Supposing that we don't persue a southern strategy, which is smarter?

[Doomsayer13]

A few names are being floated around Democratic ciricles for a Vice Presidential selection, especially if Democrats decide to not persue a Southern Strategy.

PA Gov. Eddie Rendell - He would make a key blue swing state for the Democrats much safer and would be the best VP choice if Dems wanted to protect what they had in 2000. Thing is, what will this do in terms of picking up crucial red swing states?

Sen. Evan Bayh - though unpopular on DU, Bayh is attractive becuase it gives Democrats a shot at Indiana, a state that hasn't gone blue since 1964. Bayh is personally popular in Indiana and can also work at swining Ohio in favor of the Democrats. Ohio, and maybe Indiana are in play becuase of job losses and if Bush loses both states, he's toast.

NM Gov. Bill Richardson - Richardson has a strong national record and won a clear and clean victory in New Mexico in 2002. He's Hispanic, which will give Democrats a strong edge among a growing electorate and comes from a Blue swing state. If he's the Veep nominee, there's a chance he may help carry red Nevada and Arizona as well.

US Rep. Dick Gephardt - Missouri went Red last round, but if Democrats choose Gephardt, they may have a chance to carry the swing state that went to Clinton both times. This would again be persuant of the protectionist policy, and would also be a big nod to organized labor, especially more conservative unions like the Teamsters.

So what do you guys think, strategy wise?

[arewethereyet]

1. if its Kerry, forget the south regardless who the veep is

sad but true. get some mid-west or latino help.

[Doomsayer13]

3. In terms of the South

fmr GA Sen Sam Nunn is a name pushed by old Southern Dixicrats, but he'll likely anger the Democratic base becuase of his conservatism. He's like the D's Dick Cheney.

Both Senators Bill Nelson and Bob Graham from Florida are appealing becuase they'd give Jeb and George a fight in Florida once again, a state near critical to Bush's re-election.

Of course, there's John Edwards, but his populist policy change and the fact that he hasn't been back to NC in a while makes it so that he probably wont carry NC. But he would help in states like Tennesee.

Gen. Wesley Clark may want to be Vice President and he can help with Arkansas and Louisiana.

[David Dunham]

2. We Don't Need the South to Win, but I Still Prefer Edwards for VP

[Leilani]

4. I say make Wes Clark Veep

& go after Arkansas, Louisiana, & West Virginia. They all have Dem senators, & have a history of voting for Dems.

[jfxgillis]

5. I'd rate 'em 1. Richardson

2. Gephardt

3. Byah

4. Rendell.

We need to poach a Red state, not secure a Blue state because technically we're behind in the EC map, so Rendell is last, although I'd take hin first if there was a blowout looming. If polling shows that Richardon doesn't help in AZ, put Gephardt 1.

Taking Missouri Blue would SO hurt Bush.

[Doomsayer13]

7. Gep would also help in WV

West Virginia went red last time, but it's a traditionally union state. Gep would help us retake it.

[MurikanDemocrat]

6. Focus on all the swing states and the states won by either side

by less than a 5% margin.

[lastknowngood]

8. There is no southern strategy they shouldn't even spend one

dollar advertising south ot Mason/Dixon line. Geb is a bad idea if he can't carry his neighbor state in a primary he's not much help. If Kerry is the nominee he better get Clark if he wants any chance. The real problem is California and Florida. Florida will be a repeat of 2000 and arnie will appoint someone to purge the democratic roles just before the election ie a Katherin Harris clone so California I believe is lost when you count in the Tiebold fraud machines. I'm living in Maryland a traditional democratic state however we also have the new fraud machines and a new repugnant Gov who won't allow printers to be added to the machine. I believe Maryland is lost I don't know how things are going elsewhere. I also note that Bush is very popular here, why I don't know. Good luck your going to need it.

[Doomsayer13]

9. CA Secretary of State is Kevin Shelly - a Democrat

I doubt he'll allow any sort of shady business in our elections.

[lastknowngood]

10. Well the shrub's friends don't pay much attention to the law

and if they do it just before the printing of the roles there wont be time for to reinstate them before the voting. Remember they have a lot of money and lawyers how can delay as they did in Florida. I would be willing to make a small wager on this one.