Webb: "Under No Circumstances Will I Be A Candidate For Vice President"
Woah -- we think we're not alone in saying we didn't see this one coming.
Jim Webb -- the perfect on-paper Vice President for Obama and a target of much Veep-oriented speculation -- just put out a statement removing himself as a candidate entirely. From Webb...
"Last week I communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate, where I believe I am best equipped to serve the people of Virginia and this country. Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President."
We're not sure what the back-story is here, but we're def going to try to find out. Webb's full statement after the jump.
"Last week I communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate, where I believe I am best equipped to serve the people of Virginia and this country. Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President."A year and a half ago, the people of Virginia honored me with election to the U.S. Senate. I entered elective politics because of my commitment to strengthen America's national security posture, to promote economic fairness, and to increase government accountability. I have worked hard to deliver upon that commitment, and I am convinced that my efforts and talents toward those ends are best served in the Senate.
"In this regard, the bipartisan legislative template we were able to put into effect through 18 months of work in order to enact the new, landmark GI Bill will serve as a prototype for my future endeavors in government. This process, wherein we brought 58 Senators from both parties to the table as co-sponsors, along with more than 300 members of the House, gives me renewed confidence that the Congress can indeed work effectively across party lines and address the concerns of our citizens.
"At this time I am also renewing my commitment to work hard to make sure that Senator Obama wins both Virginia and the presidency this November. He is a man who speaks eloquently about our national goals and calls for the practical solutions that must be put into place to obtain them. I will proudly campaign for him."
He already said something like this earlier.
July 7, 2008 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
He did, but then he was a teensy weensy bit less adamant on Countdown last week. Which would have been around the same time that he was communicating that he wasn't interested.
If you can understand that garbled sentence....
July 7, 2008 3:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Again, I don't see the reason why he must make a public statement at this point. Interesting timing, considering MSM is all over Obama accusing him of flip-flopping on Iraq.
July 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why not pick Gov. Tim Kaine? A very popular governor in Virginia, and one that would be a huge help in winning Virginia for Obama. I think it goes without saying that if Obama wins Virginia, then he'll win the White House, even without Florida and Ohio.
July 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
No on Kaine. Because then the Republican Lt. Gov. (Bolling) becomes Governor of Virginia!
July 7, 2008 4:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good point!!
July 7, 2008 4:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tim Kaine?.....NO WAY!!!!, I live in Virginia and he just tried and FAILED to raise the GAS TAX.
July 7, 2008 5:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, it's just so great travelling on roads full of potholes and sitting in gridlock traffic around DC. Why would anybody want to try to do anything to change that?
July 7, 2008 5:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
I live in Virginia, and I like Tim Kaine, but I just don't see him as a heavyweight on the national scene. Not to mention that his staunch opposition to the death penalty doesn't completely fit with Obama's current tacking to center.
July 7, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
NO!! Hasn't been governor that long at all. Doesn't bring any foreign policy or military creds to the table, and that makes the Repub Lt. Gov. the governor of VA. Why would you want that. Obama can win VA without him with Mark Warner running. He needs to get some one from the west like Gov Schweitzer of Montana who would put a lot of other states in play and he is very big on energy issues.
July 8, 2008 9:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
I have always heard Webb express no interest in the VP position and his desire to stay put in the Senate. I'm sure this statement is keep the media from constantly bringing it up to him. He has made a decent surrogate so far, and I expect he'll continue to do so. This is realy a non-story.
July 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, non-story it may be, but it certainly gives the talking hairdoes something to talk about other than Obama and his position on Iraq.
'Course, that also takes the attention off McCain's magical mystery tour of an economy plan, as well.
July 7, 2008 3:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Non-story? I disagree.
Webb taking himself (or Obama telling him that it isn't going to happen), is indeed a story. The narrative of Obama needing a foreign policy expert or someone with executive skills, is neatly fit in the person of Webb. Perhaps the message is (if this actually came from Obama's side and not Webb's), that we are indeed not looking at foreign policy people, and Sebelius becomes a real player. On the other side, if this is truly Webb's decision, it may make Sam Nunn a ore likely possibility.
I am sure that many people on this site will have plenty to say if Sam Nunn starts getting even more attention; and the Hillary people will flip if it is Sebelius.
Thus, a story.
July 7, 2008 3:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sam Nunn's name gets floated out every four years as a possible VP choice by the talking heads. By bringing him up they show that they are not thinking about what thye say seriously. He is so far out of the Democratic mainstream that Chuck Hagel is a more likely choice (and he ain't getting the nod either).
July 7, 2008 5:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, that's what I thought I remembered about Sam Nunn, that he was one of those guys whose retirement from the Senate I greeted with a huge sigh of relief. And I've been sitting here scratching my head wondering what all this adulation of him as a dream VP candidate is all about.
July 7, 2008 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have lived in Georgia for 20 years and while Sam Nunn is still highly repected here, I just don't see him as being a good fit for Obama. He is very weak on women's pro-choice issues, and I don't see him as being much of a strong campaigner or mud slinger to win the GE. He never really had a hard campaign while he was in the Senate. Also he is almost 70. Obama is going to go with some one who is not even on the table at the moment. Some one who will add some interest in the West and Southwest like Gov. Schweitzer of Montana. Very well liked even in a Red state and very much into energy issues. He would play very well all across the west. Big gun lover too, which never hurts out there.
July 8, 2008 9:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Mark Halperin also notes that "some keen observers believe Webb was not actually being seriously considered."
And Obama has indicated in some of his talks on a vice-presidential choice that he wouldn't need someone with an extensive military background.
I'm thinking more likely that Sebelius or Kaine will be the VP.
July 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
He wasn't going to be tapped. I don't think he and Obama have a tight personal relationship (not suggesting it is strained or anything). Plus, we need the seat (along with Warner's).
July 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
On the other hand, that does clear the board for Webb to attack McCain and blunt their ability to say that he's attacking for the Obama campaign.
Definitely want to see more about this.
July 7, 2008 3:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Greg:
I would guess the "back-story" is that Webb doesn't want to be VP...
July 7, 2008 3:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just as well. Dems need as many Senate seats as possible and best not to give up one from a mostly red state.
July 7, 2008 3:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
precisely. From the Dem standpoint this is perfect. why lose a seat that was so hard to win in the first place? how many democratic senators from red states are there anyway?? whatever the number it's not enough so why take one away? just think: congressional majority. an obama victory doesn't accomplish much without one...
July 7, 2008 3:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Every time I see someone, such as Webb, come out with such a statement, I am inclined to believe that the Obama camp has privately informed that person that they are not going to be on the short list, and Obama is just allowing them a way to get out front and save face. That is how it has usually been done in past elections. I am sure that the list is in the process of getting trimmed down, and Obama is privately conveying the word to those who are not making the short list, so that they can save face with public statements, like Webb just released.
July 7, 2008 3:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, as a resident of the Commonwealth, I have to say I'm not all that broken up about this.
I'm greedy. I want to keep my Senator, thanks. Especially when we're due for a new Senator Warner this fall as well.
The sound you hear is the Costco Sized Can of Whoop Ass being opened in the Senate come 2009... straight outta VA!
July 7, 2008 3:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
..Now if we could convince Brian Schweitzer to leave Helena and join the team... oooh man would that rule.
July 7, 2008 3:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Word.
Schweitzer would be great.
Why hasn't he been given more consideration?
July 7, 2008 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Schweitzer has been my first pick for some time. The Dems want to go after the west and southwest. Are holding the convention in Denver. Who better to reinforce that committment than Brian Schweitzer. Very strong on conservation and water and alternative energy issues. Also a big gun lover. Newver hurts to have that cred out west. He would balance the ticket geographically as well. He comes axcross as very smart but personable on TV.
July 8, 2008 9:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good. Webb is a great Senator for Virginia.
He'd make a lousy VP.
July 7, 2008 3:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lol...Nooooooooooooooooooo: Say it ain't so, no Webb for VP.
Well, i guess it was best that Webb withdrew his name for VP, because he would of been a distraction for Sen.Obama. Webb's autobiography has some rather steamy and disturbing stories about women and his time in Vietnam. But he's still a great guy.
July 7, 2008 3:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I imagine Obama would try to tap someone who has a good chance of actually accepting the candidacy (rather than just shooting off invitations to dream picks like Gore and then working his way down to the "realistic" picks) so I don't imagine Webb was the top choice anyway. He never displayed even the slightest bit of interest in the position and someone with that extensive of a background as a writer and journalist is too interested in their intellectual independence to be stapled to someone else's platform.
July 7, 2008 3:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think Webb and Obama are temperamentally suited to try to work together that way. They seem completely different to me.
And I've said a million times that a senator shouldn't pick a running mate from Congress. As long as the pick isn't: from Congress, a Republican, or Joe Lieberman; I'll be happy.
July 7, 2008 3:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I left you a link in the other thread.
: )
July 7, 2008 3:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
And you know a lot about men, right?
July 7, 2008 4:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have always heard Webb express no interest in the VP position and his desire to stay put in the Senate. ... This is realy a non-story.
You don't understand how it works. EVERYONE says, "I have no interest because I'm happy doing my current job." That's in the present tense, so it's meaningless.
Very few people say: "I communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate.... Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President." That is binding himself so that he could not be the running mate without breaking his promise.
July 7, 2008 3:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think it was John Edwards who said "no one ever wants to be Vice President until they ask you." *g*
July 7, 2008 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank god, he was a bad choice and I was tired of hearing people bring it up. And no, he wasn't perfect on paper, on paper he was bad. On the surface he was perfect, if you didn't really think it through and someone just mentioned it, but there are many many reasons it would have been a bad idea. I'm glad we can move off of it now.
July 7, 2008 3:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
I suppose this assessment depends on which papers you read. His paper trail isn't exactly the most feminist-friendly there is, having argued against coeducation in service academies and made some interesting comments about the Tailhook investigations. He does bring military experience to the ticket, but if anything that might signal that Obama believes he needs to bolstered there, buying into the GOP framing. Webb is not the best VP candidate to calm down the PUMA crowd.
July 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nothing will calm down the PUMA crowd, so who cares.
July 7, 2008 3:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have to ask, and this is by no means attacking you - but are the "PUMA" people really a legitimate force to be reckoned with? I mean, it just seems like a bunch of miserable fucks who probably wouldn't have voted for Obama in the first place. Didn't Will Bower, the founder of said group actually attend that Larry Sinclair press conference and say that the con-man's claims were actually "worth exploring"? Then there's Paula Abeles, who tried to exclude the black descendants of Thomas Jefferson out of family gatherings. Then we have a member who famously called Obama "an inadequate black male".
I know its easy to say that Democrats who don't vote for Obama are racists, I'm sure there are a bunch of people who have legitimate reasons for not supporting the junior senator from Illinois. But the PUMA folks just seem like bottom feeders to me.
July 7, 2008 4:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I seem to remember reading an analysis someone had done of the posts on HillaryIs44, where they'd figured out that there are about 34 active members. Definitely a force to be reckoned with. NOT!!!
July 8, 2008 6:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good question. I have my opinions (that PUMA power is vastly overstated), but I'm quite possibly wrong - and I have no evidence either way to back it up.
In a "rational" world, PUMA makes almost no sense: given their stands on the issues, pretty much all Hillary supporters would be far better off backing Obama than McCain. The sole exception would be those who backed Hillary because of her votes for AUMF and Kyl-Lieberman, not despite them, and then only if:
1. The "war on terror" was a more important issue to such people than health care, pro-choice, etc.
2. The recent McCain framing of Obama (that he's now essentially adopting the McCain position on the war by "moving" to the center) is wrong. My gut says that should be a very small group.
But human beings aren't nearly as rational as we like to believe (and I mean this as no particular slur against former Hillary supporters; had she won the close nomination by "stealing" it via superdelegate coup from Obama, certainly some former Obama supporters would either sit out or back McCain). Emotions, and the desire for revenge, are quite powerful in spurring people's actions, so it's possible, perhaps even likely, that at least some PUMA voters would exist.
The relevance to Webb as a potential VP is what marginal impact he might have on them. If the PUMA group is quite small, which I'd expect, then it really makes no difference in terms of election strategy. Likewise if the group, even if it is large, is already decided against Obama, picking Webb wouldn't hurt. Where it would matter is if there's a moderately large PUMA group that is "reachable", but for whom picking Webb would keep them from coming back into the fold.
How big a movement is PUMA? I have no idea. But I do think picking someone with Webb's paper trail doesn't help in attracting their votes. Yes, the inflammatory part of that paper trail is 15 or more years old, but it doesn't sit well with lots of us who would assuredly vote for Obama no matter who his running mate is.
July 8, 2008 7:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
I hope that this isn't true. Webb would have been the best pick. He can always backtrack from the statement if in fact he is picked. He is perceived as a more of an outsider to dc, which is a good thing. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I don't like any of the other current choices. Maybe obama will pick someone that none of us heard of if its not webb.
July 7, 2008 3:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
i get the feeling that webb didnt pass the vetting process... he may have saved face by deciding to rule himself out
July 7, 2008 3:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
How many is this now that say "Hell No, I won't be Obama's VP"? Obama's a losing candidate and many are facing this. TPM should put up a list of folks who make clear they want nothing to do with Obama.
July 7, 2008 3:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rats. I guess that means you're taking yourself out of the running, too?
July 7, 2008 3:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Funny. Your candidate seemed pretty eager to be on the ticket.
No no, don't get me wrong. It's truly amazing that all of THREE politicians (Strickland, Webb, Edwards by my count) with more money/influence than they know what to do with don't want to drop what they're doing to be the sidekick to a presidential candidate
July 7, 2008 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Obama's a losing candidate and many are facing this."
Matthew Weaver, always showing the rest of us how crystal meth is bad for you..
July 7, 2008 4:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
don't listen to him, matthew. double your intake; it makes you smart!
July 7, 2008 4:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
This shouldn't be such a surprise. This is a senator from a state that hasn't regularly elected Democrats to the Senate. I can't imagine that Obama would consider him, given the Senatorial math.
In addition, Webb said loudly and clearly a few weeks ago that he would not be the VP nominee (in an interview with David Bender on AAR's "Politically Direct."
July 7, 2008 3:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Obama needs to pick someone who can help him govern, not just someone who can help him win the election. Isn't this in keeping with what Obama has said all along, for instance, in criticizing politicians who worry more about getting elected than why they should.
Choosing a VP that appeals to McCainiacs just puts a bit of McCain in the White House (McCain lite, if there could be such a thing).
Ignore the opposition, ignore the Electoral College. Who, on a day-to-day basis, provide the best meaningful assistance to Obama with the greatest ability to step in if necessary.
Bill Richardson, of course. The fact that he's from a western state and Latino is gravy.
July 7, 2008 4:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't want two currently sitting Senators running for Pres & Veep. We need every vote in the Senate and can't afford to sacrifice two of them to the White House. Besides, I happen to believe in an inside and outside Washington DC ticket.
July 7, 2008 4:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't understand why people keep saying this. Illinois has a democratic governor and so does virginia. They will appoint dems to fill the seats. This really is a non-issue.
July 7, 2008 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
But how would said replacement fare in the next election? That's part of the issue. Even if Webb was the veep candidate and lost, that could tarnish his star among Virginians (who voted him into office VERY narrowly in 2006) for 2012.
July 7, 2008 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Simple solution, Kaine appoints wilder to finish webb's term only and then runs for the seat. Kaine would win easily, just like warner is now. Therefore, we get the best vp nominee and hold the seat, no problem.
July 7, 2008 4:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, dear God, bite your tongue! Doug Wilder is a loose cannon, famous for quarreling with other Democrats and biting any hand that feeds him. (Just ask Chuck Robb and Mark Warner, who have the scars to prove it.) I sure wouldn't count on him meekly stepping down to allow Kaine to take his place in the Senate were he to be appointed to fill a vacancy there. You think Joe Lieberman is a headache? He's nothing compared to what Wilder would be.
July 7, 2008 5:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Under Virginia law, the governor only appoints a replacement until the next November, not the remainder of the term. An appointed Democratic senator with only a year of incumbency would be anything but a shoo-in for re-election.
July 7, 2008 4:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
When is kaine's term up? Is he done by next november?
July 7, 2008 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
The next gubernatorial election is in November '09 and Kaine leaves office in January. If a senator resigned less than 120 days before election day this year, the special election would be in '09. Kaine is reasonably popular, but nowhere near as popular as Warner. It's certainly possible he could win it, but it'd be a real race, not a one-sided affair like this year.
July 7, 2008 4:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, after Gilmore gets his butt kicked this November, the right wingers in the VA GOP might just come to their senses and allow Tom Davis to run for that seat. Then again, there's something of the kamikaze spirit in that group...
July 7, 2008 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's not a non-issue from the standpoint of the how the ticket looks.
Two senators looks like shit as far varied experience goes, not to mention public perception. The public is not wild about any sitting Congress, ever.
The last senator we elected was JFK. Do you know how long ago that was?
Two senators on one ticket is a terrible idea.
July 7, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think all of us who have been following this closely were expecting this. It had been telegraphed numerous times already.
Mark Warner will be in New York for a fundraiser on July 9th.
Warner's comments last month served to keep folks off the scent. This is something the Obama campaign desired. Ultimately, Warner will make a statement about how he cannot refuse the next President of the United States.
July 7, 2008 4:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
It wasn't "comments." It was a very explicit statement at the convention that was officially nominating him for the Senate, saying that he would not accept another position if it were offered. What purpose would be served by playing games like telling a big lie to "put folks off the scent"?
It's not like the GOP would accept such a statement and say "okay, no need to do any oppo research, then."
July 7, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know it was an explicit statement, though I do not recall it being as emphatic as Stickland or Webb. Warner was obliged to be committed at the Virginia Convention.
It is not playing games. It follows Warner had to be committed until asked. When Warner is asked, he makes another explicit statement.
July 7, 2008 6:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
It would be utterly stupid to put Warner on the ticket and default the Virginia Senatorial seat to Jim Gilmore when Warner has the election in the bag at this point. And if Obama does that, I am definitely not voting for him.
July 7, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Webb is not geared for warming the bench; he is a starter.
I hope he will consider leaving the Senate to become Secretary of Defense. Just read his latest book, A Time to Fight, and got the impression he would be the perfect person to make the tricky transition out of Iraq succeed.
July 7, 2008 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why do you guys keep trying to pull Webb out of the Senate??? Leave him there, please -- we Virginia Democrats worked hard to put him there and would like to keep him around for a while.
Obama can make Wesley Clark his Secretary of Defense. Clark strikes me as a better team player than Webb anyway.
July 7, 2008 5:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am not a Virginian, but this is essentially my thinking as well. I like Sen Webb a lot, but I think that it would be a waste of a man of his considerable talents to make him languish 8 years in the VP's mansion when he could be doing useful work for Virginia and the nation in the Senate. Especially when you consider that his victory was by no means a cake-walk, so it is not obvious that we would be able to keep his seat in the hands of the democrats if we had to run someone else.
July 7, 2008 5:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Indeed. If it weren't for George Allen's "macaca moment" and the kid who was there to record it on videotape, we might have had George Allen back for a second term. Then again, if Allen had won a second term, he might now be running for president instead of McCain. And he would very definitely be running for George W. Bush's third term!
July 7, 2008 6:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Senator Webb has endorsed Senator Obama and stressed in his statement that he is going to work hard to help Obama carry Virgina. I post the following extract from Senator Webb's statement in order to refute the blatant lie being told by that Racist Sewer Rat Matthew Weaver.
"At this time I am also renewing my commitment to work hard to make sure that Senator Obama wins both Virginia and the presidency this November. He is a man who speaks eloquently about our national goals and calls for the practical solutions that must be put into place to obtain them. I will proudly campaign for him."
July 7, 2008 4:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Two things.
1- I do not see how Obama can select a woman for VP and it not be HRC!
2- Of all the male candidates for VP I do not see another bringing to the table what Webb does: real credentials as a war hero; Scots-Irish wedge issue that opens up not just Appalachians but deep into the south, but let's not be greedy, VA, PA at least and maybe KY; who else gives you anthing remotely approaching what Webb gives to Obama.
3- Webb has the capacity to fill Obama's shoes if necessary and Obama knows his line continue.
Who else comes close to Webb. No one!
July 7, 2008 4:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Best joke today! "...the capacity to fill Obama's shoes..." Just about everyone meets THAT low standard, just most are smart enough to not want to be lowered to that standard.
July 7, 2008 4:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Just about everyone meets THAT low standard.."
He beat your candidate.. Thoughts?
July 7, 2008 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
He's still just the presumed nominee and the convention is weeks away. Whether he beat Clinton or not doesn't make him any more electable. His continue lies and omissions, now his flip-flops are defining him so clearly that even the Dear Leader's most fervent followers have to pause. There ain't enough Kool-Aid around to get past his changes on FISA and Iraq, just to mention two items. Are you, for example, on the bandwagon to now stay in Iraq and to give the telecoms immunity?!
July 7, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
"He's still just the presumed nominee and the convention is weeks away."
Clumsy semantical arguments don't take away from the fact that Hillary won't be the nominee this year.
"His continue lies and omissions, now his flip-flops are defining him so clearly that even the Dear Leader's most fervent followers have to pause."
What? Campaign Finance? His consistency on Iraq that only drooling lunatics feel is a reverse in opinion? Flimsy arguments aside, the mere mention of Obama being a "flip flopper" produces nothing but child-like chuckles being that his opponent is John McCain. The Olympic sponsor of the Flip Flop.
There ain't enough Kool-Aid around to get past his changes on FISA and Iraq"
If you have the mental capacity of a retarded toddler, maybe not - but to everyone else, he's stated his case quite clearly.
July 7, 2008 7:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey Matt! Who ya votin' for? McCain? Hillary? Nader? Some other loser? Certainly not the guy who's going to be your next president...
July 8, 2008 6:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well I'll bet that there are other people out there with most of those criteria - Webb isn't the only war hero out there, let alone the only vet.
And I'll say this another 5 million times, I guess: Congress is generally not that popular with the public. Obama has enough trouble with the experience issue - he doesn't need another legislator on the ticket with him. He needs someone with governing experience, IMO.
A nice western governor could help him in the west.
July 7, 2008 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
You keep saying that, but webb is like obama. He has been in the senate for just a short period and has accomplished a ton. He is more of an outsider. I do agree that obama doesn't want a senator like biden or dodd, but webb isn't in that mold.
July 7, 2008 4:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
He's still a senator.
Voters don't like electing senators to the White House, to begin with!
July 7, 2008 5:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
how about clark? vietnam war hero, arkansan, west point veledictorian, supreme commander of NATO, catholic, pisses off mcThuseleh. what's not to love?
July 7, 2008 4:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
although the weavers of this world probably don't trust any valedictorian.
July 7, 2008 4:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
The hopelessly retarded media coverage of his comments last week (or was it two weeks ago?) probably put a fork in that idea.
July 7, 2008 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
i don't know. couple of months' coverage of clark's innocuous remarks might eventually exhaust all the faux outrage. his erstwhile clinton support is probably an arkansas thing, but having him on the ticket might win over some clintonians.
July 7, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Foot in mouth disease. Also, for all the creds, he does say stupid things. Finally, I don't trust him because he backed the clintons. Why he did escapes me as mr. bill fired him as head of nato. Why would he support them after that embarassment? It doesn't make any sense.
July 7, 2008 4:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just don't see this as much of a story. If Obama came to any Democrat and said, 'You're the best candidate. Together, I think we can win and make a real difference.'.... Any Democrat would have to consider it gravely and I seriously doubt many would say no.
July 7, 2008 4:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D - Ohio) for Vice President!
http://brown.senate.gov/senator/biography/
July 7, 2008 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
So that leads the VP choice down to
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
Sen. Chuck Hagel
Mayor. Michael Bloomberg
Gov. Bill Richardson
July 7, 2008 4:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe
No
No
Maybe
July 7, 2008 4:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
NO Republicans.
July 7, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well -- Bloomberg is an ex-Democrat, and even as a Republican is a New York City Republican, and probably not all that far from Obama's own positions on a lot of things. (Or is Bloomberg officially an Independent now? I lose track.)
July 7, 2008 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
He has left the Republican party. He is officially an independent now.
July 7, 2008 6:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Webb wasn't running for VP quite as obviously as Kaine at the VA Dem convention last month (both of their slide-show intros included a "don't I look good next to Barack Obama" segment, but Kaine's was longer), but he definitely looked like he was running. That element was notably absent from Warner's intro, and he followed that up by explicitly taking himself out of the running.
July 7, 2008 4:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Webb voted yes on telecom immunity.
July 7, 2008 4:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Can't say I'm not surprised, but I can say I'm relieved.
July 7, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
No Republicans. Thank you very much, but I have no desire to watch a VP debate between two Republicans, or to have a Republican casting tie breaker votes in the US Senate. What makes the Republicans so wonderful that you think that they should fill three of the four ticket spots, with only one Democrat on a ticket. Sounds like you think that Republicans are just wonderful.
July 7, 2008 4:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
okay, one more time: bob graham, old enough not to run in '16, making dems with pres ambitions happy. beloved in FL, head of senate intelligence, voted against the war, win over old-timers, in FL and elsewhere. oh yeah, veteran, too.
July 7, 2008 4:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
oh yeah, former governor.
July 7, 2008 4:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
He should've been the running mate in 2000 or 2004.
July 7, 2008 4:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
He is the same age as John McCain. Putting him on the ticket would destroy the change and vigor contrast that Obama is running on. How can you make the case that McCain is too old for the job if you are going to pick someone that is the same age.
July 7, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
maybe you don't need to make the case that mcWar is too old. maybe putting grahampa on the ticket will say "see, not all old folks are feeble and confused -- why, look at our veep candidate."
July 7, 2008 5:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
careful coordination with Obama's message people can keep pretty much any VP from being a distraction. Clark is by far the best pick even if he actually HAD called McCain's military service into question.
a guy who has utterly unimpeachable military and FP credentials (Supreme Allied Commander, enough medals to give him a back problem if he wore his dress uniform too often), academic credentials (top of his class at West Point, compared to John "894th Out Of 899" McCain, and a Rhodes Scholar), opposed the war in Iraq from the start, early Clinton supporter, knows how to take orders, Southern, is more than willing to go after Republicans on "their own ground", looks good onstage, who's Catholic, with a Jewish parent.
i mean, Jesus Christ, Dr. Zoidberg couldn't invent a better running mate for Obama.
July 7, 2008 4:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
^^ supposed to be a response to Michael A.
July 7, 2008 4:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
There are some aspects of Webb's life (3 marriages, kids ranging from 2 yo to 30, apparently some statements about women re: Tailhook, possibly an occasionally too-hot temper) that might make him an "uncomfortable" choice in some ways and perhaps make him uncomfortable at being chosen.
Ever since Thomas Eagleton (who unfortunately didn't say it), I tend to react by thinking "okay - that's a shame - now who could be?" whenever someone says they do not wish to be a VP candidate.
Actually, there's no reason to expect that all politicians, no matter how ambitious, are willing to subject themselves, their lifes, and their family to that white-hot glare and life under a microscope. Especially when - like Webb - they are contributing a great deal where they are.
Or, as someone mentioned above, maybe he was seriously considered and didn't make it through vetting and both he and Obama prefer it to be handled this way.
July 7, 2008 4:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let me take this opportunity to repeat my favorite dark horse veep candidate: US Rep. Chet Edwards of Texas.
I know, I know, a very long shot, but, hey, Nancy Pelosi dropped Chet's name to a reporter asking about veep possibilities.
July 7, 2008 4:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Holy schmoley! If he did that, I think he'd landslide in Texas.
Wow.
July 7, 2008 4:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is he really that popular state-wide?
July 7, 2008 5:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, but he has immense amounts of name-recognition; and Texans are crazy enough to vote for a Texan just because he or she is on the ballot.
July 7, 2008 5:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
It'd make McCain sweat and dump a bunch of his money into Texas so it works for me.
July 7, 2008 5:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
That would be just a guess as he has not run statewide.
Chet is a great candidate. He has withstood two recent Tom DeLay redistrictings aimed at trying to bump George W's Democratic congressman. Chet has been a champion for Fort Hood and the VA facilities in his district.
Smart, decent and extremely telegenic.
July 7, 2008 5:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
If Tena likes the idea then I like the idea. I am very much in favor of making a serious bid for Texas (even if we lose it this time around, we lay the groundwork for next time). If a Texan thinks that this guy would help us compete in Texas, I like the idea. Besides, there is no other candidate obviously better suited (except, perhaps, Richardson, but I am worried that he might be too bitter a pill for some of Clinton's people to swallow).
July 7, 2008 6:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am not interested in putting anyone on the ticket that has not proven that they can win a state wide election. No military people, no Republicans, and no one from Congress that has never displayed an ability to win a state wide election.
If Obama put the Texas Congressman on the ticket, all McCain has to do, is trump that move with a two for one pick. Senator Kay Bailey Huchinson, would completely negate Obama's Texas congressman pick, and would also give McCain a woman running mate bounce.
When picking a running partner always first consider how your opponent could trump it.
July 7, 2008 6:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Fair enough. This is why I do molecular biology research and not political campaign consulting. Still and all, I stand by my essential point which is that I am glad to see Obama making a bid (however modest) for Texas and hope to see him fight for the state even more aggressively.
July 7, 2008 6:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
KBH wants to be governor. I doubt she would run well against Chet Edwards in Texas.
July 7, 2008 7:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Looks like an interesting guy. Very interesting. I didn't know that Bush's home district was held by a Democrat.
*Older but not old (b. 1951).
*Been in the House since 1991, so he knows the ropes.
*He may be vulnerable to attack as being a Washington insider (the thing that Obama is running against) but he's known as "Mr. Veteran" because of his commitment to veteran's affairs (won the The American Legion's 2008 Distinguished Public Service Award).
*Magna cum laude from Texas A&M University, and Harvard MBA (for real, not just one that his daddy bought for him).
*Endorsed Obama in March (not June).
*Seems like a decent guy that would complement the ticket.
*He's a relative unknown, so if Obama picked him, there would be an ENORMOUS amount of media scrutiny, i.e., fresh meat. However, that could be a good thing if the press came away thinking he was a decent, likable guy that people think could be president, if necessary.
Is he?
July 7, 2008 5:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am glad it won't be Webb. Obama would have to have been an idiot to take him. One thing you have to factor in when picking a VP is the opportunity cost of taking them out of their current position, and Webb as a Senator at a time that one of the 2 or 3 most important issues Obama will have on his plate is Iraq, Webb is far more valuable in the Senate (for similar reasons I think HRC would be a bad choice).
July 7, 2008 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree.
July 7, 2008 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
what about rendell? i know his support comes mostly from philly and pittsburgh, but we could use a governor on the ticket, and PA unfortunately appears to be in play. plus he's a red sea pedestrian, so maybe it would give traitor joe a heart attack.
July 7, 2008 5:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
There was no reason for Webb or Obama to make any statement at this point regarding the VP choice. Webb was probably ordered to take a bullet because of last week's accusations by the McCain campaign. This story will repeat itself many times over the next couple of months as one by one the list gets shorter and shorter.
No one with a real future wants to be on the losing Obama ticket. 2012 is now the the end game for serious candidates.
July 7, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
i'm glad matthew is sharing the crank.
July 7, 2008 5:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
With one twitching eye and sparkin' a fatty I think it's time you sought counseling, sock puppet.
July 7, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
it's captain beefheart and it's probably a cigarette. but what makes me a "sock puppet", douchebag?
July 7, 2008 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've played with Eric Drew Feldman and Philip Lithman (Snakefinger) here in San Francisco in the 80's. You think I don't know who Don Van Vliet is?
I know you think you're very very hip. You're just pathetic.
July 7, 2008 6:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
fogu2, you are the coolest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I thought that aging rock stars were bitter, arrogant pricks.
July 7, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
No. You're thinking of the young Hayes Valley/Alamo Square/16th & Mission slumming assholes who fucked up this town. How long before you move to Marin or back home to mommy and daddy's basement in-law?
July 7, 2008 6:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
bitter: "slumming assholes who fucked up this town"
arrogant: "back home to mommy and daddy's basement in-law"
prick: obvious, I think
In answer to your question, I'm planning to do a reverse commute: first marin, then the folks' basement, and then slumming in hayes valley.
FYI I live in NYC. And my parents don't have a basement.
July 7, 2008 6:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Your parents live in Iowa and they do not have a basement? Where do they go in case of tornadoes?
July 7, 2008 6:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Even worse, they live in Oklahoma now. They have to hide in a closet.
I suppose that I could move into my parents' closet.
July 7, 2008 7:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Even worse tornado-wise, lest anyone think that I disparage Iowa or Oklahoma.
July 7, 2008 7:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
That is way too easy a set up.
You can do better than that.
(OK's got some good banjo pickers.)
July 7, 2008 7:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, no, don't hold back. I am eager to hear your stinging attacks on IA, OK, and closets. I'm sure that they will be very funny and original and I will stutter in humiliation. Maybe you can work in some more clever Obama barbs and hit benjoya a few more times while you're at it. Oh, and please spank Missouri voter too. I recommend kilt jokes.
July 7, 2008 7:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
My the big city has made you all urbane and witty. Kewl.
July 7, 2008 7:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Boring. Thanks anyway.
July 7, 2008 8:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow. I genuflect. I grew up very near there and was extremely happy to leave.
July 7, 2008 7:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
that explains so much.
July 7, 2008 8:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Has anyone told you that you bear a striking resemblance to our own progressive asshole Ross Mirkirimi?
July 7, 2008 6:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Keep it simple folks:
There are lot of potential candidates, but only one spot to fill, so of course there are going to be a lot of names that will not get picked, and they have to save face. It does not mean that they have skeletons in their closets. It just means that they did not make the final cut.
July 7, 2008 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sniffle. Webb was my choice. Now the only person I can stomach is Hillary.
July 7, 2008 5:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Colin Powell joins the VP stakes
Kathleen Sebelius
Chuck Hagel (cause what if McCain picks Lieberman)
Colin Powell
Michael Bloomberg
Bill Richardson
July 7, 2008 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
No on those VPs:
No women, no blacks, not a chance of Bloomberg, Judas Richardson is a surefire loser. That leaves Hagel. Good luck on that one.
July 7, 2008 6:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Interesting comment, coming from a self-proclaimed Clinton supporter (though we all know by now that Foghat is really a McCain troll).
July 7, 2008 6:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not really. A woman, if not Clinton, would just enrage the Clinton supporters and alienate the misogynists. Two "never been in the White House before" candidates is a sure fire loser.
Next!
July 7, 2008 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL!
If that were true (which it's not), then her guy Carville would not have touted Sebelius as a good VP choice:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/13/carville-obama-likely-to-win-nomination/
Next troll!
July 7, 2008 6:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
So now you're listening to Carville.
Sad, sad little person.
July 7, 2008 7:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
So Hillary Clinton was "sad" and "little" for having listened to the man who helped get her husband elected in 1992??
And you claim to be a Clinton supporter. Great -- you've just insulted many if not most of her supporters.
Better McCain trolls, please!
July 7, 2008 7:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Fantastic suggestion:
How could America ever resist the notion of electing two African Americans on the same ticket.
Would McCain even get one vote against such a ticket.
How about allowing the Democratic nominee of the Democratic party to pick a friggin' DEMOCRAT, and let the Republicans settle for just having two Republicans instead of three in the contest.
July 7, 2008 6:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank god.
No ex-military.
No Senators.
No Republicans or Republican-lites.
July 7, 2008 5:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think that there is a back story to this. It is what it is. I take him at his word that he feels he could do more good and by the way serve far longer by staying where he is.
July 7, 2008 6:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Webb is a good man, we will need him to help lead the long fight ahead.
July 7, 2008 6:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
thats what they all say
http://sensico.wordpress.com
July 7, 2008 6:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Webb would of a been a disastrous choice for VP. His controversial writings and his attitude would of clashed with Obama and certain sectors of the democratic base (blacks and women) in particular. He's a good guy and he's more useful in Senate.
July 7, 2008 7:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Webb would of a been a disastrous choice for VP. His controversial writings and his attitude would of clashed with Obama and certain sectors of the democratic base (blacks and women) in particular. He's a good guy and he's more useful in the Senate.
July 7, 2008 7:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sixteen years ago? That's your reference point? Should we be listening to Stephanopolis too? Those are great sources for the direction for the Democratic party, right?
Hillary Clinton is not Bill Clinton. And this is not 1992. But Obamites just have no sense of reality.
Pathetic.
July 7, 2008 7:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
You know exactly what I meant -- Carville was a well known Clinton supporter and surrogate during Hillary's presidential run. Example: his fundraising email directing folks to her web site:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0207/Milking_the_Antis.html
By demeaning Carville, calling him sad and little, by extension you demean Hillary. If he is so "sad" and "little" and outdated, what does it say about her judgment in picking him as a trusted surrogate to speak for her on TV? That she has "no sense of reality" as you so eloquently put it?
Rush should really train his Operation Chaos trolls better...
July 7, 2008 10:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
No telling who is actively on the list and how long it will be before Obama formally makes an announcement. From what I've read about the possibilities they've mentioned I think his best bet is Wes Clark. He's not a senator, we'd gain a little seasoned experience, we'd gain a great military background, and I think I read that at one time Gen. Clark taught Economics at a university. To me, that's package containing more than you could ask for.
July 7, 2008 8:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Humanity_Critic,
I am continually surprised by the ignorance and pathetic stupidity of the Dear Leader's cult following such as yourself. If it was sunny out and Obama said it was raining you'd likely line up to parrot his lie and say the rest of us are not in touch with reality. Plus, as is the mainstay of the Dear Leader's followers, you'll disparage us in a futile attempt to bully your point.
The election, every election, is important. That said, it is very comical to read the rantings of the Dear Leader's cult following who are so wasted on Kool-Aid to have any grip on reality. You've been hoodwinked by the Dear Leader. His lies and omissions have you licking his feet. Now, he's saying stay in Iraq, give FISA immunity, and more. Your response, this is good, always was the plan. Pathetic.
July 7, 2008 8:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Dear Matthew Weaver,
"I am continually surprised by the ignorance and pathetic stupidity of the Dear Leader's cult following such as yourself."
Not as surprised as I am, the empty rhetoric that mental weaklings such as yourself obsessively regurgitate - proving that you are the human embodiment of cowardice by never having a single substantive point. Shocker.
"If it was sunny out and Obama said it was raining you'd likely line up to parrot his lie and say the rest of us are not in touch with reality."
I get it, all Obama supporters are a part of a "cult" - its a shame that all staying on message got you was your candidate having her ass handed to her. Thoughts?
"Plus, as is the mainstay of the Dear Leader's followers, you'll disparage us in a futile attempt to bully your point."
Man-up Matt, crying foul every time you just fail to produce coherent counter-point just makes you look like a proverbial pair of clown shoes. You're better than that. Ok, actually you're not.
"That said, it is very comical to read the rantings of the Dear Leader's cult following who are so wasted on Kool-Aid to have any grip on reality."
I've got the impression that none of this is in the least bit funny to you, trolling like you, dedicating sites to smearing Obama. As far as I can tell, it must totally suck to be you right now.
"Now, he's saying stay in Iraq"
Not as pathetic as you blatantly lying about Obama, but then again, that's what you do. There's actual footage of his consistency on Iraq, so you've got to do better than that. Come on Matt, you can't be a coward your whole life, bring some real arguments to the table next time.
July 7, 2008 9:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why do you keep asking this moron for thoughts when he's obviously incapable of giving you any?
July 7, 2008 10:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
We need Obama to pick a VP that VOTES against the FISA Bill.
Someone we could have real faith in, because IF Obama goes South on us again, if he decides he really isn't leave Iraq after all, I would certainly want to impeach Obama, he is going to violate his oath of office tomorrow and he did lie about this bill, and we all know that Republicans would never consider taking impeachment off the table.
July 7, 2008 9:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
"I would certainly want to impeach Obama"
..what a bunch of trollish bullshit.
July 7, 2008 9:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
We need Obama to pick a VP that VOTES against the FISA Bill.
Someone we could have real faith in, because IF Obama goes South on us again, if he decides he really isn't leave Iraq after all, I would certainly want to impeach Obama, he is going to violate his oath of office tomorrow and he did lie about this bill, and we all know that Republicans would never consider taking impeachment off the table.
July 7, 2008 9:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Fogu2,
Put your money where your mouth is. I'll give you 2 to 1 on McCain winning. I'll give you 5 to 1 on Clinton being the nominee in 2012. Minimum bet 10k.
Now get your sorry ass to Western Union.
July 7, 2008 9:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
JColtrane,
Put your money where your mouth is. I bet u 2 to 1 McCain
loses. I'll give you 5 to 1 on Clinton being the nominee in 2016. Minimum bet 10k.
Now take your sorry a$$ to the rock you crawled out from under.
July 7, 2008 10:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
JColtrane,
Put your money where your mouth is. I bet u 2 to 1 McCain
loses. I'll give you 5 to 1 on Clinton being the nominee in 2016. Minimum bet 10k.
Now take your sorry a$$ to the rock you crawled out from under.
July 7, 2008 10:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
??? You're betting on the favorite? And you responded to me because....?
July 7, 2008 10:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Clinton chose a Republican (William Cohen) for his SecDef. That was the problem, not General Clark. After Cohen retired Clark early, Clinton did not want to second guess him. Clark will always be a loyal freind to the Clintons but he is a Democrat first and foremost and is a great asset for the Democratic Party.
July 7, 2008 9:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Michael A. said that Clinton fired Clark. My comment was in response to his statement.
July 7, 2008 9:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
And . . . . mr. bill fired clark. Cohen was a light weight as sec def, a republican, but a light weight. You actually believe that mr. bill just said what the heck on clark? Give me a break. I don't think clark even believes that one.
July 7, 2008 11:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
One other thing, there is no way that cohen cashiered clark without running it by mr. bill first. In the private conversation, mr. bill could have said no and cohen wouldn't have bucked him over clark. It just doesn't make sense.
July 8, 2008 12:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
I've been laughed out of the room for this before, but I can still make a case for Howard Dean.
Why --
1) Dean was against the war from the beginning and he can be an attack dog for Obama on that subject. It is impossible to under-estimate the value of having a pristinely anti-Iraq Democrat on the ticket with Obama. Why? Because if he chooses anyone who was on the fence or silent or God forbid initially voted for the AUMF, McCain will attack mercilessly, calling the Democratic ticket itself hypocritical.
2) Dean's fall from the political heights in '04 is actually a selling point. He is simultaneously high profile and also non-threatening. Perfect attributes in a Vice President.
3) Because of his trevails in '04, Dean has a kind of underdog status in the political ether right now.
4) He'd be great to have as Obama's VP because the right would HATE to see him as President. It's what made Cheney such a brilliant choice on the other side.
5) Dean is one of the philosophical architects of the 50-state strategy that the Obama campaign has whole-heartedly embraced.
6) Dean is a former Doctor who secured health care for all of the children and pregnant women in his state while governor. Can you say Health Care?
7) It's a completely NON-PANDERING choice, which I think would be f'ing genius. Who is the choice of Dean pandering to? People in Vermont? The answer is no one. Who actually LIKES being pandered to? Please tell me. Gore lost his home state in '00. Kerry didn't carry Edwards' home state in '04. The "pick so and so in order to win their state" logic doesn't work.
8) "Obama-Dean" has a great ring to it.
9) Nobody is talking about Dean. Which makes him a great dark horse choice.
July 7, 2008 11:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Interesting. I don't think it happens but I like the out of the box thinking on this one. It writes off the south but doubles down on progressives. Different. Definitely different.
July 8, 2008 10:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Who is making joint appearances with Obama, joint fund raising, brings a popular President to the campaign trail to support Obama and kick Republican ass and got more votes than Obama in the primary? 9-2 are good odds. Get on her.
July 8, 2008 12:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
Give it up. Ain't gonna happen.
July 8, 2008 5:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
How is a guy with a history of pretty virulent misogyny a perfect candidate for the guy who beat Hillary Clinton?
July 8, 2008 1:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Rendell.
July 8, 2008 2:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
When you already know you're not on the list, this is probably a fine idea.
July 8, 2008 5:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obama will pick a current governor. So will McCain.
July 8, 2008 6:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
Jack Reed?
July 8, 2008 6:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Mike Easley?
July 8, 2008 9:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Easley is a two term governor, pro-choice Catholic, 2nd Amendment supporter/hunter so he counteracts NRA, drove in NASCAR (bubba vote), tough campaigner, and strong economically. And he could help win North Carolina.
I've believed all along that McCain's VP will be Romney, because Bush supports him. Easley would make Romney look weak.
I think Obama needs someone strong economically, because he already has the popular stance on the war.
Plus Lincoln ran with a N. Carolina VP.
July 8, 2008 11:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ah, what the hell.... Feingold for VP.
Voter turn-out is key. Feingold will fire up the base and the activists in the party. Feingold has existing networks (Progressive Patriots, and from his attempt at running for Prez in 08) in every state already, they just need the go ahead.
July 8, 2008 1:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, Saints be praised! When did you finally come around to this position, in around 2005? :-)
Seriously, I know you love the guy, but in your heart do you ever think that the first black guy who is already under attack for his lapel pins and supposed patriotism gap, could have trouble running with a left Veep?
July 8, 2008 2:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nah, I'd say 1992. :)
July 8, 2008 7:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Feingold for VP would make me very happy. Again, completely solid bona fides on the Iraq issue.
The VP choice is a crucial one for Obama, but there are quality choices out there.
July 8, 2008 8:12 PM | Reply | Permalink