Posts with the tag bayh

New Obama/Bayh/Davis 'Fatherhood' Bill Helps Bureaucrats, Not Dads

George McCasland — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:59:54 EDT

"With support from President Obama, Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) introduced the Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act of 2009 for Father's Day, a bill cosponsored by then-Senator Barack Obama in the last Congress. Obviously Bayh and Davis have to contend with DC political realities, which work against fathers and make rational legislation to help them politically difficult. Still, this Responsible Fatherhood bill will help bureaucrats and others far more than it helps dads, and in some ways it will hurt fathers"

Independent Democrat Senators

Don — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:09:29 EDT

Soon as we got a Democrat in the White House, a bunch of Senators claiming to be Democrats rushed to show how independent they are, declaring they won’t necessarily vote in support of the President’s agenda that he was elected to enact. As a Hoosier, I’ll put Indiana’s Evan Bayh (pronounced “Bye” or “Buy”) at the top of the list.

Mr. Obama is right to allow politicians to vote their “consciences” (oxymoron is obvious). Where he’s wrong is in promising to raise money for them. I won’t give one penny to support ANY Senator who fails to toe the line and earnestly help the President do what he promised. Many promises were made. If they’re not kept because Democrats in the Senate support powerful banks and other lobbies against the people who support Mr. Obama’s agenda, then Bayh-Bayh to them come the primary.

If self-described Democrats in the Senate refuse to push through the President’s agenda, then it’s up to us to FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL. I won’t give money to or raise money for Evan Bayh or Arlen Spector or any of the approximately eight others who have declared themselves “independent” of this cause.

They want our money and votes only to betray us to the powerful lobbyists who own them. We need to start work right now finding better people to run against them in the primaries and start raising the money they’ll need to win.

We kept McCain and Palin out of the White House. We certain can put Bayh, Specter and those other eight “independent” Democrats OUT of the Senate. CHANGE is coming to America.

Budget: Promises Made; Promises Watered Down

Don — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 00:07:49 EDT

Why does it seem that the President is watering down his budget proposal to chase votes he won’t get? Republicans proved during the stimulus bill that despite all the concessions made to them then, they would never vote in favor of anything the President wants.

With Democrats, Independents and Moderate Republicans like me on his side, the President should focus on keeping his campaign promises because John Boaner, Mitch McConnell, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity are opposed to fresh air, sunshine and Jesus, so long as they think President Obama is in favor of them.

Mr. President, you have helped them marginalize themselves to the maximum extent imaginable. Now it’s time to stand true to your word. Frankly, not everything you promised was what I wanted, but if you do what you told us you’d do, I will continue to support you, and I will vote against those who oppose you, regardless what party they’re in.

Biden

Daniel Folsom — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:33:42 EDT

Wow–Biden; I'm not really surprised, and I'm certainly not unhappy, but I'm also not energized in any way–which is a bad sign in this campaign that's fueled on the idea of energizing people. I mean, sure, Biden has experience, but as I recall, Obama lauded the experience Clinton had in the primary (something to the effect of "experience in Washington is the wrong kind of experience"). I mean–I'm not asking Obama to be consistent with all his primary statements, but I am becoming afraid that this campaign says it wants a "new kind of politics" because it is actually using old politics in the most disingenuous way possible.

Now this isn't to say I'm going to go vote for McCain; I still have some faith that Obama is different; I'm just saying that a pick of Kaine or Bayh would seem more appropriate.

The Vice Presidential Olympics: A Play By Play

Jackie — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:34:21 EDT

The full article

Excerpt:

Hello, sports fans. As we near the end of our quadrennial games, let’s take a look back at how we got to where we are now:

The Titan Who Fell - Hillary Clinton: Perhaps the victim of her own hype, the former First Lady crashed in a big way in the primary round in the most anticipated event of these games- the quest for the White House. As of late 2006, just after Team Democrat had taken gold in Senate races, House races, and gubernatorial races alike, pundits across the country were ready to place the gold medal around Clinton’s neck. But Clinton failed to achieve what had been a “sure win,” forcing her to settle for silver in the presidential event. When it came time for the vice presidential race, many of Clinton’s fans remained behind her. However, the down-and-dirty strategy that she displayed in the presidential race cost her some serious ground in the latter event, effectively ruling her out of the following qualifying rounds for the vice presidency.

Disqualified for Foul Play - John Edwards: Every four years, hearts are broken around the world when we find out that our heroes don’t pass the requisite tests prior to competition. Sometimes, it’s doping and steroids. Other times, it’s a different kind of cheating. The race for the presidency requires that candidates not only refrain from performance enhancers (i.e., illegal campaign contributions, etc), but also that they maintain a history of ethics and integrity commensurate with the prestige of these games. And if you can’t meet the requirements for the presidential event, it’s not likely that you’ll fare too well in the vice presidential race, either. Like Mom always said, cheaters never prosper…especially if it is on your wife while she’s battling cancer.

Playing for the Wrong Team - Michael Bloomberg and Chuck Hagel: For most of his life, Mike Bloomberg was on Team Democrat. But when the qualifying race (primary) for the New York Mayoral race looked a little crowded, Bloomberg switched to Team Republican, despite remaining a Democrat at heart. Now, he’s on a team of his own (Team Independent). Technically, that made him a contender for the vice presidential event. But in the long, storied history of these games, never has an Independent joined the national ticket of a Democratic presidential gold medal winner. And while Republican Chuck Hagel might similarly have seemed like a good idea, you can bet that if it’s tough for an Independent to win gold here, it’s damn near impossible for a member of Team GOP.
Click on the link to see the rest of the VP contenders... :OD

The full article

John McCain's Secret Line of Attack

Darrick — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:47:50 EDT

John McCain is going to select Sen. Joe Lieberman (I) CT as his Vice-Presidential running mate. There are two reason for this selection. It display's McCain's bi-partisanship muscle. The second reason requires some set up. First, John McCain's been dropping Judeo-Christian like it's hot lately. He's planning to paint Sen. Obama as a Muslim v. the Christian and the Jew. Secondly, Mike Huckabee is dispatched to Israel to rally the troops. That is the master plan and it must be defeated now.

Stop (Evan) Bayh

Mike Walter — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:36:49 EDT

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=auTmNXiBqkjE&refer=home

I'm glad that word is starting to get around that Evan Bayh would be a bad fit as a running mate for Barack. Evan's environmental record as Governor of Indiana was undistinguished; he opened the door to the flood of legal gambling that has warped Indiana politics and fiscal policy; he created the grossly mismanaged "Build Indiana" fund; he was a doormat for corporate interests. He also sat on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence when that group utterly failed in its duty to protect America from George W. Bush's false intelligence on Iraq's non-existent WMDs. And...(see link above)...Evan's wife Susan has made a profession of sitting on the boards of several big corporations, positions that she probably would not hold if her husband were not a Senator. Evan represents old, special-interest politics. Barack stands for new, community-interest politics. If Barack wants to run with a Hoosier, he'd do better to pick David Letterman.

Pick Bayh Now!

Bob A. — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:46:11 EDT

Bayh - Indiana is a winnable state, and Bayh can tilt the balance of the 11 electoral votes.

Biden - Delaware is solidly in Obama's camp, and is only 3 electoral votes. Biden brings a lot of baggage from his presidential run twenty years ago - check out his issues with using other people's words as his own.

Bayh would bring the best of both worlds to the ticket - Obama's social liberalism and Bayh's fiscal conservatism. That combination is what made Bill Clinton as successful as he was.

Let the old guard pass into history - a new generation of Democrat will lead us back to the promised land, and change the face of American politics at home and abroad.

Bayh says wife's corporate roles hold no sway over his votes

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:57:34 EDT

Across the boards

Bayh says wife's corporate roles hold no sway over his votes

By Sylvia A. Smith

WASHINGTON – Since leaving Indiana as a first lady, Susan Bayh has become a professional board member, earning more than $1 million a year in director fees for advice she gives to companies that make pharmaceuticals, operate radio stations, sell health insurance policies, offer online banking and distribute ingredients to fast-food restaurants.

In the past four years, Bayh collected more than $1.7 million in pre-tax income when she exercised stock options from two of the corporations. Her actual income from exercising stock options is higher, but the details of one transaction were not publicly reported.........

ARTICLE- http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/LOCAL1004/712160424

Where's Johnnnny....

Bill F — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:36:48 EDT

I was thinking...

Does anyone else find it strange that the man that gave Barack Obama a huge break -- the keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention -- endorsed him early along with Ted Kennedy giving him big name credentials before his nomination seemed to be a foregone conclusion, and has spent his own PAC's money to defend Barack against "swiftboat" type attacks does not have a speaking slot at the convention. Of course we're talking about Vietnam War vet Sen. John Kerry. I'm just saying! I can hear the convention speech now, "Four years ago I stood before you and proclaimed 'help is on the way'. Well, today I am hear to proudly say.. help has ARRIVED and HIS NAME IS BARACK OBAMA!"

I've read many detractors of the idea on various posts, but they all seem to be Republicans using lines like "I hope it's him; that will kill Obama." If Republicans don't like it, there must be a reason. I like it (thought I've liked almost all of the picks) for several reasons.

He's a superstar that the liberal base can get behind. Sure, he seemed lame while running, but like Gore, has acheived a new branding and new star status since losing to The Evil Empire. He has been true to his word and become a strong combatant to the Bush administration, making him popular in the party.
He forces the hand on Mitt Romney. Having a Mass guy on our ticket makes McCain think about what it would mean to have a Mass guy on his ticket. Of course Obama will win Mass, but what about New Hampshire? I'm not sure if this would encourage or discourage McCain from picking Romney and which way we would want him to go, but I do know it makes him react instead of act.
He may not win any swing states, but there's no evidence that any VP could do that -- see Edwards; hell, Gore didn't even win his own state! What he might do, though, is keep two states McCain is trying to turn red in the blue colomn -- Massachusettes neighbor New Hampshire and Pennsylvania (don't forget the Heinz connection).
He has tons of experience to offset Obama's inexperience, has already been THE key attack dog, and showed he get votes. He earned more votes in 2004 than any other Democrat has won ever.
He already has a nationally recognizable name. Besides Hillary, he is the most recognizable national name to voters -- even more so than McCain. He was a candidate in the general election for president for crying out loud.
The "Collective-conscience-for-Gore" theory. America gave the presidency to Bush. Since then, the world and this country has gone to hell in a handbasket. Americans, collectively in some sort of Transcendental conscience, feel they owe something to Gore -- especially since he really WON the election. Some psychologists believe if Gore ran, he would win based on this principal. They say America would feel like they could go back to that moment in 2000 as if none of this ever happend, and the country and world could move forward in the right direction. Why not the same for Kerry. Bush's second term has been much more harmful than his first. We could excuse some of his insanity because of the trama of 9/11. The second term, however, has just been one big scandal. I think America may feel the way to heal is to give Kerry a chance since they didn't the first time. And with the swiftboat garbage proven to be just that, they may be willing to listen this time around.

All in all, I think this would be one of the top picks. Right now, though I predicted heavily Clinton, my list of who ought to be veep goes as follows...

1) Wes Clark -- vetran status, military experience, and change to Washington

2) John Kerry -- see above

3) Joe Biden -- many of the above for Kerry, but without the intangibles of just having been in the race four years ago

4) Hillary Clinton -- read other blogs for this one

5) Bill Richardson -- tons of experience, good speaker, good debater, western swing states

All the rest really don't even come close to this top five. I know we want change, but we don't need more inexperience, and we don't need a boring, expected announcement (AKA Bayh).

Just a thought.

First to Know

Bill F — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:42:09 EDT

As you all probably know, we've been given the chance to know Barack Obama's vice presidential pick before the "general public". I know its exciting, and certainly, I was one of the first to sign up when I received the email. It sounds great -- expecially for those of us who have been chomping at the bit to know who will be joining Barack on our buttons and bumper stickers. The only problem is, it's not going to be THAT big of a deal to get the email or text message.

I'm sure many members of the press will have gotten the information before hand through their contacts and we will probably know a few hours to a day ahead of time. There will probably be headlines like, "Obama expected to text _________________________ is his VP pick today". Even if nothing gets leaked, and it really happens the way they say it will, members of the media will also be on that list and be writing their headlines ASAP. So, unless you are permanently strapped to your cell phone or computer, you're more likely to see the headline on your internet providers main page before you even log into your email.

Either way, it's a genious move. Get some cell numbers to call and bug for money, get some more publicity and buzz as the talking heads spend all week talking about the move, and show how change oriented and computer savvy the campaign is. Can McCain do this? I doubt it. If his people did a similar thing, he'd probably be the last to know who is VP was! It would at least open up the jokes about his age even more.

So, rumors are abound in the blogosphere. Many point to Hillary, saying that the reason Bill wasn't in the official press announcement of speakers for the convention -- it's been stated he will speak Wednesday before the veep -- is because he will really be taking the Tuesday slot reserved for Hillary, and she will be taking the Wednesday speach as VP. There is a lot pointing toward this resolution to Clinton v Obama, but we've had tons of evidence for this veep and that, and still nothing.

The other most popular rumor -- that he had already chosen Feingold and was just jerking us around to make it a surprise -- seems out the door. Feingold praised McCain and got headlines for it. He assured the public that McCain in power would be a maverick and would piss off the conservative right. That may help increase right wing distain for McCain and actually help in the polls, but at the same time reassured independents making it a crappy way to help Obama. So, he must be out.

I read an interesting one about Caroline Kennedy being named to the vetting committee to find someone better than herself -- Obama's first choice according to the rumor -- and she's been unsuccessful, so Obama is going to force her into action. The theory states that she is definately an outsider, brings the Kennedy brand, the Clinton people will understand picking THIS women and not be upset, and that she's really, really, really smart. I'm not buying this one. Of course with my luck lately, it probably will turn out to be true.

The final rumor is Al Gore. Appearently, he's said some things recently that contradicted his "I can do more good outside of government" and indicate he'd be willing to do America's number two job twice. I doubt this as well. This theory states that Gore is hungry for the White House, and a run in 2016 after veeping for Obama for 8 years is his best chance. I don't like that thought. It seems voters, especially Democratic leaders, would look at the ticket wishing it were reversed, killing enthusiasm for Obama.

I'm not hearing much on Kaine. He seems kinda lame and inexperienced, not to mention unliked by Obama's base because of his record on abortion and not fighting the death penalty. Then there's Bayh, who still may be the front runner if you go with conventional wisdom. What Obama keeps showing us, though, is he is NOT the conventional candidate and is not running the conventional campaign. Just look at Monday's convention schedule. Michelle is getting top billing that evening -- highly unusual. It's a good sign to the world that women are not just there to look pretty and hug the president when he's feeling down. She will be a key aid to him as a president, as she should be, and it will set a precedent for future first ladies. Perhaps we may see Michelle in the Senate some day in her own quest to be the first female president. Stranger things have happened.

Well, looks like we're in for an interesting two weeks. Stay tuned to your email and cell phones.

Huffington Post: "VP Bayh To Be Named On Wednesday"

Deborah Simmel — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:47:07 EDT

The Huffington Post's Bil Browning says he's comfortable "sticking his neck out" and predicting that Senator Obama will name Indiana Senator Evan Bayh as his Vice Presidential running mate on Wednesday. Browning details the reasons informing his prediction, which include both the Olympic schedule and an "off the calendar" campaign event on Wednesday to which he was invited, but given no details about, while the Senator is in Indiana.

Read the full post here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bil-browning/obama-will-name-bayh-his_b_116752.html

Let Bayh Gones Be Bayh Gones!

Bill F — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:56:04 EDT

I admit that I've jumped on numerous bandwagons as this veepstakes thing has lead to rumor after rumor. First I was all for Hillary, then Webb, then Kaine -- sure each would be the pick at one time or another. However, it looks fairly certain that Obama is going to pick Hillary supporter Evan Bayh as his running mate, putting Indiana even more in play, giving him someone with national experience (in the Senate) and executive experience (as governor of Indiana), and adding to Obama's centrist message as Bayh has worked extensively on bipartisan projects and is well-liked on both side of the isle on Capital Hill.

The signs are all there --

A unexpected layover in Indiana Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon.
A newly announced rally at a school in Indiana with increased Secret Service and a motorcade.
The website obamabayh08.com automatically redirects to the DNC webpage; the same can't be said for any other possible running mate.
Picking Bayh means losing his seat in the Senate to a Republican appointee; however, the recent news that an Alaskan Senator has a little legal trouble, we should be able to take that seat unexpectly, making it a wash.

So it really does look like Wednesday morning will be the announcement of Evan Bayh as the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States of America. It would be a stronger announcement if Hillary returned the favor to Bayh and attended the event; however, that would distract attention from Bayh and remind Hillary voters that she's not the gal. The Wednesday announcement would give us Thursday and Friday to gloat before the world goes Olypics crazy. This Olympics will be particularly newsworthy with all the protests and Communist control over there. I just hope everyone stays safe -- the idea is sort of scary. McCain will have to wait until after the Dems convention to announce his VP. The hope is that the buzz over the 75,000 strong acceptance speech overshadows McCain's pick even days after the convention.

It seems all that's left now is to rate the pick. It looks like Obama is doing as well as he can in Virginia even without Kaine, so we don't necessarily need him. Obama has a slight lead there. However, he is merely close in Indiana -- that means although it has two less electoral votes, Indiana needs a little more attention. Its proximity to Obama's home Illinois makes it even more winnable. So electorally, it seems to make sense. Bayh could help bring Illinios.

Also, Kaine is relatively new on the scene, making him an Obama Jr. as far as the experience argument goes, yet Bayh is no old man, letting people still question if age is a problem for McCain without hurting us. Sure, Kaine had executive experience, but not much. Bayh was governor of Indiana before becoming a Senator, so he has state and national experience. Like Kaine, Bayh earned his undergrad work was in economics, which just so happens to be the top issue with voters this election. As governor Bayh was fiscally responsible, created a surplus, and was able to use that surplus to keep taxes low for years. This made him very popular and got him re-elected in a landslide. This can be spun as how we need to cut spending by ENDING THE WAR IN IRAQ and ending Bush's tax cuts because at a time of war that is NOT fiscally responsible.

He serves in the Senate on the armed services commitee, which gives him some foreign relations experience, as well as the commitee on housing and banking -- another big issue this election cycle. He has stood strong against Bush, voting against most of his political appointments and asking for Rumsfeld's resignation. Unlike Kaine, he is pro-choice, which should be good news for lefties and women voters.

His negatives are a few and are mostly perception and image issues for Obama. Can a Senator with so much influence be a change agent? Will ultra-liberals be upset with a proud centrist. The idea here is to win a general election, so the image as Obama as a moderate uniter seems to be the right play, rather than the liberal reformer. Also, he's not a Catholic like Kaine, so that edge is lost, but may not be needed. There seems to be no scandal or other kind of issue in Bayh's history -- squeeky clean. All-in-all, I'd say an A- simply because some of Obama's base may be upset by his centrist image, but those are the same ones that were upset with Kaine.

In other news, if you believe the polling, Obama is safe with 243 electoral votes, leaving exactly 27 left to win unless something happens to upset voters in the states he seems safe in. Interestingly enough, Florida has exactly 27, so let's get Bill and Hillary down there STAT! Obama is showing a statistically insignificant lead there. It's beginning to look like voter turnout will decide the election with Obama so close to having 270 and so many close states to put him over. If young folks and African Americans turn out in record numbers, we're looking at a landslide. If they dissapoint and only bring a small percent AGAIN, we could lose this thing.

OBAMA/BAYH 08!

OBAMA/BAYH 08! — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:10:52 EDT

No other potential VP has the record that Bayh does, or the ability to bring Independents, moderate Republicans, and Hillary voters over to our side. Everything that Obama lacks, Bayh has. And, as we saw with the Bayh-Lieberman brawl, Bayh won't let the Republicans get away with their little BS Obama talking points.

I think he would bring along the most out of the three, both domestically and internationally. Neither Kaine or Biden have as much total experience as Bayh does. He has on five times in a state that Democrats usually get beaten in, and he is soley responsible for building the IN Democratic Party to what it is today. He was first elected as Sec. of State, then two terms as Governor, and finally he's in his second term as Senator, where he serves on such committees as Intelligence, Armed Services, Small Business, etc. IN would most certainly fall into Obama's category with Bayh, and most likely more states in the West, Midwest, and possible South.

OBAMA/BAYH 08!!! Off to the White House!!!

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008...ml?hpid=topnews

The Case for Evan Bayh

There is no hotter candidate in the vice presidential sweepstakes right now than Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh. In addition to taking over the number one slot in last Friday's Veepstakes Line (no higher honor exists), Bayh was also at the center of veep speculation during a joint appearance with Obama last week in the Hoosier State.

Then on Sunday Bayh appeared on "Fox News Sunday" where he (again) addressed the issue -- in the classic non-denial denial that is common to any close observer of the veepstakes.

"Well, I've said that's not the sort of thing you'd say no to, Chris," Bayh said to host Chris Wallace.

"Which means you'd say yes?" asked Wallace.

"Well, that's the type of thing you do say yes to, and I've said that, but you should probably ask Joe [Lieberman, who appeared with Bayh on the show], he has more experience with the vice presidential questions than I do," Bayh replied.

Is Bayh peaking at the right time? Today we make the case for Barack Obama to pick Bayh. Tomorrow we argue the opposite.

It's All About Indiana

Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) (By Jae C. Hong -- Associated Press) The Democratic presidential candidate has carried Indiana only twice in the last 72 years -- 1936 and 1964.

But, public and private polling seems to suggest that Obama is running competitively with John McCain in the Hoosier State and likely will have a chance to make history in the fall.

The simplest way to tip the scales is for Obama to name Bayh as his running mate. Even Bayh's detractors acknowledge that he is extremely popular in the Hoosier State, having served as the state's governor from 1988 to 1996 and in the Senate since then.

Bayh is also part of one of Indiana's most prominent political families. His father, Birch, served in the Senate from 1962 to 1980 (he was defeated that year by Sen. Dan Quayle) and ran for president (briefly) in 1972 and then again in 1976. Evan Bayh's mother, Marvella, was also a beloved figure in the Hoosier State before she passed away in 1979.

Not only would Bayh tilt Indiana -- and its 11 electoral votes -- to Obama but he also has the potential to help the ticket in Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and maybe even Kentucky.

As a Midwesterner and one who hails from a state where the manufacturing industry has been decimated by the recent economic downturn, Bayh is a credible messenger to the blue collar white voters in the Rust Belt -- the same voters who Obama struggled to attract during the primaries.

Hybrid Appeal

If you believe, as The Fix does, that Obama faces a stark choice between a fresh face and a elder statesman in his vice presidential pick, then the only candidate being seriously considered who could bridge that gap is Bayh.

At 52 (he looks younger), Bayh would allow Obama to cast the choice between the tickets as generational in nature. McCain's age is certain to be an issue for voters in the fall election -- at 72 he would be the oldest person ever elected to a first term as president -- and many Democrats see this election shaping up as a re-run of the 1992 race when the underlying choice was between young and old. For many Democrats, an Obama-Bayh ticket would look a lot like that 1992 Clinton-Gore ticket -- a successful blueprint that led to eight years of Democratic control of the White House.

But, although Bayh is on the young side, he also has a deep and nuanced political resume that would seemingly allow Obama to fight back against the inexperience charge being lobbed at him. Bayh can speak authoritatively on a broad palette of issues ranging from tax cuts to American policy toward China -- the result of his years spent in both state and federal government.

Given McCain's unswerving focus on Obama's experience and readiness for office, picking someone who meets the commander-in-chief test as vice president is considered something close to a necessity among many within the Democratic Party. At the same time, reinforcing Obama as the change and youth candidate with his vice presidential pick would seem to be a no-brainer too.

Only Bayh among those being seriously considered allows Obama to make both arguments simultaneously.

Less Flash, More Substance

There's no debate about which of the two candidates for president this year is the better speaker. Obama is a once-in-a-generation orator; McCain is, at best, a passable speaker.

Knowing that, the McCain campaign has sought to turn Obama's rhetorical gifts against him -- arguing in a recent ad that "beautiful words cannot make our lives better." (Worth noting: this strategy is very similar to the tact taken by Hillary Rodham Clinton in her unsuccessful primary challenge to Obama.)

To counter that, Obama and his campaign have abandoned the arena-type speeches that typified his primary candidacy in favor of smaller gatherings of voters in which the Illinois Senator can speak more frankly (and less grandiloquently) with voters about their everyday concerns.

And yet, it's hard to imagine the McCain campaign giving up on their "all talk, no action" line any time soon. The best way for Obama to deal with that charge then is to put someone on the ticket who is widely regarded as a substance first, style second politician.

Bayh qualifies. He is regularly castigated by the D.C. chattering class as "too boring" and "too vanilla" to be president. Bayh, by his own admission, isn't particularly showy or charismatic as a politician. While that lack of style led to his early exit from this year's presidential race, it also recommends him as a perfect compliment for the uber-flashy Obama.

Obama in many ways can't help the fact that he is treated as a rock star by many people inside and outside politics; by the same token, Bayh can't help that he is seen as a genial policy wonk without enough flash to sell his positions. Together, however, the way the two candidates are perceived compliment each other perfectly and, collectively, the ticket is stronger than either might be alone.

Central Casting

On paper, Evan Bayh is the perfect fit for the vice presidency. He is young and handsome with a postcard-perfect family that includes his wife, Susan, and their twin sons.

In that, he has much in common with Obama whose wife, Michelle, and two young daughters evoke the sort of all-American family that voters like to see in their presidential candidates.

Several observers contacted for this piece by The Fix noted that the combination of the Obamas and the Bayhs on the campaign trail would be an attractive and appealing package for Democrats to sell to voters this fall.

And, while we're on superficialities, Bayh has proven himself -- both in this presidential campaign and in his own past races -- to have a reassuring television presence that connects well with voters. That ability played no small role in the routs of his opponents Bayh has enjoyed for the majority of his political career. (Check out Sen. Bayh in this recent Post Talk interview.)

Many political observers are quick to pooh-pooh the focus on how candidates look -- either in person or on television -- as entirely immaterial to picking the people to run our government.

And yet, electing a president is not unlike selling a product to people. While you may well buy an Ipod because of its functionality and storage capacity, the fact that it looks cool and has become code in our culture for hipness doesn't hurt either.

Obama won't -- and shouldn't -- pick Bayh because of how he looks. But, to discount that as a factor is folly.

Outperforming Low Expectations

The fact that Bayh is widely regarded by political insiders as impossibly boring actually could work to his benefit in the vice presidential sweepstakes.

Witness Bayh's performance in a joint appearance with Obama last week in West Lafayette, Indiana. Asked about his interest in the vice presidency, he acknowledged it was "good for my ego" but demurred on whether he was really in the running. Bayh also managed to work in praise for Obama's hoops skills during his closing remarks -- a sure winner in the basketball-crazy Hoosier State.

Evan Bayh cracked a joke? He made a basketball reference? Yes, Virginia, he may well even be a regular human being.

Those who know Bayh well and have followed him closely over the last few years insist that the Indiana Senator's rapport with voters and ease on the national stage improved vastly during the time in 2007 that he was exploring a bid for president. People, and politicians, mature and change, Bayh allies argue, and the caricature of the wooden (or plastic) Indiana senator is no longer accurate.

The expectations bar for Bayh is set so low that even the smallest amount of personality and jocularity is sure to endear him to the press corps and voters. It's uniquely possible that in picking Bayh, Obama would allow for a re-introduction of the Indiana senator to the chattering class even as he is introduced more broadly to voters.

Our bet? Bayh would perform much more strongly -- from a personality perspective -- that many people would believe.

As always, this piece is meant to spark conversation, so feel free to agree, disagree, condemn or compliment in the comments section below. Tomorrow: The Case Against Bayh.

PLEASE make Jack REED, Bob Kerrey or Sam Nunn Vice President!!!!

Joe — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:15:13 EDT

While I understand the logic of Biden, Kaine, Bayh, I think it's a big mistake. Biden seems like the best of the three names I'm hearing--even though I think of him as too old-school (read: indebted to lobbyist, etc.). I guess Obama is weighing the experience/legitimacy Biden brings to the table versus the Virginia vote that Tim Kaine brings and the popularity/personality of Evan Bayh.

Ugh.

I'd much prefer Jack Reed or Bob Kerrey (or Sam Nunn!). WE NEED TO LOOK/ACT TOUGH ENOUGH to fight the Republicans on the military issues. Lawyers, lawyer-missionaries and lifetime-politicians aren't going to cut it.

--jOE fLOWERS

Tim Kaine in 'Serious' Talks with Obama

jgabriel — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:38:54 EDT

Tim Kaine, the governor of Virginia, is supposedly in 'serious' talks to become Barack Obama's running mate. The other two most serious candidates are Evan Bayh and Joe Biden.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/28/AR2008072802041_2.html

Obama meets with the new Pakistani prime minister today, as well as with House Democrats.

I Like Evan Bayh for Vice President

Rhonda Lipson — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:48:30 EDT

A few days ago I wrote the following:

So, what should be the number one most important criteria to consider in selecting a Vice president? Ultimately this person should be the top advisor in the administration. The Vice President should be a person with good judgment and someone who has a personality that will work well with the President. The Vice President should be supportive of the agenda of the President and in agreement on the issues facing the country. It is not the role of the VP to openly disagree with the President. So we need someone with a good personality match. We need someone who the President feels comfortable with on a day to day basis. These two people will face the toughest of times that any administration has ever faced and they need to be able to work together.

Having said that I do think Evan Bayh would be a good choice if he fits the above criteria. He has an excellent background as both a Governor and a Senator. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Intelligence Committees he brings strong national security credentials. He is a member of the Banking Committee - important experience for the current financial crisis facing that industry. He relates well as a candidate to an entire region - his home state of Indiana as well as Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania and others. If the personality fit is there he would be a good match.

As a former supporter of Hillary Clinton he can also help bring the Party together.

The Case for Evan Bayh

jgabriel — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:20:05 EDT

Chris Cillizza makes an interesting case for Indiana's Evan Bayh as Obama's vice presidential pick. Personally, I think the choices are Evan Bayh, Joe Biden, and Sam Nunn, with Bill Richardson or Kathleen Sebelius as outside picks. What do you think?

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/07/the_case_for_obama.html?hpid=topnews

The Question of Vice President: A Case for Evan Bayh

Bruce Moses — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:50:17 EDT

There have been many great suggestions for candidates for Vice President, but I would like you to take a moment to consider the case for Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana. Thanks to Jeff B who helped to compile some of this information which I have “borrowed”.

First, Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana served as a Democratic Governor of Indiana (a red state) for two terms. This executive experience is something Senator Obama lacks, and Bayh helps make up for this perceived weakness.

Bayh was next elected to Senate in 1998 where he currently serves on five Senate committees: the Armed Services committee; Banking Housing and Urban Affairs, on which he is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on International Trade and Finance; the Select Committee on Intelligence; the Special Committee on Aging; and the Small Business Committee. Senator Bayh clearly has the experience needed for not only a Vice President, but for a President should he need to step into the role. He has been in the public eye for a very long time - his father was a Senator – and so it is safe to say that there should be no October surprise coming out on his background. Senator Bayh has been in at four major elections and he is no stranger to the stump.

Consider Senator Bayh for VP

Bruce Moses — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:24:36 EDT

The issue of reuniting the Party for the general election is looming as a central issue now. While much of the task of healing will be on Clinton’s shoulders (whenever she decides the time has come), I believe there are things Barack can do to help move the process along.

I personally feel, as do apparently 98% of the people posting blogs on the Obama site, that the Hillary for VP option is no good. I have watched for several days on these blogs as various names have been batted around and I have jumped in several times pushing forward some of my favorites - Senator Joseph Biden being one of them.

Now, I do not presume to know who would best compliment Barack on the ticket; Senator Obama will undoubtedly take into account many factors that I have not been able to consider. I would, however, like to ‘step across the line’ into the Hillary camp to pull forward one possible name that I believe should make Barack’s short list.

Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana served as a Democratic Governor of Indiana (a Republican State) for two terms and has been an Indiana Senator since 1998. He currently serves on five Senate committees: Banking Housing and Urban Affairs, on which he is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on International Trade and Finance; Armed Services; the Select Committee on Intelligence; the Special Committee on Aging; and the Small Business Committee. He is a Centrist and would balance the ticket, doing much to dispel the ideas that Barack it “too liberal”. He was considered for the VP slot in 2000 and 2004 and I believe he would make a great president someday (2016?). He is relatively young (52 years old) and has been a strong ally to the Clintons for many years. I think for this reason, many Obama supporters are not mentioning his name right now, but he really could be the glue that brings the Democratic Party back together.

I believe the Clintons would warmly welcome him as an addition to the Obama ticket (he was her likely choice for VP). With Hillary’s genuine enthusiasm solidified behind Obama, her supporters could settle back into the fold and thus stem the crossover defections to McCain’s Republican ticket.

Whatever happens - Clinton's supporters MUST be made to feel welcome in our camp, we will not be able to win the general election without them. Picking a strong, young, and popular statesman like Bayh would make sense all the way around. That’s my thoughts on the issue…what do you think?

Clinton, Bayh Lean Hard on County Chairs, Dividing Indiana

Josh Thomas — Sat, 03 May 2008 22:01:56 EDT

The primary election is in 3 days; where does it stand now? The race is too close to call. Obama leads nationally and insurmountably, but Clinton presses on, dividing the party and the state of Indiana. Meanwhile John McCain has opened an edge against both Democrats—Old Man McCain of "100 more years in Iraq" fame!

Ryan Nees of the must-read Howey Politics Indiana reported May 1 on Evan Bayh's squeeze job on Democratic county chairs and district chairs to fall in line with Hillary Clinton, or else. It's fascinating reading, and one conclusion I get is that Evan Bayh is no Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, whose party apparatus delivered the Keystone State to Mrs. Clinton.

Since Bayh the Colorless wisely dropped his own presidential bid before it got off the ground, and then jumped on Clinton's turnip truck, he's been pressuring statewide Democrats to endorse her so he can get the veep slot. Heaven knows he needs a mammoth booster shot if he's ever going to become a national figure. (You know that's what he wants; just like George W. Bush, Evan has a need to prove Daddy wrong.)

But what Hoosier Democrat would want Evan Bayh anywhere near the White House? He's the man for whom the "Republicrat" tag was invented.

Turns out, according to the Howey report, that Bayh's Buddies are now threatening to withhold support from on-again, off-again Rep. Baron Hil's re-election campaign for having the audacity to endorse Sen. Obama. Here's the quote from HPI:

The ninth district has become especially volatile. District Chairman Mike Jones sought permission to endorse Clinton from his district’s county chairs at three organizational meetings in a row, getting rebuffed each time, according to Jefferson County Chair Jim Melton. Finally Jones endorsed yesterday anyway, departing on the same day from Baron Hill, the congressman whose interests Jones is primarily tasked with looking after, but who bucked Bayh to announce his endorsement of Obama.
Bayh fundraiser Dean Boerste immediately began the retribution against Hill, distributing a mass e-mail to party insiders that angrily accused Hill of "defying all political logic" and threatening "damage to Congressman Hill’s re-election efforts." The message encouraged recipients to call Hill’s office and express their "concerns of [Hill] making any endorsements," advising the congressman to "stay focused on his re-election."

Retribution. It's not just Clinton, it's suck-up Evan Bayh too.

But even that wasn't enough to sway Congressman Hill, and it may not be enough for Hoosier Democrats either. This weekend's polls say the presidential primary is tied, and the momentum has swung back to Obama. What could you buy with Hillary's "quarter and a nickel" gas tax pander?

If she loses, so does Bayh. Which reminds me of a post on my personal blog two months ago, warning that he would pull these shenanigans, America be damned.

Face it, Evan, your Daddy (Sen. Birch Bayh) lost in 1976 not because he was too liberal, but because he got beat by a better candidate who understood the post-Watergate times, who said "I will never lie to you." His name was President Jimmy Carter.

This year, it's Barack Obama who understands the times, the people, what's wrong and what can be made right with America again. While Clinton promises four years of bitter partisanship, Obama offers four years of hope, cooperation and problem-solving.

Maybe Hillary will still manage to pull off Indiana; if so it will likely be by the slimmest of margins, no big victory. If she loses here and in North Carolina, she's done.

And Evan Bayh will have his own re-election to worry about.

Three days, folks. Let's end this race in Indiana with some Hoosier common sense.

We could use some help calling or emailing Ellsworth,Hill and Donnolly..thanks!

LuAnn in Indiana — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:14:03 EDT

May 6th is our primarry and if we can get these 3 congressmen to endorse Barack.

He has a great chance to win Indiana and Hillary should be out. Please help call or email them

Thanks!

LuAnn in Indianai

With his state's critical primary in two short weeks, Democratic Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh -- a strong supporter of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton -- has been leaning on the Hoosier State's freshman House members to stay on the sidelines rather than endorse Sen. Barack Obama.

Obama is hoping to win the outspoken support of Reps. Brad Ellsworth, Baron Hill and Joe Donnolly. He campaigned for them ahead of their 2006 Democratic sweep, and their districts sprawl across the southern half and central heartland of Indiana -- white, working class areas that favor Clinton. Even a good showing in those districts could be enough for Obama to take the state, given his strength in Indianapolis and the largely African American north near Chicago.

In an interview today, Bayh said he has appealed to Ellsworth, Hill and Donnolly to stay out of the race until their voters have spoken. Clinton will take all three of their districts, he said.

"Why should they get crosswise with some of their friends if they really don't need to?" asked Bayh, perhaps the most powerful elected Democrat in the state.

Already, according to three House sources, one member has defied that appeal. Newly elected Rep. Andre Carson of Indianapolis had been in Bayh's sights before he broke for Obama.

The effect of any endorsement -- his included -- "really is pretty marginal," Bayh said.

Call or Email Ellingsworth, Hill and Donnelly before May 6th

LuAnn in Indiana — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:04:16 EDT

In an interview today, Bayh said he has appealed to Ellsworth, Hill and Donnolly to stay out of the race until their voters have spoken. Clinton will take all three of their districts, he said.

"Why should they get crosswise with some of their friends if they really don't need to?" asked Bayh, perhaps the most powerful elected Democrat in the state.

Already, according to three House sources, one member has defied that appeal. Newly elected Rep. Andre Carson of Indianapolis had been in Bayh's sights before he broke for Obama.

The effect of any endorsement -- his included -- "really is pretty marginal," Bayh said.

Bayh has endorsed and is activly campaigning with Hillary.

We need to get these other three congressmen to endorse Barack. We don't have much time so let's all give a big win For Barack so we can start the real campaign against McCain.

Anderson Cooper has weighed in on VP Speculation

Taube — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:46:04 EST

On Feb 28, Anderson Cooper made his VP picks for all three remaining candidates: McCain needs a young governor popular with the base: Mark Sandford, SC, Tim Pawlenty, MN, and Charlie Crist, FL. For HRC: Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, Evan Bayh. And, for Obama: Sam Nunn, General Zinni, or Jim Webb, with Kathleen Sibelius as appealing but unlikely.

My entry in Nicolas Kristof's contest (now closed) was Obama/Nunn 51% vs McCain/Crist 49%. The closeness of the vote was based on low voter turnout in NYC + LA: 20 Congressional Districts gerrymandered to protect incumbents with correspondingly low voter turnout.

I will wait to figure out the electoral college because an Obama/McCain contest puts almost all 50 states in play, almost because I really cannot see Wyoming or Idaho voting Blue for president.

Analysis: The Search for a Vice-Presidential Candidate

Matthew Negrete — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:40:59 EST

INTRODUCTION

This analysis is inspired by the e-mails I have been receiving from the Vice President Speculation Forum and from posts and discussions. Since November, I have been looking for the perfect candidate to be Barack Obama’s running mate, and it is proving difficult. I have set forth what the ideal candidate should possess to adding value to the ticket and the criteria below:

Believes genuinely in changing Washington
Against the Iraq War from the start
Has a number of years experience in high public office
Generally conforms with Senator Obama's positions

Basically, I will explore some of the possible candidates for vice-president (VP) and how some of these candidates could better fulfill cabinet positions, instead. As a note, foreign policy will be used as examples for my arguments, because this is the area of concentration I am most familiar. I welcome anyone who has suggestions based on other areas of concentrations concerning arguing his or her possible VP choices.

Bayh's Endorsement of Clinton

tolerford — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:28:58 EDT

I've just emailed Bayh on his Congressional site expressing my disappointment, forgetting to copy it so I could paste it here, to the effect that Obama's experience outweighs all other candidates, whether or not in Washington; Clinton's "seasoned" credentials include having been a gubernatorial and presidential spouse while engaging in highly questionable legal entanglements throughout; that she's applied her intelligence thusly, and that regardless I am a woman proud of women's progress, her smirk remains and her disengenuous absence of goodness is obvious. Also acknowledged knowing once endorsements were given, they aren't retracted, that he had given me hope during the years he had national exposure, that this was just a difference of opinon, but that my disappointment was strong enough to say so.