he helps carry the state. He won on strength in Northern Virginia, but lost in the southwest. Warner, on the other hand, won all over, but ran especially well in the southwest, and when he was term-limited out, left with an 80% approval rating. Most Virginia observers seem to think Warner is the only one of the three who almost guarantees Virginia's EVs. And his other qualifications: named America's most effective governor, Virginia named the best managed state, co-founder of Nextel, and a very smart Harvard Law grad with a cross-partisan, reformist profile like Obama's, are a great match.
Two other quibbles with Kaine: he's not exactly charismatic, and we'd be giving up the governor's seat to a Republican LG. With Warner, we'd still be likely to win that Senate race against Jim Gilmore, who is not popular in Virginia, with any of several very good Dem candidates who can step in. So it is a sure handover versus a slightly less certain win.
Lastly, while I want that Senate seat as much as anyone, if Warner helps Obama win the presidency, well, eff it. The Oval Office is worth a hell of a lot more than a Senate race we'll probably win anyway.
June 5, 2008 9:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Warner, Warner, Warner. One of my relatives, a rock-ribbed, red-blooded, hardcore conservative Republican, a Bushie through and through, in rural Virginia, said that even he would definitely vote for an Obama/Warner ticket. Warner wins Virginia. Along with Iowa and the Kerry states, Virginia wins the electoral college. Without Ohio and Florida.
June 5, 2008 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
The problem with Richardson is he isn't very impressive as a campaigner, and he doesn't do debates well.
June 5, 2008 9:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
Iโm almost 100% convinced Obama WILL take Virginia this November. Northern Virginia (read: the inner and outer suburbs of Washington, DC) is now the economic, political and population center of the state. Itโs also affluent, highly educated (about 25% of the population has at least a graduate degree, compared with 9% nationally) and VERY ethnically diverse with more than 20% of the population born outside the US. Obamaโs story will play very well with a lot of these folks. For example, last week I was meeting with a friend of mine and her family. They immigrated to the US from Korea around 7-years ago and are now US citizens. This will be the first US election they are able to vote in. They were genuinely unsure who to support, but I explained Obamaโs amazing life story and how he rose from being the son of an immigrant and struggling single mother, to editor of the Harvard Law Review and soon-to-be next President of the US. The entire family says they will now vote for Obama this November. They say his story is emblematic of why they chose to make this country their home. Iโve grown incredibly cynical these past 7 years, but hearing this washed that all away for a moment and I was once again deeply proud of my country.
June 5, 2008 9:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obama will take every major city in Texas, too.
I know it doesn't make the list as being in play so I'm not going to push it, but I think it is in play.
Just depends on turnout in the rural areas. The cities and the counties they sit in will vote for Obama - I know that without any doubt.
June 5, 2008 9:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
If he can do well enough in Texas to make McDouche waste time and resources campaigning there, then it's a net win for Obama!
Oh yeah, most of the Republicans I know here (granted, they're all very moderate ones) also plan on voting for Obama and the ones who don't plan to protest McCain by voting for Barr.
June 5, 2008 9:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Forget McDouche, after the way he looked during his Louisiana speech, I should start referring to him as McCorpse.
June 5, 2008 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think Obama can get Virginia without a Virginia VP. Texas is what really interests me. I think if we had Richardson on the ticket Obama could win Texas (he isn't that far off without him really), and if Republicans lose Texas, that breaks their back electorally, they simply CANNOT WIN without Texas. I think it would also be good to bring the Latinos into the Democratic Party more, and Richardson could do that better than anyone. Let me be clear, I'm not just supporting Richardson because he is Latino, because I think he has a LOT going for him without that, but we have to be real about the bonuses that his ethnicity would bring. No other VP could help so much with so many states. Richardson would be a great choice in my opinion.
Blue Texas in '08!!
June 5, 2008 10:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
Of the three VA potnetial VP candidates, I'd be happy with either Webb or Kaine.
Warner needs to stay in his Senate race.
If Webb runs and wins VP, then Kaine gets to name his replacement, a Democrat, who would serve for 4 years until 2012.
Rick Boucher would even be a good choice for Senate from VA. He has been in congress forever from a Republican leaning district and could likely win statewide after four years in the Senate.
June 5, 2008 9:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Question for Virginians- is Kaine a dynamic campaigner?
June 5, 2008 9:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
See Youtube in my post above -- crappy sound, but he's ebullient. Very high likeability quotient.
I think his slightly frumpy, rumpled, homespun manner would go well with Obama's supersmooth more classical presentation. A winning odd couple thing, though what they have in common is a kind of relaxed looseness.
Kaine did some death penalty defense work while at a private firm and is personally opposed to capital punishment -- probably not fatal for him if he could still get elected in death-loving VA.
I really like Warner too, but not sure about two rock stars together. Evokes unsuccessful supergroup efforts, like Asia.
June 5, 2008 9:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
I was delighted to learn that Obama is in SW Virginia today - but for reasons that have nothing to do with VP selection.
It is a very smart move to aggressively reach out to a region that didnโt support him โ but should. Smarter still to go to the 9th District โ Congressman Rick Boucher has gained the trust of a constituency generally far more conservative by being highly attentive to both needs of the district, but sensitive to central hot button issues like gun control. This is a really good tactical decision.
June 5, 2008 9:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
Mark Warner isn't all that old (53), and he could really help nail down Virginia. He's also got appeal in a region where Obama could use help, and his experience as a governor is a real strength. I wouldn't want to lose his near-certain pick up of a Senate seat, but given the weakness on the Republican side (retiring incumbent John Warner has just declined even to endorse Jim Gilmore, the Republican nominee), I think Virginia Democrats still have a good shot at it. Anyone know who they might put up for Senate if Mark Warner got the VP nomination?
June 5, 2008 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Warner left office as a governor with an 80% approval rating in Virginia; you're damn right he'd help. He's also the type of business-friendly, moderate Democrat who'd play well in other swing states like Colorado (where I'm originally from).
No idea who the Dems would get to replace him as a Senate candidate though...
June 5, 2008 9:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
That is the biggest problem with warner. The dems need him to pick up the seat. They can appoint a dem to serve out webb's term, but they need warner to pick up that seat. Definitely no on warner.
June 5, 2008 9:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Warner obviously needs to be cloned, and fast.
Is Doug Wilder too old to run for the Senate seat if Warner becomes VP nominee?
June 5, 2008 10:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, but their isn't enough time now. Also, Wilder has been out of the game for a long time now, so I don't know how that would fly, too risky. The dems need this seat to break 60.
June 5, 2008 10:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not convinced that "60" is actually a realistic goal for the Dems this year, not that they COULDN'T do it, but that they don't NEED to. Think about it. You need sixty to force legislation past a contrarian executive, but you don't need sixty if Obama is President and the Republicans are running scared for 2010 anyway. So long as you keep your majority, which is fairly likely, you're need for 60 is pretty small. It's a goal, sure, but will the Dems put that much stake on it? Not so sure.
June 5, 2008 10:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's called the filabuster. The republicans in the senate will put the breaks on everything unless the dems get to 60, excluding traitor joe. As reid said, there aren't any moderate republicans left except olympia snowe. Too much of a risk, the dems need 60.
June 5, 2008 11:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
According to Left's Anchor's profile, Kaine has a 63% approval rating among voters over 65 and 55% among Hispanics. The reason he knows fluent Spanish is that he took a year off from law school to teach at a vocational school for teenagers in Honduras.
June 5, 2008 10:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
I wish I could think of anyone in Virginia politics who could take over Warner's race, because Warner is perfect for the VP slot in my opinion, but I'm not from there and I don't know any of the up-and-commers. That being said, Gilmore doesn't even have the support of the Republicans he got the nom from, and John Warner has thus far refused to endorse him. That's gotta tell ya that they could probably find a pulse to take that seat. On top of that, if Warner DOES take the VP slot, what do you want to bet that every time he and Obama showed up in Virginia, the guy taking over Warner's race will be there on stage with them. Gilmore wouldn't stand a chance.
June 5, 2008 10:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hmm, someone with a pulse.
Don Beyer?
Whoever the guy was who lost the AG contest by like 4 votes last time?
June 5, 2008 10:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
What about the guy on that stage today, Rick Boucher?
Is he taken seriously anywhere east of Roanoke?
June 5, 2008 10:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
Why not much support from Webb thus far?
Seems stragne if he really wanted VP.
June 5, 2008 10:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
I do not think he wants the job. He wants to be a Senator, writer and intelectual.
June 5, 2008 10:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
2 Senators on a ticket have historically been a bad idea. Plus there are alleged sexist passages in some of his books (I believe, haven't read them myself).
June 5, 2008 10:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
The passages in his books are not near as big of a problem as the opinion pice he wrote about women serving as military officers in the late 70's. Since then he has moderated his views on this issue and worked to get women allowed into more jobs in the military but some people can be unforgiving of earlier indescretions.
June 5, 2008 11:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good to know. Thanks!
June 5, 2008 11:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good to know. Thanks!
June 5, 2008 11:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Clintons, both of them, will not allow themselves to be vetted by Obama's VP search committee. End of discussion.
June 5, 2008 10:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Don Beyer is close to Warner (and Obama), and previously lost a close raise to crazy Gilmore for Governor.
Here he is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Beyer
A car dealer, but with sprinkles. Perhaps a plausible replacement for senate race if Mark Warner goes veep.
June 5, 2008 10:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, Don Beyer--if for no other reason than that. I don't know if he's interested in elected office again (for himself, that is) but perhaps.
In answer to your question, I don't live in Va. now, but since I was born, raised and married there (now live in a bodering state to the Commonwealth) with family still living there and a few folks I know elected locally, I have a decent read on it.
Among Kaine, Webb and Warner, I prefer Kaine.
I like Webb, but he'll piss women off; he's just a non-starter. Warner...well, I just want to make sure we get that seat.
Great upside with Kaine, though. There's just the tiny problem that the current Lt. gov is a Class A wingnut (he said he wouldn't run in 2009, but I'd hate for him to be governor even for a second), but other than that, I think he's the strongest of the three. He's fluent in Spanish and southern with midwestern roots.
He's not pro-choice (OK, downside there); but he is a seamless garment Catholic who does not let his religion get in the way of policymaking. E.g., he opposes the death penalty but has overseen executions. (Can you believe it? We've gotten so far away from separating personal belief from public policy recent years until the notion seems almost quaint.)
His father-in-law is also former Republican governor, so that plays nicely into the theme of appealing to disaffected Republicans, too. And I just love his energy! When he introduced Obama at the annual J-J dinner earlier, I thought the man was gonna burst with excitement and pride.
What's more, he and Obama seem to be very at ease together. They're backgrounds are very similar: midwestern roots; Havard Law; the paths they took to their careers (he took time off to be a missionary during law school); they were both law school professors and worked in firms protecting civil rights.
And there's something to be said of rewarding those who were there with you early on, when he was still seen as a long shot.
Obama can still win Va. w/o a Virginian on the ticket--we elected Doug Wilder almost 20 years ago when the demographics were much less favorable. I still like Sebelious. I really like Richardson, too, but I've heard he has zipper problems. It's a real shame, too, because I think they could win together (he doesn't appear to be "too ethnic" so it won't be "too much change at once"--and yes, I want to shower after saying that but I think it's reality) but since the rethugs "got nothing" in terms of issues, they'd go there.
That said, I'd REALLY like an Obama/Kaine ticket.
June 5, 2008 1:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Mark Warner should stay where he is and make sure that Senate state goes to the Dems. There are other choices for VP that Obama can make. Tim Kaine for sure would be good. A sitting governor with proven and current executive experience, considering the economy is a very important issue, should be the way he goes with the VP choice. Richardson and Sebelius bring those qualifications to the table.
June 5, 2008 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
After watching the endorsement of Obama by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, I'm quite in favor of her. She seems intelligent, personable, and comes from the swing state of Kansas.
And Robert Novak hates her....
Works for me.
June 5, 2008 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sebelius did something incredibly gutsy (and risky) by denying permits for new coal power plants on global warming grounds -- really a first in the country, and in a state that is hardly the greenest.
That won her points with me. I'm not sure she brings home the votes like the VA trio would, though.
If McCain picks a woman, perhaps Obama's need to do so increases?
Wish there were a female VP candidate who had national security experience. Samantha Power for VP! ???
June 5, 2008 10:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ok...I just watched some stuff on Warner....
Yes, please.
June 5, 2008 11:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
Much like our presidential candidates this year, we also seem to have a huge list of very qualified vice presidential candidates this year. The Democrat cup over flows with talent. I'm sure Obama will pick a great one.
I like Warner, Kaine, and Sebelius; but I think Gov. Bob Henry (OK) deserves a solid look over- he has much to offer and wouldn't open up a seat to a Republican or a potential Republican candidate (term limited to 2010 and has a Dem. female Lt. Gov.)
Of course my heart would explode if he chose Feingold (and yes, I know a Senator is not a good choice which is why I didn't include Webb above).
June 5, 2008 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Whoops, that's Gov. Brad Henry (OK). Some southern appeal could help win MS and GA and others.
June 5, 2008 11:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oklahoma is not in the South.
Many in the Deep South will also debate whether Viginia is still in the South.
Sam Nunn is his best hope to pull sway in the Old South.
June 5, 2008 11:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'd have serious reservations about an old blue dog like sam nunn. More on Henry....30 sec ad...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWKNxPWIPDo
June 5, 2008 11:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Howard Dean.
June 5, 2008 11:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't care who the VP as long as...
1)They don't suck the Oxygen out of the room (contained ego)
2)Can deliver a swing state
Obama should also rollout couple of key cabinet postions along with the VP-- May be just a politcal stunt but I'd love to see him declare Richardson, Edwards and Gore as being part of the cabinet at the convention as well.
June 5, 2008 12:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Totally agree, especially on that last note. All three deserve a spot in the Cabinet. Richardson should definetly be Sec. of State. Where would you place Gore?
I'd also like Clinton as Sec. of Health and Human Services. What do you think, you're a New Yorker? Correct?
June 5, 2008 12:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nah, I don't want the clintons anywhere near the white house. Too much drama and attention will be paid to the clintons, which would only be an unnecessary and counterproductive distraction.
June 5, 2008 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
I will reserve my judgement on Hillary- for some apparent and some not so apparent reasons.
I'd like her to be the US ambassador to the UN, if she has any role in the administration. She's has burned too many bridges to engage with different interest groups to make her incharge to fix health care. Also, Obama run specifically against Hillary's inability to find healthcare solution.
While she takes for children's health insurance, she hasn't done much for New York State expect beefing pork barrels to protest the interests of farmers upstate.
I think she's much more disciplined and a party animal than Bill Clinton. She's a true donkey and it's a compliment. But Hillary in the cabinet depends largely on her efforts to mend and unify the party.
June 5, 2008 12:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Typos: While she takes credit for children's health insurance, she hasn't done much for New York State expect beefing pork barrels to protect the interests of farmers upstate
June 5, 2008 12:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now that I totally agree with. I actually thought that he should have done that in January, but luckily he didn't need to. He should name some cabinet positions to show the type of leader that he will be. Awesome Idea.
June 5, 2008 12:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Mark Warner would carry VA for Obama.
June 5, 2008 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink