Bill Richardson is Obama's best VP choice ...

[Alhena]

and I say that even though I'm not any great Richardson fan- he is underwhelming in debates to be sure. But it is essential that Obama get the Hispanic vote, and Richardson spent his early years actually living in Mexico City (though he was born in the US) and his mother is Mexican.

Plus, Richardson has extensive foreign policy experience- he has been mentioned as a potential Secretary of State candidate- and that complements Obama's area of weakness as far as experience. Finally, his home state of New Mexico is in play, though it obviously doesn't have a lot of delegates to offer.

I can't think of any other candidate who offers as many pluses as Richardson.

[Diane R]

1. I fully expect Obama to choose someone with Richardson's stature.

[polichick]

2. I've always thought what Richardson would bring to the ticket...

...is pretty hard to beat.

[applegrove]

3. Yup. If Obama wins I hope he picks Richardson as VP.

[easy_b94]

4. I like Bill but I don;' think he should be VP

[GodlessBiker]

5. I think Richardson is in the lead. He would be a wise choice.

[Yael]

6. I like Bill. He would make an excellent choice.

[yourguide]

7. Oh I hope not...

things like, "being gay is a choice" and a few other flubs during the debates have made me seriously reconsider.

[Aviation Pro]

8. I said this months ago....

...I agree.

[sfam]

9. Richardson would help with Florida and out West, so yeah...good choice! nt

[MrRobotsHolyOrders]

10. He's got the stature and the gravitas

Maybe the occasionally gruff and occasionally jokey thing isn't something people want in a president, but Richardson would be hell-on-wheels as a VP. And if the Republicans have to deal with a unified latino voting block against them, they might at well start buying into the reality of being a pseudo-regional party for the 21st century.

[bklyncowgirl]

11. I like Richardson--he was my first choice--but I think a military background would also be good

I could also see someone like Wes Clark also bringing a great deal to the ticket.

I'd be thrilled with Richardson though--especially if he keeps the beard.

[burythehatchet]

12. You may be correct. The Dem strategy ought to be to peel off the western

states from Repuke control.

[KittyWampus]

13. Bob Graham would be better. Less inflammatory to gays, he was right on Iraq, brings Florida

[WinkyDink]

16. I can see it now: "Send an Obama-Gra(ha)m to the White House!"

[weezie1317]

14. I LOVE Richardson, but he won't hold up to the GOP VP in debates.

[stahbrett]

20. VP debates are usually one debate, low ratings, just don't make any dumb Quayle mistakes

Low-key, just stick to the message, don't try to get cute or fancy, and it's all over.

[CoffeeCat]

15. Did you see Richardson on CNN yesterday...

...practically stumping for the veep slot?

Interesting that Richardson was part of the Clinton administration, then spent that day
watching football with Bill (being lobbied vociferously no doubt), and is now sending
signals of an Obama endorsement.

That says quite a lot.

[NC_Nurse]

17. I like him a lot. A military person might be better, I'm not sure.

I was really interested in him when the primaries started, but his lackluster performances
on pundit shows and debates were disappointing. It might not matter as much in the VP post, though.
Maybe Obama's team could coach him. ;-)

[high density]

18. That would be fine with me

He seems like a smart guy

[mtnsnake]

19. Bill Richardson would be a good man, but it might be too much DLC types on one team n/t