which of these four ex-rivals of Kerry's would best running mate?

[WI_DEM]

If Kerry did choose an ex-rival which would be the best?

Clark: Is from the South (Arkansas) and like Kerry a Vietnam Vet, tons of military experience may be able to help dispell GOP weak on defense arguements. Clark also has demonstrated ability at fund-raising and has a grass roots network of devoted supporters.

Dean: Complements Kerry's experience as a former Governor. A strong fund-raiser with solid grass roots organization. He may be able to attract left leaning Democrats and Independents who might otherwise flirt with Nader/Greens. Since dropping out he has still attained 500,000 votes in various primaries/caucuses.

Gephardt: From a key swing state (Missouri) and has strong ties to organized labor--effective on the anti-NAFTA arguments. If voters are looking for experience he may have an edge. Is from the midwest which may be the key region in this election.

Edwards: Was Kerry's most competitive opponent with wins in the Carolinas and narrow losses in Oklahoma, Iowa, Georgia, and Wisconsin. Exit polls during the primaries indicated that he did well with Independents and some republicans. Has a populist touch which may counter Kerry's more aloof image.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. Forget Dean

Two New Englanders on the ticket would equal a landslide.

[WI_DEM]

3. isn't it a shame

that it is acceptable to have a ticket with two southerners but not acceptable to have a ticket with two New Englanders or northeasterners.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

7. It definitely is

It's total bullshit... but that's the south for ya. The North would vote for the best man, the South would just prefer to vote for one of their own.

[JI7]

10. yup

unless they are republicans which sucks. only democrats have to worry about having a southerner on the ticket to win the south.

[DjTj]

31. The electoral college forces both parties to play to their weaknesses...

If geography is most important to you, you'll have to join the Republican Party and fight for northeastern candidates.

You have a choice between:

(a) living in a place where most of the people agree with your views, including most of your local officials, but you have to vote for Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates that are from other areas; and

(b) living in a place where most of the people disagree with your views, including most of your local officials, but you get to vote for Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates that are from your area.

...Compromise...It's the beauty of democracy.

[kiahzero]

2. Clark: Heavy Medal ticket

Also heavy on the diplomatic foreign policy, which is why I supported Clark in the general.

But Clark, sadly, doesn't seem interested in Veep.

[livetohike]

4. Edwards

I believe his pull with southern voters will be needed. He's young, energetic, and would be a good VP, imo.

[Claire Beth]

5. yeah, but I like Clark, too...

I'd be happy with either Edwards or Clark.

[chimpymustgo]

6. Edwards. Complements Kerry. Big smile. Big bucks.

He's got everything except military experience - and Kerry's got that!

Kerry/Edwards '04. And beyond...

[Claire Beth]

13. Edwards *does* have that charisma....

and women are attracted to him like a magnet. He has the same charisma that made Bill Clinton so popular on the campaign trail.

[balanced]

8. Hear, hear. I would prefer Clark, but if he is not interested, ...

[GreenPartyVoter]

9. Kucinich, Dean, Edwards, Clark

[Zorra]

29. I agree. Kucinich would be the most effective VP

with regard to helping Kerry draft and implement the policies that America needs in order to secure a saner, safer, and more prosperous future.

There is NWIH that the Democratic Leadership Corporation would ever allow Kerry to choose DK as a running mate.

[AntiCoup2K4]

11. In this poll, ABG!

But I would prefer Dean, of course.

Ranked in order...

1) Dean

2) Clark

3) Edwards

4) Root canals without novocaine

5) Freepapalooza concert with Ted Nugent & Toby Keith

6) Do we really need a Vice President

7) Gephardt.

[LizW]

12. LOL

Hee! :D

[David Dunham]

14. It looks like he may pick IA Gov. Tom Vilsack, not a former rival

Vilsack gives him Iowa, is a good speaker, has a good life story, and is a Catholic.

[WI_DEM]

15. Vilsak may be a good choice

but why not Harkin? also I've heard that Vilsak is not very popular in Iowa--true or false.

[David Dunham]

16. Harkins in his 70s I think. Vilsack can win IA for Kerry.

Vilsack also should help in midwest generally.

[candy331]

17. With over 1.5 million women last weekend

in DC at the rally, is there not one female(not Hillary) that could be hailed? Could get the female voters to the polls in huge numbers and beat the repubs at their inclusion game. Dems could be first with a female on the ticket, it is time so why let repubs be first even in this.

[WI_DEM]

19. he is 64

Why would Vilsak be more of a help in the midwest generally more so than Harkin?

[David Dunham]

28. Harkin may be perceived as too liberal and he's not a governor

Having a governor would help balance the ticket.

[democratreformed]

18. Definitely Clark

Hands down. Since that probably will not happen, my VP "druthers" are leaning toward Bill Richardson right now.

[Nashyra]

20. Why are here saying that Clarks doesn't appear to be interested?

Has anyone heard anything?

[democratreformed]

23. On several talk shows, he has said he is not interested

I only actually saw him say it once. But, I have read on here that he has said that several times. I would love to believe that he is "just saying that." But, when have you ever known Wes Clark to NOT be sincere and honest? I am trying to prepare myself (mentally) to accept someone else at least half as enthusiastically as I would Clark.

[Dinger]

33. When Pressed For A Definite No, Clark Didn't Say No

I think it was on a CNN show, sometime within the last month.
He skillfully changed the sibject. No, Clark isn't out.

[sablescort]

21. Clark in a heartbeat....

being a Southerner, the military experience, charisma.....

2nd choice would be Edwards.


I would take a Southerner to balance the Kerry ticket.

[OKNancy]

22. Everytime Kerry said the word NATO in his

wonderful speech today, I got a jolt thinking about how great Clark would be as VP. I wouldn't be upset with Edwards either.

[FrenchieCat]

24. Who else but the other Genuine Hero!

Wes Clark said he was not interested in that...didn't say he would turn it down if John Kerry Called. Please know that if Wes Clark felt that he was needed on the ticket in order to have Kerry win the WH, he would be right there in an Arkansas minute.

..but support from women is not Kerry's biggest problem. Closing the male side of the gender gap is."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4863243/

The quote above from this article should remind us all of the meme that was being floated in New Hampshire back in January (the one that spurred all of the "sweater stories"....that Wes was not polling as well with women....but was doing extremely well with the male vote.

That paragraph also kinda eliminates Edwards.....who seem to attract the female vote but does not as well with the male vote.

ALSO:

The April Marist poll showed that the issue of National Security tops the concerns of 53% of Americans (the War on Terra (33%) and the Iraq Situation (20%)) while the economy is at 44% http://www.maristpoll.marist.edu/usapolls/PZ040426.htm

Also note that Both Arizona (which Wes did well in) and Arkansas (which is 47% Bush 44% Kerry currently, are good Clark states.

But shoring up Kerry's perceived weak flank....and Bush's perceived strong suit in the War on Terra category would really help kerry in many states.....not just one or two.


Sooooooo I say Wes Clark!

[ngGale]

25. Edwards and we can take it to the bank..

Clark Sec. of Defense!

[FrenchieCat]

27. Facts are...

"Must be a civilian for 10 years to qualify for Sec. of Defense".

Edwards = AG.....

[Padraig18]

26. Clark will win any DU poll he's listed in.

His supporters are more numerous than anyone else's at DU. :shrug:

[salonghorn70]

30. Clark Would Be A Good Choice

I was for Clark in the primaries. I think that now that national security has become more important, that Clark would be a solid choice. However, I trust Kerry enough that if he feels that someone other than Clark can bring in more electoral votes, then that is who I am for. Also there is the "get along" factor. If Kerry thinks there is someone else that he just gets along with better, then that is ok with me.

[Cuban_Liberal]

32. A very reasonable statement.

I personally supported Edwards, but if Kerry thinks Clark brings what he needs to our ticket, then so be it. That said, every time I see a pic of the two of them together, I can't help but think that 'there's a FINE ticket we can convince America to support without much trouble'. :)

[MoonRiver]

34. Clark all the way!

:kick:

[grannyfran]

35. My Choices in Numerical Order

1. Clark
2. Edwards
3. Dean
4. None of the above
5. Gephardt

I really think Clark brings the most to the ticket and is the best prepared to be President if something should happen to Kerry. But, I would enthusiastically support any of the first three. But, please, not Gep. If Kerry should select Gephardt, I'd have to assume he was as politically suicidal as the rest of the DNC.