A question concerning the VP candidate and Cabinet

[thoughtcrime1984]

Is a running mate chosen immediately after a Presidential candidate becomes the nominee? Do you think that both Obama and Clinton have their VP choice lined up already? Are Cabinet positions lined up before November 4, or are they filled after the Dem nominee wins the Presidency? This is the first election cycle that I have taken a major interest in the Primary season, so I have much to learn. Thanks for any responses!

[TwilightGardener]

1. I don't remember--did Kerry start listing his possible cabinet choices

fairly early after sewing up the nom?

[karynnj]

4. No - there were people who were rumoured to have certain positions

For instance, both Biden and Holbroke were rumoured to be SoS - likely their supporters were spreading it.

[thoughtcrime1984]

2. bump for any insight

:)

[Exultant Democracy]

3. Right now they both have a short list for both the vp spot and some of their cabinet positions

but as of right now politics is the major variable so everything is subject to change. Generally a VP will be announced sometime after the Nomination is all sealed up (the when will be decided on how it will generate the most news so don't expect to see them announce during the summer games.)

Some or most of the cabinet positions will be announced during the transition period after the next president is elected, and having them confirmed will be one of the first steps of the next administration.

[COFoothills]

5. DUPE:::SORRY

WHOOPS.

[COFoothills]

6. Roughly...

Running mate will be selected before the convention. Might be soon, might be later. I suspect June-ish.

Nothing else is selected (at least not publicly) until after the election.

The winner assembles a transition team that gets office space in the old executive office building right next door to the White House until the inauguration on 1/20/09. That transition team will help the president-elect select cabinet positions and other high level key appointees that need to be made right away. They will be announced publicly in batches prior to congress returning from winter recess, which happens right after New Years 2009. Then those appointee selections will be run up the hill for confirmation.