Posts with the tag veep

Sarah Palin’s Song: Doin’ What the Lord Tells Me. The Video

mathpol — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:45:28 EDT

Here is the video, Karaoke style.

Here are the lyrics.

Sarah Palin’s Song: Doin’ What the Lord Tells Me

mathpol — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 09:13:06 EDT

(To be sung to the tune of "Doin' what comes natur'lly", from the Broadway musical "Annie Get Your Gun", music and original lyrics by Irving Berlin. New lyrics by Gregory Bachelis.)

Folks are scared I’m not prepared

To govern if elected

But I’ll make a great V. P.

Doin’ what the Lord tells me

(Doin’ what the Lord tells her)

Gals like me could never see

The point of facts and figures

I’ve done well politic’lly

Doin’ what the Lord tells me

(Doin’ what the Lord tells her)

You don’t have to know much foreign affairs

When you can see Russia from your front porch stairs

From my earliest days in the PTA

Religious/social issues were my forte'

God advises me

(God advises her)

Thank you, Joe!

sherronthetruth — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:32:40 EDT

Dear Joe- You were wonderful. I have long admired and respected you. I have always looked to you for truth in our nations most trying times. I wanted to share the following quote because it so eloquently states my respect for you:

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
- Theodore Roosevelt

I am very proud to stand with Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Thanks to you both for answering the call.

Joe Lieberman: Traitor or Mole? Or Dupe? And John McCain’s Ambition.

mathpol — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:01:54 EDT

Frank Rich had a great column in Sunday's New York Times, "Palin and McCain's Shotgun Marriage". In it he states

[McCain] wanted to choose the pro-abortion-rights Joe Lieberman as his vice president. If he were still a true maverick, he would have done so. But instead he chose partisanship and politics over country. “God only made one John McCain, and he is his own man,” said the shafted Lieberman in his own tedious convention speech last week. What a pathetic dupe.

Here is the comment I posted.

“I felt that his speech was very intriguing, rather than tedious, as you described it. Quite a balancing act! I still feel that his super-sized ego has more to do with this than anything else. Given the way McCain has tacked to the right, much of what Lieberman said about him doesn't apply anymore.

However, Lieberman's comments about partisanship were straight out of Obama’s playbook.

Palin's Speech written by Bush's Speech writer

Unknown user — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:38:24 EDT

Here's the Wiki on the guy who wrote the speech Palin used to say how she is a "Washington outside."

Matthew Scully (born March 30, 1959, in Casper, Wyoming) is an American author, journalist, and speechwriter. He worked as a speechwriter in the 2000 presidential campaign, and served as a special assistant and senior speechwriter for President George W. Bush from January 2001 to August 2004. He has also written for vice-presidents Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney, the late Governor Robert P. Casey of Pennsylvania, and vice presidential nominee Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska.

Alaska Commentator on Palin VP pick

Rosewalker — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:47:08 EDT

Link for the following post:

http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/08/29/what-is-mccain-thinking-one-alaskans-perspective/

Mudflats Tiptoeing Through the Muck of Alaskan Politics What is McCain Thinking? One Alaskan’s Perspective.29 08 2008

Lovely Downtown Wasilla, Alaska

“Is this a joke?” That seemed to be the question du jour when my phone started ringing off the hook at 6:45am here in Alaska. I mean, we’re sort of excited that our humble state has gotten some kind of national ‘nod’….but seriously? Sarah Palin for Vice President? Yes, she’s a popular governor. Her all time high approval rating hovered around 90% at one point. But bear in mind that the 90% approval rating came from one of the most conservative, and reddest-of-the-red states out there. And that approval rating came before a series of events that have lead many Alaskans to question the governor’s once pristine image.

There is no doubt in my mind that many Alaskans are feeling pretty excited about this. But we live in our own little bubble up here, and most of the attention we get is because of The Bridge to Nowhere, polar bears, the indictment of Ted Stevens, and the ongoing investigation and conviction of the string of legislators and oil executives who literally called themselves “The Corrupt Bastards Club”.

So seeing our governor out there in the national spotlight accepting the nomination for Vice Presidential candidate is just downright surreal. Just months ago, when rumors surfaced that she was on the long version of the short list, she was questioned if she’d be interested in the position. She said she couldn’t answer “until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day. I’m used to being very productive and working real hard in an administration. We want to make sure that that VP slot would be a fruitful type of position, especially for Alaskans and for the things that we’re trying to accomplish up here….”

There is no doubt that Palin has fierce territorial loyalties. When elected governor there was much concern because she came right out and said she would favor her own home town of Wasilla (where she was mayor) and its surrounding environs collectively known as “the Valley” while leading the state. And it’s obvious from her statement that Alaska was on her mind when accepting the VP nod (see my emphasis above).

So what is it that we’re “trying to accomplish up here”?

Palin is currently in the middle of a controversial gas pipeline project in Alaska. She’s favored the ‘Trans Canada’ proposal that will run the pipeline through Canada, in effect shipping US jobs over the border. Many Alaskans, including former governors, have favored the “All Alaska Route”.
She is also sueing the federal government over listing the polar bears as a threatened species. The science was even compelling enough to convince the Secretery of the Interior that the bears needed to be listed. But acknowlegement of this issue, and the potential disruption to development on Alaska’s oil-rich north slope spurred Palin to attempt to stop the listing.
Does she want to open ANWR? Yes. Every politician in Alaska wants to open ANWR. It’s basically a requirement if you ever hope to get elected for anything. Even Mark Begich, the progressive Democrat running against the indicted Senator and Alaskan institution Ted Stevens, is pro-drilling. That’s the sea we swim in up here. There are a few anti-drilling folks, but you have to look hard to find them, and work hard to have them admit it.

Will all this wash with voters in the ‘Lower 48′? Time will tell.

18 Million Cracks in the Glass Ceiling

It was obvious anyway, but became beat-you-over-the-head-with-a-two-by-four obvious when Palin referenced the ‘glass ceiling’ line, that this choice is a blatant pander to women. I would like to believe that women will actually feel insulted by this. Yes, it would have been historic if Hillary had gotten the nomination. It was historic that she made it as far as she did. Yes, it would be great to have a woman in the oval office, or in the VP slot if they are the right woman…a woman who got there with her own drive, grit, determination, intelligence, skill and merits. When you’re hand-picked by a man to win votes simply because you are a woman, that doesn’t count, and it doesn’t break any kind of ceiling. Would we have had a Stan Palin as our VP pick? No. So choosing a woman because you think her gender will get votes is insulting.

Governor “Squeakyclean”….or not.

Another focus of Palin’s introduction today was her reform image. Listen to John McCain and you’ll hear about a maverick reformer who took on big oil, took on corrupt Alaska politicians, and whose ethics are unquestioned.

Alaskans really want to like Sarah Palin. In a state where corruption is the rule, and the same faces keep recycling over and over and over again like a bad dream, a new face, with a promise of reform seemed like a breath of fresh air. Palin defeated incumbent governor Frank Murkowski (father of Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski who he appointed to his own Senate seat when he was elected governor) because he was such an obnoxious, bloviating, downright BAD politician. This staunchly republican state voted with relief, not having to cross over and vote Democratic, but still able to get Murkowski the hell out of office. In the general election Palin swept into office running against a former Democratic governor, Tony Knowles, who was capable but came with baggage. And he represented to Alaskans more of the same, tired old-style politics, and special interests that we have come to loathe.

So, if McCain had made his selection six months ago, the squeaky-clean governor meme would have made a little more sense. But, Sarah Palin is currently under an ethics investigation by the Alaska state legislature. The details of this investigation read like a trashy novel, and I suspect that the players will soon have newfound celebrity on the national stage. I’ll try to explain for all you non-Alaskans who suddenly have good reason to want to know more about Sarah Palin. For those of you not interested in trashy novels, feel free to skip ahead. Here it is…what we in Alaska call “TrooperGate”.

Sarah Palin’s sister Molly married a guy named Mike Wooten who is an Alaska State Trooper. Mike and Molly had a rocky marriage. When the marriage broke up, there was a bitter custody fight that is still ongoing. During the custody investigation, all sorts of things were brought up about Wooten including the fact that he had illegally shot a moose (yes folks this is Alaska), driven drunk, and used a taser (on the test setting, he reminds us) on his 11-year old stepson, who supposedly had asked to see what it felt like. While Wooten has turned out to be a less than stellar figure, the fact that Palin’s father accompanied him on the infamous moose hunt, and that many of the dozens of charges brought up by the Palin family happened long before they were ever reported smacked of desperate custody fight. Wooten’s story is that he was basically stalked by the family.

After all this, Wooten was investigated and disciplined on two counts and allowed to kept his position with the troopers. Enter Walt Monegan, Palin’s appointed new chief of the Department of Public Safety and head of the troopers. Monegan was beloved by the troopers, did a bang-up job with minimal funding and suddenly got axed. Palin was out of town and Monegan got “offered another job” (aka fired) with no explanation to Alaskans. Pressure was put on the governor to give details, because rumors started to swirl around the fact that the highly respected Monegan was fired because he refused to fire the aforementioned Mike Wooten. Palin vehemently denied ever talking to Monegan or pressuring Monegan in any way to fire Wooten, or that anyone on her staff did. Over the weeks it has come out that not only was pressure applied, there were literally dozens of conversations in which pressure was applied to fire him. Monegan has testified to this fact, spurring an ongoing investigation by the Alaska state legislature. But, before this investigation got underway, Palin sent the Alaska State Attorney General out to do some investigative work of his own so she could find out in advance what the real investigation was going to find. (No, I’m not making this up). The AG interviewed several people, unbeknownst to the actual appointed investigator or the Legislature! Palin’s investigation of herself uncovered a recorded phone call retained by the Alaska State Troopers from Frank Bailey, a Palin underling, putting pressure on a trooper about the Wooten non-firing. Todd Palin (governor’s husband) even talked to Monegan himself in Palin’s office while she was away. Bailey is now on paid administrative leave.

As if this weren’t enough, Monegan’s appointed replacement Chuck Kopp, turns out to have been the center of his own little scandal. He received a letter of reprimand and was reassigned after sexual harrassment allegations by a former coworker who didn’t like all the unwanted kissing and hugging in the office. Was he vetted? Obviously not. When he was questioned about all this, his comment was that no one had asked him and he thought they all knew. Kopp, defiant, still claimed to have done nothing wrong and said to the press that there was no way he was stepping down from his new position. Twenty four hours later, he stepped down. Later it was uncovered that he received a $10,000 severance package for his two weeks on the job from Palin. Monegan got nothing.

After extensive news coverage about all this nasty behind-the-scenes scandal, which is definitely NOT squeaky clean, Palin’s approval ratings fell to 67%, still high, but a far cry from the 90% number that’s being thrown around so glibly by the Republicans today. Alaskans are quickly becoming disillusioned once again.

“Executive Experience”

Before her meteoric rise to political success as governor, just two short years ago Sarah Palin was the mayor of Wasilla. I had a good chuckle at MSN.com’s claim that she had been the mayor of “Wasilla City”. It is not a city. Just Wasilla. Wasilla is the heart of the Alaska “Bible belt” and Sarah was raised amongst the tribe that believes creationism should be taught in our public schools, homosexuality is a sin, and life begins at conception. She’s a gun-toting, hang ‘em high conservative. Remember…this is where her approval ratings come from. There is no doubt that McCain again is making a strategic choice to appeal to a particular demographic - fundamentalist right-wing gun-owning Christians. And Republican bloggers are already gushing about how she has ‘more executive experience’ than Obama does! Above is a picture of lovely downtown Wasilla, for those of you unfamiliar with the area. Behind the Mug-Shot Saloon (the first bar I visited when I moved to Alaska long ago) is a little strip mall. There are street signs in Wasilla with bullet holes in them. Wasilla has a population of about 5500 people, and 1979 occupied housing units. This is where your potential Vice President was two short years ago. Can you imagine her negotiating a nuclear non-proliferation treaty? Discussing foreign policy? Understanding non-Alaskan issues? Frankly, I don’t even know if she’s ever been out of the country. She may ‘get’ Alaska, but there are only a half a million people here. Don’t get me wrong….I love Alaska with all my heart. I’m just saying.

I, and all Alaskans will be interested to see how this whole process unfolds. This is definitely a gamble for McCain, and in my humble opinion, a gift to Obama and to Joe Biden who just got thrown a big hunk of red meat for the vice presidential debate.

This is the wedge-issue, desperate ’Hail Sarah’ pass of the McCain campaign.

Now I’m off to get some Jiffy Pop.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

Sarah Palin? McCain’s Next Trophy Girl?

How To Deal With Palin - Ignore Her

Simon Gornick — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:57:00 EDT

McCain's Veep Choice is - like so many other decisions by his campaign - a completely tactical move. And a very good one too. Sarah Palin brings far more positives than negatives to McCain's campaign, and represents a big trap that our people could easily fall right into.

Let's examine why she's a great choice. Firstly, she's a darling to social conservatives and fires up the Republican base. Secondly, she's got a maverick reputation (which buttresses McCain's shaky claims to the moniker). Thirdly, she's a woman and gives McCain an out from the "Old White Guy" syndrome, and an opportunity to cash in on the white working class woman voter. Fourthly, she apparently knows more about energy policy than most "Hockey Moms". Lastly, she's pretty good looking, and in the "American Idol" political world of today that means far more than it should.

Her weaknesses are pretty obvious. One, as has already been stated frequently, she undercuts the McCain "Is he ready to lead" line (although my guess is that McCain's people feel they've hit home with that and are moving on). Two, she's a complete unknown and may have some of her own baggage (including her very own Troopergate. No doubt she's assured the GOP vetters that it's no big deal - but these things have a life of her own). Three, her strident Evangelical views might be too much for many of the so-called disaffected Clinton supporters to swallow. Four, she puts McCain's age and health in play - because she's a heartbeat away.

We need to be very careful dealing with Governor Palin. She comes across as a very deterimined and feisty performer, who looks likely to relish the cut and thrust of the campaign. Her shrill ordariness is a major asset in a political world where mediocrity is golden. She's also a huge bear trap (pardon the vaguely Alaskan reference). If we mix it up with her - she can play the wronged woman and the charges of mysogyny will fly. Absurd as that would be - some of it would stick and undermine our guy's appeal to women.

The best course of action is to ignore her.

Utah Romney Shaft

Ruffled Feathers — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:47:08 EDT

Today Senator John McCain; the Republicans choice for the Presidential nomination selected his Vice President choice and it was NOT Mitt Romney as most Utahans have been strung out to hope. Instead he picked a young, attractive and inexperienced first term Governor from the state of Alaska.

Many devout John McCain supporters in the state of Utah are disappointed because of the false hopes that they were given. Prior to this announcement I have been told by several people that they support McCain because of who his veep will most likely be (assuming it would be Mitt Romney).

John McCain as have the all Presidential candidates since former resigned prior to being impeached - President Nixon (Republican) have taken the great state of Utah for granted and have considered Utah as a free bee, a no-brainer and will always vote Republican for a guaranteed easy win.

It is my intentions after this latest Utah snub to help the good people of my state "see the light."

Did you know that Utah has a long history of voting for Democrat Presidential contenders?

In fact starting with the election in 1916 - Utah voted for Woodrow Wilson defeating Republican Charles Evans Hughes 85,135 to 54,137 votes.

In the 1932 election Utah being tormented by the Great Depression, turned its back on Republican politicians, voting for Democratic candidate Roosevelt who won with 116,750 votes compared to 84,513 for incumbent Herbert Hoover.

In 1944 Franklin D. Roosevelt carried Utah for a fourth time, with 150,088 votes to 97,891 for Republican Thomas E. Dewey.

In 1948 Harry S. Truman continued the Democratic domination of Utah that began with the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932 with a victory of 149,151 to 124,402 votes over Thomas E. Dewey.

In 1964 Utah voters gave a majority to the Democratic presidential candidate, Lyndon B. Johnson. John F. Kennedy's vice presidential running mate, who became president when Kennedy was assassinated on 22 November 1963, Lyndon Johnson might be considered an incumbent, and his 219,628 votes to the 181,785 votes for Barry N. Goldwater gave a 54.7 percent victory for Johnson and his "Great Society" over the conservative Goldwater.

As you consider who to vote for now that Mitt Romney will not be on the ballet in any way shape or form. Please keep in mind the following quote from the founder of the State of Utah - Brigham Young... "Are we a political people? Yes, very political indeed. But what party do you belong to or would you vote for? I will tell you whom we will vote for: we will vote for the man who will sustain the principles of civil and religious liberty, the man who knows the most and who has the best heart and brain for a statesman; and we do not care a farthing whether he is a Whig, a Democrat, … a Republican, … or anything else. These are our politics (DBY, 358)." Chapter 36: Earthly Governments and the Kingdom of God,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 267

I believe that out of our two choices that the man that will sustain the principles of civil and religious liberty and who knows the most and who has the best heart and brain for a statesman is clearly Senator Barack Obama.

Vice President Sarah Palin?

AJ Miller — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:13:21 EDT

I don't understand. Now I may be seventeen--and feel free to call me young and stupid if you would like--but McCain's VP pick doesn't make much sense to me.

Let's look at what McCain's main contentions have been:

Barack Obama is a celebrity- You know, the "he's running on his race" euphemisms.

Barack Obama is young and inexperienced- Obama is 47 and has served in the Illinois legislature and the U.S. Senate.

Now let's look at Governor Palin:

Is McCain attempting to "run on Palin's gender"? That argument could be made. Particularly since he's spent the last week trying to anger female voters that Clinton is not on the Deomcratic ticket. This is the "look, see, he didn't pick a woman, but I did" tactic. At least to my eyes. But then, again, I'm young and stupid.

Does McCain really want to talk about youth and inexperience? Palin is 44. She was a town mayor. She has been governor of Alaska for a whopping two years.

I know from having a 79-year-old, politically rambunctious grandmother whom my mother has aptly nicknamed "Donna Quixote" that age rarely matters. But in the case of the Presidency of the United States, it does. McCain is old. There's no arguing that point.

When you are as old as McCain is, do you really want to run with a Vice President who is arguably inexperienced? Let's face it, if McCain doesn't survive four years in the Oval Office, America will wind up with Governor Palin for its President.

Upon examining Palin's political views, we find a strong social conservative. If I'm not mistaken, we've been living under one for eight years. Adding her social conservatism to McCain's 90%-with-Bush voting record, upon doing the math, you will inevitably come to the conclusion that McCain/Palin is not the change ticket.

So the basic question of this blog is:

What is McCain thinking?

Joe Biden, an inspirational choice

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:43:37 EDT

An inspirational choice!!!

And one that speaks to Obama's self-confidence and concern for his country.

A boffo ticket; one that makes you proud to be an American!

Hello Again Barack Obama and Joe Biden

SteveG — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:01:40 EDT

I know I said that I was angry over the FISA bill vote, but after the speeches today I am back on board wholeheartedly.

When I first heard the announcement, I was not sure that Biden was the best pick. Now that I have heard his speach and am reminded what a running mate can do for a ticket, I think Barack Obama has made an excellent choice.

I even made another donation to the campaign.

Obama-Biden: Progressive, Challenged, Changed

Marjani — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:01:48 EDT

Video Clip

Just Biden His Time!

Bill F — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:56:00 EDT

While I was somehwhat miffed that we had to wait so long to find out who the VP would be, now that the emotional waiting is over, I can see the wisdom of the decision to wait. We now roll into the convention on a high, possibly keeping the VP bounce and combining it with the convention bounce. McCain will have a lame convention, with controversy over LIEberman, Bush, and Cheney, and a VP rollout that has already leaked (Romney) or will be extremely lame (Pawlenty). Obama, once again, has done it right and showed how he and his people will run this country the right way.

Now, the timing strategy is not the only important thing Obama has done right (I love the 3 AM phone call connotation to the text message). The man he picked is a great pick as well. While I would have been okay with Kaine or Bayh, and thrilled with Kerry, Gore, or Clinton, this is the right choice. We've got an experienced -- real experience Mr. McCain -- Catholic, white-working-class-lunchbucket Democrat with enough liberalism to satisfy Obama fans and enough "have a beer with" appeal to get those not so thrilled with Obama but wanting a change in Washington from the past eight years. I think this clinches PA and helps in places like Ohio and Michigan. What most don't notice as a possitive, in fact, most make fun of it, is the gray, balding head. We've done poorly with seniors. This should show them its okay to vote for Obama, he likes old folks, too.

The best part of Biden is his rhetoric. This guy just doesn't give a flying fudge. He may be toned back a bit until the election is over, but there will be plenty of sound bites to get under McCain's aging skin. See any of the debates for proof -- he's downright entertaining. "Noun, verb, and 9/11" -- priceless! He's able to use wit, charm, real straight-talk, and intellect to put ANYONE in their place. Even when he does go too far, the media seems to see it as charming and just Joe being Joe -- see the BS comment about Bush. Usually, his over-the-top jabs are on the money, not below the belt, so he gets away with it. I don't envy anyone who has to debate him. Romney may do okay, but lose handily; Pawlenty will be out of his element and look like he's taking a seminar class in America 101 from Prof. Biden.

So, "the biggest celebrity in the world" choses an everyday Joe. The VP pick is more about a message to the voters than anything. The message -- "I care about you, the middle class, the little guy." Don't let McCain fool anyone, its Obama who is for the people, by the people -- not McRealestate.

Sure, Biden's remarks about Obama not being ready will come back, but can be explained -- and if McCain taps Romney, we can do the same. Sure, it doesn't look like CHANGE, but Biden can always say he's been fighting to change Washington for over 30 years and now he has a chance to do it with Barack. The only other thing to get over is the fact that Obama-Biden sounds a bit like Osama BinLaden. I don't think that will be an issue. While McCain's chasing BinLaden to the gates of hell, possibly to join him there, Obama will be in the White House finding out that actually consentrating on Afghanistan will make finding BinLaden much easier than that. See you in hell, Johnny!

Now, since I've advocated for just about every possible VP shortlister (other than CHET EDWARDS??), do I still get to say "I told you so"? Guess not.

Jesse Ventura

March4health4All — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:27:50 EDT

I know a lot of people are afraid to vote for Senator Obama because they believe he is a Muslim, I am somewhat afraid of him because I almost believe him when he says he is a devoted Christian. To all of us who are not, Jews, atheist, agnostics or just tolerant, non fanatics human beings, the Christian right, evangelicals, Southern Baptists are really scary. They have cause more damage to this country with there misogynistic, homophobic, self-righteous puritanical impositions than any Muslim ever could; and if you are Jewish, well, the Aryan race did not look like Obama, just open your history book to the 40s, to see what the enemy really looked like.

So, if Obama does not pick Senator Clinton, the obvious need to win choice, here is a suggestion to ease the fears of the likes of me: Jesse Ventura.

He is independent, outspoken and would make a great attack dog. He would certainly not subject himself to an Orange County setup against a nonexistent cone of silence, and a never happened coin toss. He would show the appropriate irreverence to the holly setup.

Yes, definitely Jesse Ventura should be the one.

Hillary for VP

Yar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:58:51 EDT

I know this is a day late and a dollar short. But I just have to say it.

Barack: Choose Hillary for VP.

I was not a Hillary supporter. I supported Barack Obama from nearly the start. So my opinion has nothing to do with Hillary as a first choice.

Hillary brings her supporters to the cause if you select her.

Hillary brings her various experience, real and perceived, to the cause.

But most important of all: She brings her fighting spirit with her.

Barack, I love you. I understand what you say and why you say it. But that alone is not going to win this election. The Rovian machine is going to walk all over you and we are going to end up with a minimum of 4 more years of GOP hell.

We cannot afford that! For the love of all that is American, please pick Hillary! And then let's launch a massive offensive at McCain and the Rovian death machine!

Back to Hillary...?

Bill F — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:12:44 EDT

Though the recent speculation suggests otherwise, I can't help but be pulled back into thinking Barack will pick Hillary as VP. Despite what some ardent supporters say, the majority of the party, including those who are actually delegates (super or otherwise) want this. Here are some random thoughts brought to the surface by 40 minutes on the treadmill and a shower...

The VP does not HAVE to speak on Wednesday. Perhaps she would have gone Wednesday, but the aniversary of women gaining the right to vote was too symbolic to pass up -- the Obama campaign loves symbolism.
Wouldn't it be perfect for Pelosi -- Congress' top gun (a women) -- to introduce Hillary as the VP candidate on that historic occasion? She is speaking Tuesday before Hillary. Ah, more symbolism.
They could easily change Tuesday's schedule to Wednesday if we're married to the fact the VP should speak Wednesday. Perhaps another speaker will cover world affairs -- someone being kept quiet so as not to tip off that the veep is Hillary. Maybe someone auditioning for Secretary of State or Defense.
I just read a blog, which could be completely fabricated, that says he or she received an arroneous text message stating "Sen Clinton 2B VP" followed by a brief blurb about her leadership and another thanking for support. The language sounded straight out of the Obama camp, but a true fan could fake it. A blogger looking for attention or to fuel controversy, OR an accidental message sent -- test gone arry, wrong number, etc.
It just feels like Barack has something up his sleeve -- why not fish or cut bait on whether her name will be in nomination. Another ploy so as not to tip us off.

Whomever it is, I'm going to bet Hillary and keep my chips down until I know for a fact otherwise. It seems logical, neccessary, and the kind of overhyped trickery that Obama has become famous for. (No insult there; I'm all for overhype and trickery.) The other trick he could be pulling is naming Webb VP to speak about foreign affairs on Wednesday, meaning that whole overblown letter to Obama (something that never needed to happen, as others just flat out say they don't want the job) a prop to get Webb off the radar so he could be the surprise.

**********************************UPDATE**************************************

Mark Warner has just been named the keynote speaker of the convention and will deliver his speech TUESDAY night. This would make a crowded night, especially when it was being touted as "Hillary's Day" at the convention. This would probably upset Clinton followers as some attention would be diverted from the Hillary butt-kiss fest. THAT IS UNLESS... Hillary will be moved to Wednesday as the VP pick. It even makes more sense now.

For Warner this helps him in his bid for Senate in Virginia. The exposure will get him more turnout, and with Democrats flocking to the polls to get Warner, who is very popular in VA, elected, Obama stands to gain significant votes. This seems to be the plan for winning Virginia, a state he is already close in -- get voters enthusiastic about Warner through a convention speech to gain voters for himself. Appearently, that move means Obama thinks he can win Virginia through more subtle measures than making Kaine, Webb, or Warner the VP.

Could it Be Clark?

Bill F — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:34:15 EDT

The hot rumor is now that Barack is back to Wes Clark for VP. This is due to the VP's speaking day being Wednesday at the convention, the day themed "Securing America's Future". The day is supposed to be about foreign affairs, protecting the country, and honoring veterans. The talk immediately switched to Kerry, Clark, Bayh, and Beiden. But once the bloggers realized "Securing America's Future" is Wes Clark's PAC, the spotlight moved entirely on Clark.

I know you're saying, didn't Obama reject and denounce Clark for his comments against McCain's military service. But he didn't really. He said that diminishing McCain's heroism, patriotism, and service wouldn't be accepted by anyone. He never mentioned Clark by name -- so, perhaps Obama doesn't feel Clark was doing that with his comments that crashing a helicopter doesn't make you automatically qulified for the job of president. Which, of course, is obviously true and not demeaning to McCain's service at all.

If we look back at his Meet the Press interview that turned to VP considerations, his answers about not trying to bring a state or get a "yes" man, but rather someone who could change Washington (a capital hill outsider), work with him and tell him when he disagrees, and bring a skill set that will be helpful in our challanges ahead, fit Clark to a T. So, do we have our guy? Who the hell knows at this point...I'll wait for an E-mail Sunday night and a rally Monday morning to find out for sure.

Be the First to Know Barack's VP Choice

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:51:31 EDT

Find out via text message the moment Barack makes his VP choice by texting VP to 62262.

Or click here to find out who the VP choice is via email.

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.

More on Hillary

Bill F — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:25:20 EDT

I read a blog today from someone who claimed to have worked extensively with Obama and also claims to be a personal friend of Hillary Clinton (liar or Senator?) and CLAIMS that they truly are friends. He or she said they both are very competitive and wanted to win, and they both understand that about each other. They have left the primaries behind and are ready to move on (Bill is another question altogether). If this is true, a VP nod may be coming for the Hillster. In their few appearences together since she suspended her campaign, they have looked very chummy together -- good actors or the real deal.

Some speculate that when they took a plane together after Obama met with his VP vetter in his law office, in the company of Caroline Kennedy (another vetter), the deal was done. The rest of this VP tango has been a ruse because he wants it to look like his choice, to be a surprise, and to be considered "defying conventional wisdom" -- an outside the box pick rather than the obvious choice.

Has the entire Democratic party been dragging us along on a magical, mystery ride just to come back to the original "obvious" conclusion. If Hillary's people are moved by her being on the ticket, and Obama's people are satisfied with her praise and the excitement of the convention, this could work out. And I had another thought. For those worried about McCain commercials showing Hillary attacking Obama, what about Obama commercials showing McCain PRAISING Hillary as he did when he was trying to court her supporters. We could probably find enough video of him praising Obama to do a whole string of adds with McCain complementing the entire ticket.

Of course I have also been hearing rumors that Obama had selected Feingold from jump street, and the rest has been a ruse -- from day one. That may be more of a risky pick than we realize. 98 out of 100 on the liberal scale and divorced twice isn't the typical perscription for a Democratic veep. But this hasn't been a typical election cycle. Of course Bayh, Kaine, and Beiden are all still out there looming. The suspense is killing me!

How about this lineup...

Hillary VP
Beiden Chief of Staff
Webb Secretary of Defense
Feingold Attorny General
Richardson Secretary of State
Bloomberg Treasury Secretary
Hagel Director of Homeland Security (he promised there'd be republicans in his cabinet)
Bill Clinton Newly created Czar of African issues
Al Gore Newly created Czar on environmental issues and climate change
Kieth Olberman Press Secretary (just a fantasy here, close your eyes and picture that!)

Hillary Back in Vogue?

Bill F — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:23:35 EDT

As the media continues to predict that Hillary as VP is as good as dead, I think we need to take a closer look. Many who know Obama say he loves to be in control and wants this VP thing to be as secret as possible. He wants us to know nothing until the day HE announces it. So Kaine, Bayh, Beiden -- not so big secrets. There's been more leaks about them then I can count. I think we're being set up for a surprise. Why? Picking Hillary without all this veepstakes circus insanity would look like she forced him into it. Instead, we've been shown that this was a painstaking process done Obama's way to find the person HE, and only he, wants. So, if he comes back to Hillary in the end, it was his decision -- not pressure from her and her supporters. Let's look at the evidence.

First, why the big to-do about the vetting team and them interviewing folks on capital hill? It's like they wanted us to see the process in, well, process. Why such a big deal? To make it look like Obama was doing a complete vetting process on several contenders -- not just giving it to Hillary.
Second, naming Patty S. Doyle as the veep's chief of staff. Why do that and risk pissing off Hillary supporters even more? Perhaps Doyle's demise with the Hillary camp was aimicable and she would like to work with her again. Perhaps ovatures toward Hillary staff by Obama isn't simply to smooth things over, but to put a Hillary-friendly team in place to deal with her.
Third, with all the hell being raised by Hillary supporters, why is everyone so confident that there will be unity after the convention? There genuinely seems to be no worries on the part of any of the parties involved here, despite talk of protests and putting her name in nomination.
Fourth, why, after two straight near-misses by the media due to timely leaks with Kaine and Bayh, has there been so much Clinton talk the past couple of days? Do you really think Bill Clinton is stupid enough to say Obama may not be ready to be president? Come on. More theatre.
Fifth, we now are being told that Obama will announce the veep the week prior to the convention. That would be the 18th to the 22nd. That week is supposed to be the media blitz -- all VP all the time. This gives the ticket two weeks of good press. Why in God's name would Obama put Hillary in Florida -- a state that could clinch the election for Barack -- on the 21st. Hillary campaigning in Florida will draw a ton of media, especially if she's not the pick and her supporters are being reminded by her appearance that she got "snubbed". He would be killing his own veep's media buzz...unless SHE IS THE VEEP. Perhaps they use that day in Florida to announce her -- that would be huge, especially in Florida. Give us that 27, and my map shows an even 270 without even winning Ohio, Virginia, Colorado, Indiana, or Montana. Lights out.
Finally, we now know Wednesday night, just before the veep speaks, Bill Clinton will address the convention...possibly announcing the veep. This would be more salt in the Clinton wounds to force Bill to introduce the person that beat out his wife for veep. I don't see that as unifying...unless, once again, he is introducing his own wife. What a moment. The people will eat it up.

One blogger that I read, who claimed to have worked with and around Obama in the past, said she thought Barack was setting us up for a surprise. The only way, according to her, that Obama could keep this whole thing secret from the press would be to lead them astray as much as possible, then drop the bombshell, on his terms. Now, his staff has stated it will not be a surprise. But, with all the speculation about Hillary from "day one", that may be a smart-ass way to say -- no surprise, of course it's Hillary.

Surely, most will disagree, and even be angry at the thought, but I'm just speculating and laying out some evidence. I've done that before incorrectly, though, so why listen to me? Don't. I'm just saying. Either Obama has done a terrible job planning, and his campaign has orchastrated a veep rollout and convention that is going to really piss off the Hillary people, or he's picking her. Keep in mind, the polls show that Barack's slim (and getting slimmer) lead jumps to a 9 or 10 point lead with Hillary on the ticket, fueled by 87% support from Democrats as opposed to 79% by himself. So, as much as you all may say picking Hillary would upset his "base", the stats say something else. Bayh may bring Indiana and Michigan; Kaine may bring Virginia and even North Carolina, but Hillary brings Florida, Ohio, clinches Pennsyvania, and Arkansas -- a total of 74 electoral votes!

Obama's Veep

Chris Ellbogen — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:56:55 EDT

ALthough I hate to say it, I think Hillary Clinton should be Obama's running mate. It seems right now to be the only logical decision. If Hillary had lost the nomination by a large margin or quietly dropped out of the race, this wouldn't have to happen. But it seems that only a small minority of Hillary supporters will vote for Obama in November. They say that if their candidate isnt on the ticket, then it is better to vote for the corrupt Republican Party.

If it wasnt such a big deal, I would think that Barack's best VP choice would be Wesley Clarke. He has a lot of experience, and Obama could make the argument that with someone with vast experience at his side; his own lack of experience wont be a problem. And Mr. Clarke is a Hillary supporter.

But unfortunately, I think Hillary has to be in the VP spot in order to win the general election, which is the most important goal of all. A lot of Hillary supporters now support McSame, and Obama only leads him by a small margin nationally. With the current President's low approval rating and with a majority of the country wanting change, Obama should be leading McBush by a wide margin. Its those Hillary supporters who wont support Obama. They are ruining everything.

The only way to win in November is to make the Hillary supporters happy, and that is putting the fomer first lady on the ticket.

The Ultimate Revenge: The Obama/Gore Ticket

Marjani — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:41:12 EDT

LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!

ROTFLLMAO!!!!!!

The Republicans will all have heart attacks and drop dead on the spot!

Bwahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!

Vice President Gore, the sequel?

Mike Mikolajczyk — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:37:31 EDT

After many people waited in vain for former Vice President Al Gore to declare a campaign for the Presidency in 2008, Gore has successfully transitioned from public administrator to champion of environmental causes - or has he?

TNR: Veep Week

Chesco Bill — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:08:19 EDT

The Mouth
Ed Rendell's charm offensive.
Buzz Bissinger, The New Republic Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Roughly a decade ago, when Ed Rendell was the mayor of Philadelphia, he made a controversial decision to appear with Nation of Islam minister Louis Farrakhan at a rally. Farrakhan was in town in the aftermath of an assault by a gang of whites on an African American woman and her son and nephew in a notoriously gritty and racist part of the city. Many politicians, especially Jewish ones, would have kept far away from the incendiary Farrakhan. Portions of Rendell's liberal base were outraged. Protesters marched outside his home. But he went ahead anyway.
....more

Mad Skills
The upside of Jim Webb's anger.
Eve Fairbanks, The New Republic Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2008

In the spring of 2006, Jim Webb was not yet a rising superstar. In fact, he was late getting started and low on cash in his effort to win the Virginia Democratic primary, so an admiring Roanoke circuit clerk named Steve McGraw took pity on him and agreed to put him up when he came to southwestern Virginia to campaign. Webb quickly established himself as the model houseguest, washing everybody's chili bowls and shooting pool with McGraw over a bottle of Maker's Mark bourbon. But a worry gnawed at McGraw: The rumor about Webb was that behind the noble-war-hero facade lay a man who harbored a volatile, prideful, and possibly unmanageable anger. "I kept looking for it," confides McGraw. "He started late, with no money. He told me that during the campaign he was sleeping about four hours a night for five months, and he said, 'I just can't turn my brain off.' ... I kept saying, 'Sooner or later, something's gonna happen.'"
....more

Let Justice Be Done
Leon Wieseltier, The New Republic Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Whether or not this is the Lord's doing, it is certainly marvelous in our eyes. An African American is the Democratic candidate for president of the United States. The United States! If ever there was an occasion for soaring language, this is it; but the man of the hour has somewhat ruined soaring language. One is left mainly with a gulp, and a tear, and an unfamiliar sensation of the sweetness of history. When is history sweet? Truly this is an American benediction. So hyperbole may be forgiven--as when John Hope Franklin declared to The Washington Post that Obama's candidacy is "the most radical, far-reaching, significant [undertaking] by any individual or group in our history." Perhaps not, but the historian has earned his hour of ecstasy. The great American counterfactual is now a fact. By the standard of where we are, Obama's victory may not be surprising; but by the standard of where we were, it is shocking. Complacence about this turn of events is a form of forgetting. So for a moment I will not care who Barack Obama is. I will care only what he is. The complexities will soon rush in--as they must, because the office that Obama seeks is too powerful to be regarded only sentimentally, or as a symbol--but for now I will pause to savor the simplicity of a fact. Even more, to savor the color of the man's skin: to enjoy (shame on me!) a fleeting racialist thrill. I do not give daps, but when he dapped her on the stage in St. Paul the other night I was happy for them in their particularity. Let the just times roll!
....more

Dream On
The Editors, The New Republic Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2008

The race for the Democratic presidential nomination may be over and Barack Obama may be its winner. But the Clinton family drama goes on. Early this week, as the final primaries took place and the mathematical reality of delegate counts became impossible to deny, Hillary Clinton let it be known that, yes, she'd consider accepting the vice-presidential nomination if Obama offered it to her. The statement gave instant political credibility to an idea already popular in some quarters. For many of Clinton's disappointed supporters, putting her on the ticket is a moral imperative: By virtue of her close second- place finish in delegates and popular votes, Clinton earned the vice presidential nomination. To more disinterested observers, choosing Clinton would represent a savvy strategic choice: During the primaries, her strongest support came primarily from those voters--the white working class and Latinos-- with whom Obama has famously struggled. Putting Clinton on the ticket, according to this argument, solves that problem. It is, say proponents of the scheme, a true Dream Ticket.
....more

My Short List-Michael Bloomberg

Justin Brogden — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 16:38:19 EDT

Michael Bloomberg (Mayor-New York City)

Pros:

As a Democrat turned Republican turned independent fits into the campaign's post-partisan message very nicely.
Might help Barack Obama with the Jewish vote
As Mayor of New York, taking over shortly after the September 11th attacks, he has national security experience that most Mayors and Governors lack.

Cons:

Is only a Mayor with no real foreign policy credentials
As a billionaire he wouldn't necessarily help combat Obama's elitist image or appeal to working clas whites.
Isn't well known outside of New York

Chances: Low. Michael Bloomberg is one of my favorites but while he fits in nicely with the campaign's post-partisan message he doesn't add much else.

What do you think?

Be sure to check out the other candidates on my shortlist!

My Short List-Chris Dodd

Justin Brogden — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:35:50 EDT

Chris Dodd (Senator-Conneticut)

Pros:

Experience. Dodd has been in the Senate for 27 years and in the House for another 6. This may help with Obama's perceived lack of experience.
Charisma. His natural charisma may be an asset to the campaign.
Endorsed Obama after dropping out of the Presidential race.

Cons:

After over three decades in Congree and one run for President most people still don't know who Chris Dodd is.
Doesn't necessarily fit into Obama's change narrative.
Isn't known to appeal to any of the key constituencies (Women, working class whites, hispanics).

Chances: Poor/Fair. Despite his lack of name recognition, many see him as a good ticket balancer. Not a bad choice. He may make it to the shortlist but it's uncertain if he'll go much furhter.

What do you think?

Be sure to check out the other candidates on my shortlist!

My Short List-Hillary Clinton

Justin Brogden — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:07:56 EDT

Hillary Clinton (Senator-New York)

Pros:

Would appease many of her supporters.
Has strength among women and working class whites.
Has foreign policy experience.
Might be the best candidate to unify the party.
Second only to during the primaries.
Fits into the campaign's message of change?

Cons:

Many Obama supporters shun the idea of a unity ticket. Some would argue she doesn't fit into the campaign's message of change.
Weakness among Republicans and independents.
Clinton baggage, including Bill Clinton. Might be a liability.
Has been critical of Barack Obama. Her loyalty and belief in his ability as President would be questioned.
Perceived attempt to blackmail Obama into choosing her. If he does so he may appear weak and his judgement may be questioned.
Most Americans don't trust her. Is a polarizing figure both within and outside of the Democratic party.

Chances: Poor. Hillary Clinton's chances has probably always been poor and have grown even more so as the primaries dragged on. Her comments about assassination and her defiance will probably cost her. There is some doubt that she and Bill Clinton will even pass the vetting process due to shady business deals and Bill's affairs. She may very well be the best and the worst choice for Vice President. The Obam campaign has hinted that she wiill probably not be chosen...thank God.

What do you think?

Be sure to check out the other candidates on my short list. Also, more to come later.

My Short List-Kathleen Sebelius

Justin Brogden — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:51:52 EDT

Kathleen Sebelius (Governor-Kansas)

Pros:

Might help shore up support among women, especially former Clinton supporters. Fits in Obama's change narrative.
Popular Governor of a Western Republican-leaning state and the daughter of a former Governor of Ohio.
Seen as a strong candidate among working class whites.

Cons:

Governor of Kansas. Little foreign policy experience.
Not Hillary Clinton. If Obama chooses her but not Clinton some Clinton supporters may be angered.
Her response to Bush's State of the Union was widely seen as a flop. Perceived lack of charisma.

Chances: Good. As with Bill Richardson their is a risk with choosing someone from an "oppressed group" for Vice President but her potential strength amongthe three Ws: working class whites, Western States, and women might be more than enough to override that concern.

What do you think?

Be sure to check out the candidates on my short list.

The perfect ticket

David Grenier — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:03:58 EDT

Now that Senator Obama has clinched the nomination and Senator Clinton is backing down from her threat of a convention fight, we can expect a lot of speculation and advice on potential running mates.

Obviously there has been great discussion of putting Hillary Clinton on a so-called "dream ticket." Others have pointed to the various merits of Senator Jim Webb of Virginia, Governor Kathy Sebelius of Kansas, Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico, and even Mayor Bloomberg of New York.

Those are all fine candidates, and perhaps soon I'll delve into my thoughts on each of them. But for now I'd like to propose what I think would be the perfect ticket. The vice presidential candidate I envision needs the following qualities:

An appeal to working class voters.
The ability to deliver Michigan and Ohio
A resume that cannot be described as "Washington Insider", undercutting Obama's message of change.
The ability to take hard hits, and hit back hard.

Ladies and gentlemen, there is one candidate I know of who fits all of these criteria. One candidate who would truly make the perfect running mate.

I submit, for your consideration, the following ticket.

Obama/Bettis '08.

Get on the Bus.

Obama-Clinton "secret" meeting?

Marjani — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:59:40 EDT

I hope he was either wired or had that house swept for bugs...I wouldn't trust a 'secret' anything with Hillary Clinton. It'll be all over the news by tomorrow.

It's three o'clock in the morning ...

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:29:53 EDT

It's three o'clock in the morning and the telephone rings.

The spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, sleepless, is on the other line, begging for talking points in the face of the coming Democratic tsunami.

It's no dream. ...

It's Obama-Webb, '08!

Hillary as VP just doesn't add up ...

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:47:59 EDT

New politics, new math:

Hillary doesn't add, she divides ...

It has been said that there is nothing more dangerous than civic revolutions that do not carry out the postulates they themselves generate, and nothing more unfaithful than the public man who, when at the height of power, shows himself to be in disagreement with the doctrines that he sustained when he was in the political wilderness, and that had determined his ascent.

Politics has again become what Bobby Kennedy liked to say it was--an honorable adventure--with Barack Obama at the head of the Democratic Party.

Hold the line on integrity and honor!

No Hillary!

The Ticket to a Newer World ...

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:07:03 EDT

Obama-Webb '08,
because integrity,
patriotism, and
honor are never
out of fashion.

THE CASE FOR HILLARY VEEP CANDIDACY

Olu — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:01:47 EDT

History was made today, not by the power of the guns, mortal tanks and chaos. History was made today not by massive demonstrations as the 60s were known for during the movement for the civil right. History was made today by common and average americans moving past bigotry, racism, and all other forms of schisms that were the stalwart determinants of yesteryears' political climate and weather. And we owe it to ourselves to say God Bless America and every one in it!

In following up with the history that was made today by nominating the first African American candidate for the presidency of the United States, we could as well use that one key to open multiple doors. The door to women's advancement happens to be keyed with the same code as that which has opened the door to racial unification. Hillary Clinton has embodied the vision of every woman in the United States through her hard fought campaign, liberal or conservative, and we may do right in the following weeks to acknowledge that and hold the door open for them as well. The Veep slot is the door to that women's advancement, and Hillary Clinton is the messenger that need to be asked to come in through that door.

Griefs and bitter politicking aside, she did run a wonderful and powerful race. No primary race has been this close in the history of the Democratic Party. And only in America do we have both Black and WOMAN candidates emerging so powerfully that the runner up might have as well be seen to have shared the victory with the winner. The sharing of that victory though could be argued by the amount of votes separating the two of them, however, the most important is her candidacy shattering the proverbial glass ceiling that stood in the skies of female citizens of this great country as a formidable class of citizen to be reckoned with where national politics are concerned. On that note and amongst others, she deserves to be offered the Veep slot, as it would go a long way to create history in a way that would never have been envisioned two or twenty years ago.

In addition, there are a lot of punditry claims as to her helping Senator OBAMA in States such as Penslyvannia, Ohio, and Florida, which successes in those states will easily give the presidency to our candidate Senator OBAMA. I happen to share that punditry claim, as do several polls across the country.

We, the supporter of the Senator must put aside our bleak view of Senator Clinton, and embrace the unifying ticket for the best chance of taking the country back from the jaws of Repugnicans' self created HELL!!!

What do you think???

Olu

Sacramento, CA

Don't even CONSIDER clinton for veep!!!

typical_white_person — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:05:18 EDT

Here is something the media is not saying about that incredibly nasty remark Hitlery Clinton made about assasinations, even if her claim that it was a "Freudian slip" is to be believed:

Does anyone want a person capable of such veiled threats in a position of sensitive negotiations or confrontations on a global level?

And we certainly don't want someone like that involved in the first nonwhite presidency in this country's history. We want to finally move beyond race, and the Clinton faction of the Democratic party will not allow that to happen.

There are those who have claimed that extremists like Wright in Obama's background mean that he, too, is racist, but I, as a "typical white person", beg to differ. The self-protective remarks made by preachers or leaders like Wright can be understood by every working-class white person as being the same kind of remarks our own leaders make at times of anger and frustration. Obama's claim that he was not paying close attention to the level of Wright's extremism rang true and authentic with me because I can easily think of lots of things my own Catholic priests have said over the years that most of their listeners chose to ignore. And when he stopped to take a close look, Obama did the right thing and everyone respects him for that.

We "typical white people" can count, too. All the brouhaha over that crazy radical former "weatherman" caused only one question in my mind: what about all the OTHER members of those boards on which both Obama and the old radical served? Hmm? What about the fact that it was briefly big news when that old radical and his wife, Bernadette Dorn, were exposed back in the nineties and no one seemed to care that they were on the same boards? (and there was that other WTC bombing around that time, remember?)

Working-class white folks are standing in the same food pantry lines as black folks, and we live in a lot of the same neighborhoods, and we recognize each other as neighbors. We survived Vietnam, some like me were there in the demonstrations, and we remember the leaflets from all the political factions, and some of us are embarrassed that we never believed the filth coming out of the genocidal factions, the hate-propelled splinter groups, would finally take root and bloom the way it has in the Clinton branch of the Democratic Party.

It is the yuppie suburban white folks, thosee Clintonites who are the arrogant college social-workers talking down to young mothers and the white teachers patronizing American-born students into dropping out of high-school rather than tolerate any more sexual political exploitation and disgusting bigotted psychobabble: it is they who support Hitlery Clinton, not us. They are the crazed left-fascist genocidal maniacs who are preparing to light the match on a "long hot summer" of violence that the Clintons think they will control and direct to their own ends. We are the working men and women who remember the diginity that won integration battles and the solidarity on the factory floor that prevencted slave-wage traditions from moving North with our Afro-American brothers and sisters. We are the victims of Hitlery Clinton's vicious political movement.

We look forward to Obama helping us take back the Democratic Party from the edge of the social-fascist abyss to which the Clintons and their delusional supporters have led us. Many of us have long memories and we will not allow that filthy Clinton-fascist faction of the Democratic party to highjack America into their own ends.

If only Obama would pre-empt Hitlery Clinton's delusions by announcing Edwards as his running mate, then we could look forward to peacefully winning the next election with a landslide that would leave the Republicans no ammo for challenge and the Clintonites' desire for violence would play itself out in a few isolated riotous demonstations and no real harm done. And plenty of room for good solid female leadership in his cabinet that will result in a future woman president, unrelated to the Clinton faction in any way.

Whoever Obama picks, DON'T let it be Clinton!!!!

Hillary vp considerations

jp — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:37:20 EDT

My opinions about this issue continue to be subject to revision as I evaluate the comments of others; however at this moment, only two perspectives currently resonate:

1. Should it be a tactical, practical evaluation that Barack would not win without someone's (more sophisticated than my) evaluation that she would garner states that, without which, Obama would lose, thus losing the Presidency, I'd say, reluctantly, yes.

2. Others have postulated that the most important consideration in selecting a VP is how well the P and VP relate/work well together. If no 1 is not critical, I'd say, emphatically, no.

My 4 cents, inflation taken into account.

Young women do not need the example of Hillary on the ticket

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Tue, 27 May 2008 00:32:51 EDT

It is truly sad to watch Sen. Clinton continuing to insist on cheapening her own political brand by the kind of tawdry prevarication that characterized her husband.

I do not worry that my two daughters will never see a woman as president (they will).

I would much more worry if Hillary's example was validated by the American public as a role model for young people, boys and girls.

So Much for the High Road

TJFischer — Mon, 26 May 2008 19:16:25 EDT

There's been considerable debate taking place in the land of Blog over the past couple days over how to bring unity to the party in lieu of HRC's stated determination to "fight" for the nomination. Of course, it wouldn't be an issue at all if everyone were playing by the rules; but Hillary Rodham Clinton is not playing by the rules. In fact most of her supporters unabashedly acknowledge HRC has no intention of honoring any rules not favorable to her objective at any given time.

This alone is a disturbing representation of skewed American values. My dad served four (peacetime) years in the Navy w/an honorable discharge shortly before I was born; now in his seventies, so internalized were the values he learned during those formative years as a young man, he references them as a matter of course to this day. As his kids, we grew up thinking these were the values for which our country stands; not least of which was the understanding that there is no honor in making disingenuous arguments based on a false premise, fabrication, and outright lies. And a great deal of emphasis was placed on "fighting fair" presumably because we were coming out of WWII where the Germans and Japanese decided the Geneva convention didn't apply. At any rate, in our world people who broke the rules were automatically disqualified from playing the game.

It’s a value so widely held dear that we make “examples” out of sports figures who break the rules; Marion Jones will go to her grave stripped of the five gold medals she was awarded in 2000 when it was discovered after the fact that her “whatever it takes” commitment to winning the honor included breaking the rules...and that's in addition to a 6 month jail sentence, two year suspension and early retirement. Essentially she was shamed, lest our daughters get the wrong idea that it was okay to cheat.

Yet, Hillary Clinton openly flaunts a "whatever it takes" campaign strategy as though it were a virtue. It is NOT: It is instead a flagrant disrespect for party rules. That Mrs. Clinton herself signed an agreement to abide by the DNC tenets set forth at the contest onset seems to be of little concern in the absence of any calls for a public explanation; certainly she has not seen fit to offer up any type of rationalization, let alone enlightenment as to her reasoning in breaking her agreement; divisive ramifications therein be damned.

We are treated, rather, to a false argument charging the DNC w/disenfranchisement of its own constituency in determining a nominee. Never mind the fact that nominee has never been determined by popular vote per the party rules. Never mind the fact that there is no such thing as a popular vote in a primary caucus and they couldn’t be counted in any event. A nominee has always been elected by delegates; it is incumbent on those delegates to represent the expressed intent of their respective constituencies. The idea is that active voters who feel strongly about a given office have the opportunity to do so in getting together w/the people in their community to discuss the pros and cons of self identified candidates. The process is intended to vet prospective candidates, begin conversations, share ideas, and ultimately choose the person best suited to represent the party interests in the general election.

As the first state to hold its primary caucus, Iowa is known for taking its responsibility seriously. This is not to say Iowa determines the nominee, only to acknowledge the grueling process all of the self identified candidates endure in spending untold hours under a microscope in the heartland—by way of noting, having been vetted by a group of Norwegians, Barack Obama came out one top. No disrespect intended, but Hillary Clinton came in a distant third. And then the primary season began in earnest, turning out unprecedented numbers of people who have decided it's time to get politically engaged for a number of reasons but in no small part because Barack Obama has stirred a sense of hope in people who find in him a candidate that is ready, willing, and able to begin the process of getting this great country of ours back on track.

Super Delegates, god bless 'em, were a concern early on because they have the ultimate decision making power and people feared the "Clinton Machine" w/all their inner party connections in high places would override the expression of support for Barack Obama out of a misplaced sense of indebtedness to the Clintons—over the best interest of the country. But one by one and then two by two and then multiples therein the Super Delegates, god bless 'em, came to see the light. They are educated life long political activists who can't help but see thru the smoke and mirror arguments HRC has been staging. But now the Super Delegates et al are being challenged w/showing respect for Hillary Clinton—by way of putting her on the ticket.

What part of “NO” do the Clinton’s not understand?

So the real dilemma is how to enforce the rules, signed by all the candidates months ago, w/out alienating HRC’s supporters? It’s time for the Super Delegates to step up and do their jobs; Hillary Clinton has disqualified herself from the race but refueses to bow out. It’s an outrage. We expect compliance to established rules from our kids, our law enforcement, our government—even our athletes. Why, for love of country, would we accept anything less from our public servants running for office? Our worst case scenario is materializing before our very eyes. It’s time to drag the Clintons off the stage kicking and screaming if need be: In straight jackets if need be.

This Time: The integrity of our democratic process is at stake. This time, this year, the process is working because we the people are mobilized, organized, and informed. We will settle for nothing less than truth, honor, and integrity in politics; it goes to the core of the Change we seek.

Veep Picks

Michael Nordine — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:17:48 EDT

I find the idea that Hillary is somehow entitled to the VP slot laughable at best, despicable at worst. After the way she's run her campaign, Obama owes her nothing; rather, she owes it to him and to the party to finally bow out as gracefully as she can after the last primary, perhaps salvaging some dignity in the process (doubtful), and fully endorsing Obama's bid for the White House. This campaign has been helpful in some ways; Obama is now a better campaigner than he was, but the divisiveness this primary season has engendered among the Democrats needs to be erased as quickly as possible.

Of all the potential running mates whose names I've heard thrown around, I would say that I like Biden the best; however, Jim Webb of Virginia seems the most logical choice - strong military background; could carry a swing state; close to the center politically; more aggressive than Obama, which would allow him to take on the "attack dog" role; and, obviously, the fact that he's a former Republican would help with the bipartisan message.

We'll see, I guess. Hopefully the nomination is wrapped up soon.

A Dream Ticket??? I'm not so sure I'd like it.

Joanne takes a stand — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:20:46 EDT

Yesterday I was bombarded by all of the coverage on news shows and in articles about Senator Obama having to elect Hillary Clinton as his running mate...and I can't stand the thought of it. I don't think Hillary wouldn't be a good leader, I just don't like the fact that it seems like Barack Obama is being pushed into a corner. Why does it has to be like this? Please share your thoughts as to how you feel.

BARACK OBAMA, AUTHENTIC!

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Thu, 22 May 2008 23:28:45 EDT

It has been said that there is nothing more dangerous than revolutions that do not carry out the postulates they themselves generate, and nothing more unfaithful than the public man who, when at the height of power, shows himself to be in disagreement with the doctrines that he sustained when he was in the political wilderness, and that had determined his ascent.

Barack Obama, authentic!

Hold the line on integrity and honor!

No Hillary!

HRC as Veep?

AakashG — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:33:23 EDT

She is not my preferred VP. I like Schweitzer or Webb.

But, here are some benefits I have read:
(1) Party needs to heal. The response of rank and file members to NARAL's endorsement is telling, as well as a lot of recent opinion columns in various places (like the one in WaPo), and also a Rasmussen poll found that more than one in four Clinton supporters (29%) want her to run as an independent, third-party candidate if her Democratic bid comes up short (Link ). I think we have allowed the McCain campaign to heal their party, we don't have the time to do the same here. Sure, in the end they will probably come out and support Obama, but we don't need the campaign to be spending time making sure white pro-choice women come out and work for the campaign.
(2) Hillary would make a great attack dog, and will kick the ass of anyone in the VP debate.
(3) She could just live in FL, and probably then give the state to Obama. With frequent visits to OH and Penn, of course.
(4) Bill Clinton is the two edged sword. But if he could stay on message, he could campaign in Arkansas, Tenn, GA, and VA, and make many of them compative if not win. It basically allows for two powerful surrogates for the price of one

Let me know what you think! =)

Hillary, The Answer is NO, Now Go Away!!

COL Mo — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:08:09 EDT

It seems like CNN's talking heads will be trying to sell the notion that Hillary should be VP on Obama's ticket, tonight. On their political site, the normally-insightful and balanced, John King ends his report, on what to watch for as WV votes are tallied, with a comment that many (read HER Supporters) would like to see her as VP. CNN also quotes a new poll that says 55 percent of Democrats and democrat-leaning independents would like to see Hillary in the #2 slot. The 55% figure provides a specious argument because 75% of her supporters want her to be VP, that along is 37 of the 55%. When we subtract that out 18% want her as VP. The poll also claims also claims that almost half of Obama supporters would like to see her as VP. Fist those numbers don't add up, second, I seriously doubt that! The vast majority of Obama supporters I have met and worked with would be ill at such a thought.

As I wrote in one of last weeks posts, HRC as VP would be a nightmare for a President Obama as he tries to govern. Hillary thinks she is smarter and more deserving of being President than he is, Bill C. would come as part of the team, I cannot see those two egos taking direction from a president they believe would not have been elected without them. As some of you have pointed out, in responses to my previous posts, an Obama-HRC ticket weakens the vital message of change by mixing our agent of change with the consumate agent of business as usual.

I see Cong. Rangell and Sen Schumer, both NY Democrats, positing HRC as VP as a trial balloon. It should be firmly rejected. One of the best ways to do that will be to have Senator Obama ready to name his running mate as soon as he acquires enough votes to lock up the nomination.

In the meantime, just say NO.

Obama/Hagel '08? Now that's new politics!

Donavon West — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:18:00 EDT

It is still to be seen whether an Obama/Clinton "dream ticket" will ever come to pass. With all of the bad blood, it's hard to imagine Obama would offer, and even if he did, hard to see that Hillary would accept.

Obama is all about "new politics" and The Clintons (yes plural) are anything but. So who could Obama pick to help win over hard working white voters (you know, the ones who cling to their guns and religion) and show he truly is the candidate of change? Some have floated the Republican senator from Nebraska, Chuck Hagel.

DISPATCHES FROM THE GROUND WAR (ON TROJAN HORSES)

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:53:48 EDT

Group pushing Clinton as VP choice tied to her campaign

By Margaret Talev | McClatchy Newspapers

Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2008

WASHINGTON — A group called VoteBoth has been leading the charge for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to team up on the Democratic ticket.

But the people behind it come from just one of those camps — Clinton's — and one of their goals may be keeping Clinton's White House prospects alive.

The group's founder, Adam Parkhomenko, until recently worked as an assistant to Patti Solis Doyle, who was Clinton's campaign manager until February. Parkhomenko in 2003 founded the Draft Hillary for President Committee.

VoteBoth's spokesman is Sam Arora. He's a law school student who in recent years worked for Clinton and for former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe, Clinton's presidential campaign chairman.

VoteBoth's Facebook page lists three others as administrators, all with Clinton connections.

One is a Richmond-based Democratic technology consultant, who was quoted in a New York Times story about the Iowa Democratic Party's 2006 Jefferson-Jackson dinner, where he was passing out "Hillary for President" stickers. Another appears online in a photo with Hillary Clinton and others at a summer leadership program from 2006.

A third is a history professor and campaign contributor whom Clinton named earlier this year in a press release of prominent Virginians to endorse her. wrote When VoteBoth

On Friday, when word went out that Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., didn't see Clinton as Obama's pick for a running mate, VoteBoth released a statement offering respect for Kennedy. But it added, "We think that the millions of Democrats who have voted for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have something to say, too. Why stop at having a nominee who has the support of 51 percent of Democrats when we could have a 'Dream Team' ticket that has won 100 percent?"

VoteBoth first filed with the Federal Election Commission on April 8, two weeks before the Pennsylvania primary that Clinton won and that was considered a crucial window for her comeback. The group's original mission promoted the idea of Clinton as the nominee, with Obama as her running mate.

On May 1, days after the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's latest divisive remarks and Obama's renouncement of his former pastor, VoteBoth amended its mission. It now would support a joint ticket in either order, so long as Clinton's name was on the ballot.

Vice Presidents

Chris Len — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:33:31 EDT

I'm watching Chuck Hagel on the Daily Show right now - wouldn't he be a pretty good Veep? He's a long term war opponent, he's "demographically correct," he's got all the foreign policy cred you could want, he's not running for reëlection, and he'd kill in the plains states. Picking across party lines legitimizes Obama's cross-party outreach. He's a veteran, he's old, he's smart and principled. I think he'd put several of the plains states into play. Very unlikely, but to me, very interesting.

Who are some other guys?

Joe Biden - like Chuck Hagel only boring. He's got the foreign policy chops, he's right a lot, but he doesn't open any part of the country that Obama's not already going to win.

Janet Napolitano - the democratic governor of AZ is an exciting young politician who could bring a lot to the ticket, but could she take AZ away from McCain? Tall order.

Kathleen Sebelius - an exciting politician, who like Napolitano, would make for an exciting and historic ticket. She won the governorship of Kansas as a Democrat - no easy feat! - but could she carry it as veep? No foreign policy chops either.

Bill Richardson - we all like him, he's got all kinds of experience, and a lot of it. A lot of foreign policy work and could help with the southwest. He's kind of a loose canon though.

The Virginia Guys - Kaine, Webb and Warner. Warner is out, because his winning that John Warner's senate seat is too important. Webb would be a good choice, but how is that senate seat filled? Webb is a new senator who has taken on a big role since elected, and his work in the armed forces gives him military cred. Kaine is a term limited governor but has no foreign policy. Why these guys? Any of the three of them might lock up VA, which hasn't voted for a democratic president in decades.

Who do you favor? Any other choices?

Would McCain ever choose Hillary as a veep?

Samm319 — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:22:24 EDT

He has said he is a one term guy and i get the sense he'd go all out to win...Not sure the rightwingers could deal with this,but it would make it very interesting in the fall.

Clinton's gall

Venkatesh — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:19:21 EDT

Imagine this. We're playing poker but only I know your cards and you know mine. The grand prize is $5 million and game is live on ESPN2, so the entire audience(at least those who have cable) knows what our cards are. For arguments sake, I have a 2 of clubs, 5 of hearts and 8 of spades. You have a Jack pair and an ace. Just one card each to draw. Now, I offer you a deal and say, "Hey, Have I got a deal for you! Just concede victory to me and I'll let you have $1M while I keep $4M!". What would you say?

Here are some answers that crossed my mind:

Huh! Say what?
Could you run that past me one more time please?
How about YOU fold and go home and save us all some time?
You've got some nerve pal to say that to me.

I could go on and on (some more colorful ;-), but you get the point. Clinton's not so subtle tactic is simple. If she can get the people of PA to believe that Sen. Obama is an excellent VP candidate, then it'll play at the back of their minds when it comes to voting time and that's her only hope of getting a big win and staying in the race. Sen. Obama needs to come out strongly, clearly and repeatedly against this tactic to make it very clear to people that Clinton is desperate and that he's in this to be the President and that he might, just might... consider Clinton for Veep if she quits the race now and declares unequivocal support for him. Personally though, I like Edwards for Veep for Barack. They'd make a great ticket. Both young, dynamic, moderate and ready to lead this country in the 21st century.

In other news, my man, Fermi physicist Bill Foster won the 14th district beating out the condescending and abrasive milkman, Jim Oberweis. Score one for Obama there as he supported his fellow Illinoisan big time and that's a slap in the face of McCain as well.

Clinton illogic

Bob A. — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:57:53 EDT

If Hillary Clinton believes Barack Obama is a viable candidate for her vice-president, then necessarily either she believes he is qualified to be president (just a heartbeat away) or her first decision as nominee would be irresponsible, showing that SHE is not qualified to be president. She can't have it both ways.

Obama Should Avoid Ending Up Like Gore: Dream Ticket Nonsense Should Stop!

Herman — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 05:17:57 EST

Al Gore lost the elections in 2000 partly because of being linked to the Clinton scandals. We all know that Barack will win the nomination but if a backroom deal is brokered and he doesn't, he MUST NOT accept a veep slot under Hillary. If Obama were VP he'd end up like Gore, linked to all of the Clinton scandals - and that will completely ruin his integrity and political sharpness for a future run for the Presidency. So, this nonsense of a dream ticket with Hillary should stop. Kathleen Sebelius is a far better option but it's highly likely that he could go with a military guy like Anthony Zinni.

Veep

Eric G — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:21:14 EST

Obama is quickly catching up in Ohio and has pulled even in Texas. All he had to do delegate wise was be close in these states. I think he's going to win Texas and be close in Ohio. If he does that, he's all but locked up the nomination.

Lately my thoughts have been turning on who to bring in as a VP. Strategy typically dictates that you bring in someone who can fit into more than one of the following categories: Someone who's political strengths complement the nominee's perceived weaknesses, a popular party member from a swing state, someone of a different personal demographic (race/faith/gender/age), someone from a different part of the country than the nominee, someone with a military background (if the nominee doesn't have one), someone popular with the ability to fund-raise, someone strong enough to do the dirty work (attack-dog) for the nominee, and someone that wouldn't scare voters if he/she were to take over the Presidency.

Those categories are in no particular order.

Names I've heard include:

Clinton for Veep? Seems to be what she's going for.

Fred Thompson — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:43:11 EST

Clinton was surprisingly less aggressive than expected in the recent debate. She even said more than one how 'honored' she was to be there with Barack. She spent a lot of time drawing similarities between the two of them.
Could Clinton be realizing that defeat is imminent and be doing what she can to position herself for VP? I think so.

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.

The Maverick Needs His Wingman. Who Will It Be?

bkobash — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 23:44:27 EST

So, Sen. John McCain is the presumptive GOP nominee. Considering that tomorrow's Valentine's Day and all, we need to find the guy his winning match. A great vice-presidential candidate will really help "round out" the ticket and assuage his many detractors, come convention time. A Simon for his Garfunkel. A Sonny for his Cher. Below are some of the contenders that everyone's buzzing about.

John Edwards Drops from the Presidential Race: What Happens Next?

Matthew Negrete — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:52:18 EST

The playing field in both parties is changing in this presidential race for the nomination. On the Democratic side, five candidates have withdrawn their bids for the presidency, while three have followed suit in the Republican race. These candidates are Senator Joe Biden (DE), Senator Chris Dodd (CT), Governor Bill Richardson (NM), Congressman Duncan Hunter (CA), former Senator Fred Thompson (TN), Congressman Dennis Kucinich (OH), Rudy Giuliani (NY), and former Senator John Edwards (NC). Although all these candidates have withdrawn their bids, I will focus mainly on Senator Edwards and his future plans, and the new dimension in the race for the Democratic nomination.

2008: Continuing the Journey to the White House

Matthew Negrete — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:17:06 EST

Today, we welcome a new and very significant year, 2008. In the past year, the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has gone the distance. I will focus on some of the 2007 highlights, as well as, describing the importance of 2008.

Why there will NOT be any ticket with both Obama and Clinton

Michael Hussein James — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 22:51:39 EDT

Despite the fact that it is entirely too early to be worrying about such things, a lot of people have been speculating lately on who will choose whom for vice president. The VP topic is only slightly better than all the polling and horse race nonsense, but I’ve seen enough discussion on it lately to devote this blog post to the subject.

My hope is that people will take heed of what I am saying and either completely stop talking about this stuff on this site or at least help to set others straight when they start venturing down this path (whether here or in other forums).

Some Hillary supporters are advocating a Clinton/Obama ticket. Even some Obama supporters are advocating an Obama/Clinton ticket. Either eventuality is complete and utter nonsense and I’m going to give you the reasons why.

(1) The first and most important is that Obama will be the nominee, so no one will actually need to worry who Clinton would select as a running mate. The fact that Obama will win the nomination has not yet dawned on some people, which helps to fuel the speculation and means I have to present reasons two through four below.

(2) There is no way Hillary would pick someone who will outshine her on the campaign trail and remind everyone of her shortcomings. Talk about voter's remorse! Can you imagine the anxiety and dread that would ensue if, every single day of the general election campaign, the electorate was reminded that the best candidate in the race did not win the nomination? What about an Obama appearance drawing more people than the main candidate? No way. It would be Bayh or Vilsack or Wes Clark or someone like that, i.e. someone who would owe the Clintons and is in no position to overshadow Hillary or have an independent national power base. While Hillary would love to have the enthusiasm and grassroots organization of the Obama campaign, she would not be able to stomach Obama because he owes her nothing and is already a power player who does not need anyone named Clinton to advance himself.

(3) There is no way Hillary could go through the entire primary season saying Barack was too inexperienced and naïve and then turn around and say that, actually, you know what? Never mind all that, he actually is ready to be "a heartbeat away." Plus, if Hillary's strategy of painting him as inexperienced actually ends up working in the primaries, the Republicans will use it too, in addition to the full frontal assault they are longing to unleash on HRC. They will be able to hammer away on so many fronts it will make your head spin. They would be able to attack her judgment (how can she pick someone so naïve and irresponsible?), attack her flip-flops (how can she say Obama isn’t ready, then pick him as a running mate?) and, since the Republican candidate will not be named Clinton or Bush, the GOP candidate would have a much easier time arguing that he is the candidate of change. All of that is before they start dredging up past scandals, such as Whitewater, the travel office firings, the improbable commodities investment prowess, the FBI files mysteriously appearing, the Rose law firm billing records, the Peter F. Paul campaign finance felony case, etc. etc. etc.

(4a) Even if asked, if Barack wants to maintain his untainted image and be the champion of a different kind of politics, he would be wise to steer clear of any direct involvement with the Clintons. I strongly suspect that he is fully aware of this and would say no even if asked, but, as noted in (1), (2) and (3) above, I don’t see it even getting to this point.

(4b) The corollary is that, once Barack has the nomination in hand, he will not select Hillary as his running mate for all of the reasons that he has been talking about during this campaign. She does not represent the kind of change we need and her politics and image are divisive and will not allow us to achieve the progress we so desperately need. If you believe Barack when he talks about these things (and you should because he tells the truth), you cannot honestly say that Hillary would be a good choice for the VP spot.

The fact that there are a lot of Clinton supporters saying both that Barack is too inexperienced, but also that he would be a great VP choice for Hillary helps to illustrate how little thought they are putting into their choice of candidate. It also illustrates that, at some level, they recognize that Barack has considerable appeal to a broad swath of the electorate -- appeal they long to have on their ticket. They know that this sort of appeal will not magically appear for Hillary, so they like to think they can easily remedy that shortcoming by slapping Barack’s name in the VP slot, even though they have not thought things through enough to realize that their candidate would never ever actually select Barack. This should give Obama supporters some hope since this means such Clinton supporters already like Barack, they just need to be convinced that he really and truly is ready right now and should not have to wait in line behind Hillary. That is a much easier sell than trying to paint Hillary as unelectable or get into detailed debates about policy.

From a Clinton campaign perspective, obviously, they must know that Barack is the biggest threat to her winning the nomination. He’s a better candidate and they can’t win on substance, so how do they attack this problem? They certainly don’t do it by debating on the substance of the policy issues or character and integrity. They need a non-specific reason to convince undecided people to not vote for him and to keep their supporters in line. Thus, they say that Barack needs more experience to help get him out of their way and, in conjunction with that, do the triangulation thing to try to blur the distinctions, with the goal being to help make voters think that there is no really big difference other than experience, which Barack allegedly lacks. As an added bonus, this approach does not involve a series of nasty attacks that would alienate too many of Barack’s supporters or, more importantly, turn off the black community. As polarizing as Hillary is and as motivated as the GOP would be to run against her, she would be in real trouble if black voters stayed home or did not vote overwhelmingly Democratic.

Not having enough experience is the one and only thing that would not be able to be remedied in time for the general election. Policy positions can be changed if necessary, money can be raised, advertising can help send targeted messages to ameliorate any deficiencies, debate performances can be spun, but if Joe and Jane Undecided can be persuaded that Barack needs to be a governor first or spend more time in the Senate, they will look past the huge advantages he holds in every substantive area and stick with the nostalgia for the 90's and comfort themselves that a woman will bring the change we need. Furthermore, changing the conversation to “who will be Hillary’s VP choice” feeds into the inevitability fallacy that the Clintonistas are trying to propagate.

So, good people of the Obama movement, I implore you -- Should it become necessary for you to express an opinion on a hypothetical Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket, please use anything I’ve written and anything else you know to shoot holes in the argument as expediently as possible and then move on to discussing why Barack is ready right this very minute to be the President and the fact that President Obama’s administration will get this nation of ours back on the right path both domestically and in foreign policy. Our time is much better spent supporting Barack and taking action to get him elected rather than distracting ourselves with whether or not Hillary’s lead is growing or shrinking or who will be the VP choice. In fact, I apologize for distracting you by delving into this subject, but I felt a strong need to try to clear the air. Now, let's go change the world!!!

Who should be Barack's Vice President?

Kevin — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:09:58 EDT

What do you all think? Could Al Gore be a possibility? What about Edwards? I think Hillary would be problematic. What ideas do you have?