The Case for Vice President Al Franken

[applegrove]

The Case for Vice President Al Franken

Cory Ryan/Getty | Getty

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/03/2016-elections-al-franken-vice-president-213756

"SNIP..............


With Hillary Clinton’s grip on the Democratic nomination firm, and Trump on track to insult his way to the Republican nomination, Democrats will want their vice presidential choice to accomplish the following:

1. Prevent Bernie Sanders’ energized left-wing youth from snubbing Clinton and flocking to the Green Party;
2. Protect the Rust Belt from Trump’s blustery charms; and
3. Navigate an unprecedented media circus dominated by Trump’s barrage of taunts.

That set of criteria marks a shift from what Democrats were initially expecting. But with the elimination of Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush from the Republican primaries, the electoral incentive for a Latino vice-presidential nominee is diminished. Democrats didn’t have many options anyway, lacking any Latino governors and senators, save for the indicted New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez. Speculation has centered on minor Cabinet officials Julián Castro of Housing and Urban Development and Tom Perez of Labor, both a stretch to be a heartbeat away from the presidency


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[dogman]

1. Al Franken has not endorsed Bernie.

I seriously doubt he can accomplish number 1. Same number 2. It would be a big change from where he is now number 3.

[Downwinder]

2. Can't afford to give up a seat.

[ThePhilosopher04]

3. How on earth would AL Franken prevent

Bernie voters from flocking to the Green Party if Hillary somehow wins the nomination ? We don't give a rats fuck about AL Franken! You gotta be fucking kidding me.

[Jitter65]

12. Oh...that's the tone. nt

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. Franken has endorsed Hillary, to the great disappointment

of many Minnesota constituents. I doubt there's anything he can do at this point to "prevent Bernie Sanders’ energized left-wing youth from snubbing Clinton." If he's lucky maybe they won't snub him when he runs for re-election.

[RiverLover]

5. Why does everyone assume its only the "youth" who will flock to the Green Party?

And why would Al Franken, who enthusiastically endorsed Third Way DINO Clinton2, influence anyone (no matter the age) to stick around?

This FDR Dem is tired of being played, eyes are wide open now (thanks Obama), and I want the real deal.

[Firebrand Gary]

6. Hey Apple!

I'm struggling over this one. Like many, I love Franken! I must admit however, that I too want to see diversity on the ticket. That being said, I need A LOT of convincing with regard to Julian Castro-sure he's got a lot of characteristics that I like, but he's needs more depth IMO. I think Castro's greatest weakness, is that he's played it too safe.

This may not even matter. Once you're VP, you're in. However if he's planning on becoming the President one day, he's going to have to be a VP with a record of accomplishments.

Hillary has battle scars, she's tested. Secretary Tom Perez and Senator Booker are solid and have more experience to point to. But then again, what do I know? Will they drive the younger voters to the polls like Castro likely will?

[applegrove]

9. I did not think of Booker. Isn't Franken jewish. Doesn't that count as a possible first? And more

than about time.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

10. So is Sanders. Wouldn't that be a first?

[applegrove]

11. For sure. I'd love Bernie to be president in a world filled with non gerrymandered house members and

Senators elected by population proportion. I'm from Canada. Of course I love him.

[Firebrand Gary]

13. Yes, it is about damn time.

I think people are far more separated by the color of their skin, rather than religion right now. Which I think is why the "diversity" commentary is focused on race rather than sexuality or religion.

But thankfully the times are a-changing! People are starting to see through the veil of division.

[insta8er]

7. Or Hillary could just drop out now and have Sanders pick his vice president.

[NWCorona]

8. This article sums up what's wrong with the Clinton campaign

VP candidates are interchanged by demographics depending on the need at hand. Are you telling me a Latino isn't needed anymore because that threat has been neutralized?

I'd be shocked if Hillary doesn't pick a person of color no matter the shade.