Would a Clark-Graham pairing do the trick?

[GBD4]

If we combine the military record of Clark with the command of intelligence issues held by Graham, plus an all-South ticket featuring swing states Arkansas and Florida that could potentially go Democratic, is this the way to go? We'd never be called "weak on foreign policy" whatever that Republican phrase even means, and you have Clark, a political outsider, coupled with Graham, a guy who is extrememly knowledgeable of the complex domestic public policy issues such as Medicare.

hmm...

[mitchtv]

1. i suppose it would be ok

but how about someone from a developed blue state? catering to the southerners goes only so far before it becomes pandering.

[Racenut20]

2. At least you would have

The two best candidates on the ticket.

[cjbuchanan]

3. I think Graham has really hurt his chances for VP

His campaign has not been run very well and that will hurt him during the VP hunt.

I think he is a good man, but a VP needs to be a good campaigner, and Graham has yet to show that on the national stage.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

4. Graham's no good for VP, it would be better to have Gephardt

The FL thing would help, but Gephardt would be better and get more electoral votes.

[GBD4]

6. how so?

Florida has 27 electoral votes

Missouri has 11 electoral votes

which other states would Gephardt bring to the ticket with absolute certainty that would give him the electoral college advantage over Graham?

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

8. Gephardt will get more than Missouri

He'll get most of the union vote around the country and the rust belt in general.

[GBD4]

12. agree

but we should plan on winning the union vote with or without Gephardt . . . nevertheless, winning Missouri and holding the Gore states would win the election for us, so I do agree that he would be an asset to the ticket versus some other potential candidates

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

13. Unions will go Dem regardless more likely than not

..what is the alternative..get kicked in the balls or ovaries for four more years?

[HFishbine]

5. Not bad

With the incumbent from the South too, I don't think you'd have any voters rejecting the ticket because there isn't a "northerner" on it -- besides, northerners don't seem to think that way.

The greatest advantage would be that Graham knows the legislative process. He could be a big help to Clark in dealing with congress.

[rucky]

7. We don't have to cater to the South that much...

I like the ticket, but the Yankees, Midwesterners and Left Coasters have plenty o' swing states, too. We do need an insider, tho. Gep has a geographical advantage of straddlin' the south and the mid.

[CMT]

9. it would be good

but so would many other combinations.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

10. I would completely support that ticket.

Graham can get some of the south. Graham has managed a large economy. Graham has spent time on the Intelligence committee. Graham is an excellent policy person and Graham would make a great president were Clark unable to complete his term. Graham is an excellent debater.

Clark has leadership skills. Clark is a liberal. Clark is persuasive.

[GBD4]

14. I have to ask you

why would Clark be unable to complete his term? I just have to ask

I mean, I wouldn't plan on any of our potential nominees being unable to serve out four years

obviously, I agree Graham could do the job :) I'm just wondering what your specific reasoning was regarding Clark's time in office

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

15. No reason but that is one of the purposes for vice-president

I LOVE John Edwards but I don't think he is quite ready for PRIME time. I would love to see Edwards or Elliot Spitzer as attorney general. I think Edwards has gotten his feet wet but count me in the group that feels EXPERIENCE matters. He is more qualified to hold a cabinet post than the top slot.

I wasn't implying anything tinfoil if that's what you meant. Graham can also use his time in the Senate to work that angle when getting policy passed.

on edit: and I would LOVE nothing more than to see Graham debate Dick Cheney unlike the lovefest between Lieberman and Cheney.

[GBD4]

16. so true!

LOL I still remember how civil Lieberman was in that debate. aren't we supposed to argue the issues rather than develop a friendship between foes? Lieberman was never a good choice for VP

[Rowdyboy]

18. Wasn't Lieberman/Cheney disgusting!

I almost gagged. They might as well have french-kissed (freedom kissed?) right there on stage. Lieberman could have mopped the floor with Cheney on issues but chose to be cloying and deferential instead.

Bob Graham would not be so nice. Cheney would do well to wear asbestos armor...

[Rowdyboy]

11. If you liked Clinton-Gore

You'll love Clark-Graham

Its not showing partiality to the south when the two best qualified candidates happen to be southern. Just the luck of the draw.

[paulk]

17. Clark will need to balance his ticket with a Washington insider

I could see Graham in the VP spot. Gephardt has to be considered also. I wonder if Kerry would take the 2nd spot? Where does Edwards fit in?

[Gman]

19. This is a good ticket although

I see it more like a Graham/Clark ticket because of Graham's legislative experience. I also now like Edwards/Clark and Graham/Edwards.

[GBD4]

20. yes

hey, Graham/Clark is better in my mind (hence my banner) I was just assessing the current climate, in which Clark seems to be coasting high :)