eeeeeek. I'm from Boston and I personally cringe when anyone refers to Mike Barnicle as a real journalist. As his plagiarism exposed, he is indeed, aptly named.

Posted at June 14, 2008 10:30 AM in response to Wes Clark today

I had wanted to see her be gracious. Indeed, I was rooting for her. I wanted to start mending fences and feel better about her. But she didn't give me that chance. She continued to shovel the popular vote BS and she insinuated that somehow Obama would like to maker her 18 million supporters invisible. Please! In elections people back different candidates. Only one candidate wins. It does not mean that their supporters are being made invisible. It means they didn't back the winner. And given that Hillary's positions are not so different that Obama's why would her supporters concerns be invisible unless the only basis of the support was for her alone.
And as for the idea that she needs time. Sorry- I bought that after Indiana. But not now. SHe has known since Indiana that it was over. She has had weeks to prepare for a gracious exit. She chose not to. And in so doing, she made sure she will not be on the ticket.

Posted at June 4, 2008 10:45 AM in response to A Tale of Two Speeches

I think we cede Arizona--go for states that are more attainable for us and are bigger electoral fish. I think Strickland would be a good pick.

Posted at May 20, 2008 11:32 AM in response to Jim Webb's Veep Tour Comes To Manhattan

Is there any reason we don't hear more about Strickland? He is smart, liberal and a popular governor of a swing state. He is also a Hillary supporter and could be a sort of olive branch.

Why not more talk? What am I missing?

Posted at May 20, 2008 11:29 AM in response to Jim Webb's Veep Tour Comes To Manhattan

no charisma. Does not bring electoral math. IS country ready for the mental image of a black man/white woman ticket??

Posted at May 20, 2008 11:25 AM in response to Jim Webb's Veep Tour Comes To Manhattan

I have a couple of serious reservation about Webb:

1) I fear he is too conservative. We need to be aware that because of the historic nature of Obama's candidacy his veep has to reach the CIC test at a higher level than other previous candidates (McCain's must as well because of his health/age). Do liberals really want a President Webb?

2) The female factor. Obama will need to woo women voters who voted fro Hillary. Webb has had trouble with charges of sexism etc. It also does not help that he is on his third marriage. How will that sit with Hillary supporters?

3) Generational-- if Obama wants to get past the Vietnam fights- do we really want Webb on the ticket? Do we risk going back to the same Vietnam argument? If Obama wants to pain McCain as part of the past- it would be better not to bring along the same past on the ticket....

Just my 2 cents....(maybe three)

Posted at May 20, 2008 11:08 AM in response to Jim Webb's Veep Tour Comes To Manhattan

and there is the womanizing for Rendell..

On the plus side for Obama/Rendell- Rendell is Jewish and that might make the Jewish community relax a little about Obama (lots of rumblings that he he won't really support Israel)

On the down side-- I am not sure when the major battle in the world is with Islamic fundamentalism that you want a Jew in the White House. I say this as a Jew.....

Posted at May 8, 2008 10:21 PM in response to NOT good Obama Veep choices

I have family in NM and the scuttlebut on Richardson though is that he has a drinking problem...

Also- is America ready for the first black president and the first Latino VP? Although admittedly-- for most americans the fact that Richardson's name and look aren't too "ethnic" probably helps....

Posted at May 8, 2008 9:56 AM in response to The VP Question

if that's true-- I rescind my comment about Crist (below)...
Or-- McCain could go with Crist and Obama could go with McGreevy... call it even and move on...

Posted at May 8, 2008 9:33 AM in response to The VP Question

I think for McCain any talk of Whitman misses the point.... McCain is going to be trying to shore up his base and CTW doesn't do that for him. I think you will see someone like Crist for McCain.

As for Obama-- I think Sebelius is all wrong for a couple reasons- one- she has the charisma of a dead fish.... I don't think she brings a lot that way (and doesn't make up for it is electoral math) But in some ways I think Obama needs to go White male... we can't have too many firsts (with a woman technically second) on a ticket. He is going to have enough trouble with being exotic without adding another factor. I would be careful of a black man/white woman pairing as well in this culture. I don't think it is an image that will make some all that happy....

But even more so- I think Obama needs someone who is young enough to underline a new generation thing- but experienced enough to assuage doubts about him. (which is tough-- Biden is great on knowledge but too old).

The talk of Hagel, Webb or Casey is wrong too. Remember-- this is more than just a balancing act-- Charismatic presidents are targets-- I think Obama's VP needs to be ready to be president if something happens to Obama (crazies everywhere)....So Hagel, Webb and Casey all too conservative because we HAVE to remember the court. I'd look at Strickland, Bayh, or Shweitzer.

Posted at May 8, 2008 9:31 AM in response to The VP Question