Draw up Obama's veep nom shortlist.

[saltpoint]

Below are several names being tossed around as possible vice presidential nominees for Obama's ticket.

Some are more likely than others. It's a list of names without regard for whether you or I personally prefer one name to the other. The goal is to draw up a strategic shortlist of 5 names for our nominee.

If I've left anybody out, signal me and I'll try to add names to the list within the 1-hour post time.

Name the five (5) veep noms you hand to Obama for his consideration, and if you want, say which one (1) you personally prefer.

- - - -

IN Sen. Evan Bayh
DE Sen. Joe Biden
NY Mayor Mike Bloomberg
CA Sen. Barbara Boxer
TN Gov. Phil Bredesen
CA Attorney General Jerry Brown
OH Sen. Sherrod Brown
Fmr. University President Betty Castor (FL)
Fmr. RI Sen. Lincoln Chafee
Gen. Wesley Clark
Fmr. GA Sen. Max Cleland
NY Sen. Hillary Clinton
Fmr. SD Sen. Tom Daschle
Dem. Party Chairman Howard Dean (VT)
CT Sen. Chris Dodd
Fmr. NC Sen. John Edwards
WI Sen. Russ Feingold
Fmr. Rep. Dick Gephardt (MO)
Fmr. FL Sen. Bob Graham
Fmr. AK Sen. Mike Gravel
NE Sen. Chuck Hagel
Fmr. IN Rep. Lee Hamilton
IA Sen. Tom Harkin
Fmr. Sec. of Labor Alexis Herman
VA Gov. Tim Kaine
OH Rep. Marcy Kaptor
Attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (NY)
MA Sen. John Kerry
OH Rep. Dennis Kucinich
AR Sen. Blanche Lincoln
Gen. Colin Powell
AZ Gov. Janet Napolitano
Fmr. GA Sen. Sam Nunn
MO Sen. Claire McCaskill
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (CA)
NM Gov. Bill Richardson
Fmr. IN Rep. Tim Roemer
Editor and Attorney Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg
MT Gov. Brian Schweitzer
KS Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
OH Gov. Ted Strickland
MD Rep. Chris Van Hollen
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Fmr. IA Gov. Tom Vilsack
Fmr. VA Gov. Mark Warner
CA Rep. Henry Waxman
VA Sen. Jim Webb
FL Rep. Robert Wexler
Gen. Anthony Zinni


- - - -

[Fresh_Start]

1. Howard Dean should be considered

There's probably no one more deserving of office

[saltpoint]

5. I love the guy. I thought he had taken hiimself out of consideration

for the 08 ticket once he took the Chair's job, but I agree with you -- he is owed a huge debt by Democrats and I would love to see him in a position of influence in an Obama administration.

Thank you, NYCALIZ -- I'll add the good doctor to the list.

[Fresh_Start]

20. Deaniacs unite

I hope he would accept.

There is no one more deserving.

[newmajority]

37. He would replace Richardson as my #1 choice if he were in the running.

But he said he would sit this election out. :(

[texasleo]

102. bwahahahahahahahaha!

no

[Muttocracy]

2. Schweitzer, Biden, Feingold, Richardson, Kerry

[blm]

132. No Kerry - he's going to be leading investigations into BushInc's crimes of office.

And THIS time he'll have a COOPERATIVE Dem president who is not seeking to keep government closed to the people. Unlike the Bushprotecting Clinton years.

[Oceansaway]

3. ..

Attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (NY)

i hadnt given RFK any thought....but i like the idea......

[saltpoint]

7. I had to include him on the list. He's a hell of a tough customer with

a serious, serious brain as well.

And I probably don't have to tell you that I loved his father.

[x-g.o.p.er]

4. FL Senator Bill Nelson

He can't win without Florida, and Nelson is also a "gravitas" candidate when it comes to foreign affairs, which is Obama's biggest weakness against McCain.

[Spider Jerusalem]

12. He can win without Florida.

[x-g.o.p.er]

50. You think?

Unless he overwhelms McCain, Florida is essential

[Spider Jerusalem]

67. I'm pretty sure, yeah.

ME, MA, VT, CT, RI, NY, PA, NJ, MD, DE, DC, VA, CA, OR, WA, IA, WI, MI, MN, CO, NM and HI go Democratic (likely blue states, plus Virginia, which is trending blue): 282 D, 256 R. There are other combinations that are probably doable in November that would put Obama over the top without FL.

[saltpoint]

30. I'm not immediately drawn to Graham until I picture him slicing

the Puke veep to tiny shreds on the vice presidential debate stage.

Graham is not "charismatic" exactly, but I pity the Republican who tries to debate him. Grahama is one of those A-student types who almost literally memorizes every chapter.

He would make Mitt Romney wet his britches.

[x-g.o.p.er]

49. Not Graham,

Bill Nelson.

[saltpoint]

61. Bill could pack a punch. He retains significant support in the Panhandle

and other redder areas of Florida, and I think would be a boost there.

I wish Betty Castor had won that Senate race against the loathsome Bob Martinez.

[LSparkle]

6. If that's "short" then I'd hate to see "long"

But I'm THRILLED to see Jerry Brown on it -- I hadn't
even thought about him but OMG, how great would THAT
be?????

I am a Californian who WENT TO COLLEGE largely because
of the generosity of the California state scholarship
system under Jerry Brown (yes, I'm that old -- now
SHUT UP!) and I would love to see this extraordinary
man, who was the FIRST CANDIDATE to really go outside
the "normal" financing channels (remember how he used
to always mention his 1-800 number during interviews?)
finally be given his due. Like Al Gore, "Governor
Moonbeam" was a true visionary, a son of California
when it really WAS the "Golden State."

:sigh:

[saltpoint]

8. Jerry Brown is the real deal -- the strong heart and clear head in

any room.

I'd love to see him once more in the national arena.

[Zomby Woof]

13. I like Brown as CA AG

But what I'd really like to see is him succeeding Schwarzenegger for the Governor Moonbeam Administration, Phase II. :-)

Since term limits on the governor's office went into effect long after he left, he would be eligible.

[saltpoint]

19. I'm on board with that, too. Brown is an innovator and will bring things

along with a view toward what's good for everyone.

I like Arnold's wife better than Arnold, needless to say.

[Zomby Woof]

41. We all like our First Lady

That's Maria Shriver, for the folks who are alert-button happy. :rofl:

I question her marital judgment, but she's a good soul, and truthfully, I firmly believe she is his moderating influence. Ever since he was chastened at the polls with his initiatives 2 years ago, she has been more visible and influential.

[saltpoint]

53. Agree. You describe her perfectly, IMO.

She may have been the one to keep Arnold from going whole-hog Republican Rightwing.

Thank you, Madam First Lady.

[Indiana_Dem]

9. Schweitzer, Vilsack, Webb, Clark, Biden, Dodd, Graham...ah I can't make up my mind on 5! nt

[saltpoint]

11. ! Hi, Indiana_Dem. You know, I wanted to be in an America that

would NEVER in a million eons choose Dan Coates over Joe Hogsett, but of course, I seldom get my way in the real world.

But in that BETTER world, I would be putting Senator Joe Hogsett's name on that list tonight as well.

[Zomby Woof]

10. Jim Webb

That's it so far. I have been very impressed with his new book "A Time To Fight". Even where I disagree with him, he challenges my assumptions and makes me think about where I am coming from - like an essential college professor's methodology.

Biden would be absolutely last as my pick. Memories are selectively short around here. Do they remember how far his nose was up Bush's ass until just months before he decided to run? He ranks second to Bush in MBNA contributions. His craven opportunism is beyond the normal curve for a politico. His not so latent racism is appalling. He is like the Democratic version of McCain, just a little less insane. Plus, Delaware has no strategic value on a ticket. So I am not worried about that unctious asshole making it as VP.

[saltpoint]

17. Hi, Zomby, good to see you.

I respect Biden's fight against Bolton, and set it against the MBNA vote. Not disputing your objection, only suggesting that the man has a lot to bring to the internatinal table after 8 years of scheming and lying and brutality under Bush.

Webb writes very, very well. The talent would be in demand after the same 8 years of Bush/Cheney, plus Webb can walk into Hamilton, Ohio or Grey Bull, Wyoming and talk turkey.

[Zomby Woof]

39. lol, I think I channeled HST or something

I have a longstanding contempt for Biden. I remember his '88 campaign vividly. I lived in a very Republican VA stronghold, and I knew I smelled something when the local Repubs said they liked him and DuPont (The Delaware Duo, I guess), and could vote Democratic if it were him. Even before plagiarism felled his campaign, I just never trusted him. He's smart, but his intellect is always outmaneuvered by his cunning and opportunism.

But I'd rather extol my preferred candidates, and try to quit the internal attacks, now that things have settled at last. :toast:

[saltpoint]

42. Well, it's going to be almost breath-taking to watch Obama sift

thru the choices.

For some reason i think McCain's veep pick will be even worse than we think it will be, and it's already likely to be horrifying. I want a veep nom for the blue team that will school McCain's veep pick off that debate stage, so as to say, 'Look, voters -- if you support McCain, and he croaks halfway into his Inauguration Address, THIS fool is who inherits power."

[Zomby Woof]

57. I am hoping for Huckabee

I am not a praying sort, but I think I could give it a go here. :D

Most likely, it will be someone safe and bland, who won't overshadow him. Which is why it won't be Giuliani, who is campaign poison, and would steal his thunder.

[saltpoint]

63. Good point on stealing McCain's thunder. Such as it is.

On that criterion, McCain may have to go with someone who's literally in a coma.

A slab of styrofoam would likely upstage John McCain. That speech in New Orleans last night was disastrous.

[Zomby Woof]

65. I meant to edit that

"Croaking whisper" instead. :D

Oh my aching cheese, that 'speech' was a black hole of tedium and horse doots.

[saltpoint]

75. LOL!

ZombyWoof, it is always a pleasure to meet-and-greet you on these boards.

You give off a vibration, and it's a damned good one.

[Samantha]

85. I hope he picks Kay Bailey Hutchinson - that will sink him for sure

But just making a momentary comparison to his speech last night and Barack Obama's, I thought he too should immediately suspend his campaign along with Hillary because it's so over already.

Your question is very difficult. I have a hard time narrowing it down to five. When a similar question was asked a few weeks ago, my number one choice was Caroline Kennedy. I know that's not realistic, but it would be in the ideal world.

Kennedy, Biden, Feingold, Dodd, McCaskill, Chaffee and Sebelius. Oh but wait, that's seven. You can use the Hillary math and just count the count the seven as five, subtracting any two that don't vote the way you like. :)

Sam

[saltpoint]

88. Hey there, Sam. I tried to narrow the list also and had the same

difficulty. Some names I like because they would boost our chances to win by a larger electoral showing, but others I like because I liked 'em, plain and simple.

We agree on Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg. I'm not seeing her wanting the job but my god what a headline that would be.

After 8 years of lizard-souled Dick Cheney, imagine how the country would feel if CKS were the new vice president.

That would classify as "liberal Rapture."

[izzybeans]

14. I'd like to nominate my mother. She'd be way better than most on that list.

How about a no namer. I'm serious (notice how it is spelled correctly). Someone talented that just came from the masses, representing us. Imagine my mom, a high school economics teacher who has devoted her life to her students, her family, and to the Democratic party, served in the Air Force, the child of a family who lost their farm. Someone like that... I can get behind. The rest on that list are interchangeable. Blah diddy blah blah.

She's even got more life experience than Hillary, she's a few years her senior.

Though she's very short so that might scare some of you folks.

[Cha]

15. I don't know enough about this yet to

know who I want but I do know enough to know that Obama and his team will pick the one who is best for our Campaign For Change.

Not someone who is geographically, gender, or militarilly correct.

[saltpoint]

40. Hi, zidzi. Yep. I'm ready to honor the man's choice but if we can

maximize our advantage in any way at all, I'm for running up the score on McCain.

I want a mandate!

[Cha]

44. Ohhh, are we ever gonna

have our Mandate(for real this time)!

[Muttocracy]

Got an idea - maybe next you can try a vote-no thread - to rule some out?

It seems there are many we'd all be happy with, but some have particular concerns.

Or we need a very complicated poll software with instant runoff!

[saltpoint]

23. It's a good suggestion, JoeIsOneOfUs, but I just wanted to start

with a grocery list as a first gesture.

I love some of those names and am not exactly hogwild about others, but want to respect Obama's choice.

[Muttocracy]

25. oh, sure, I think this is a great thread. Are you going to try to tally anything? nt

[saltpoint]

28. JoeIsOneOfUs, I hadn't even gotten that far, and really should

admit that you may be the one to do a thread like that.

I'm not a keen statistician at all. I'm just popping open a beer with some chips and inviting people over. If you have a design on an idea, run with it. Signal me and I'll help keep it kicked.

[faithfulcitizen]

16. what's Bob Graham up to these days? Perhaps he could help in FL?

[ruggerson]

18. I like Napolitano a lot

but America may not be ready for a Vice President who has a lower golf handicap than the President.

[PBS Poll-435]

21. I will give it a whirl...

IHOP --> Golden Corral --> The Sizzler.

[saltpoint]

24. I'm going with IHOP in that one. to start with, most of them are open all

night.

Politics gets even MORE interesting after midnight!

[PBS Poll-435]

26. Need to find an all-nighter with a liquor license.

Maybe a casino?

:P

[saltpoint]

29. LOL! That could be a tough hunt.

Maybe pack a cooler in the back of the car . . .

[Phoonzang]

22. Schweitzer, Sebelius, Strickland, Warner, Richardson

In order of preference. I personally, don't like Strickland and it would make me feel icky to see him as veep, but he needs to be considered to bring in the Great lakes vote.

I'll add a 6th in there: Edwards. I'd rather not it be him though. I was originally an Edwards supporter but I have reservations about running him has veep AGAIN. He's polling really well though and that's significant.

[B Calm]

27. Evan Bayh is a Blue Dog

[saltpoint]

33. My take on Evan Bayh is that he would be a different Senator were his

constituents from Connecticut.

Indiana is not noted for his liberal leanings. A 20-some-year-old Evan Bayh watched his dad get turned out of office in Indiana by a young whippersnap fool of a Congressman named Dan Quayle.

Dean's 50-state strategy aims in part at strengthening the scaffolding Demiocrats need in states like Indiana and Nebraska. The outcome, ideally, would be that Democratic Senators etc from those states would vote bluer than they often do.

[Sparkly]

31. General Wesley Clark!!!

And btw, generals aren't "former" generals.

[saltpoint]

36. I guess they're "retired," or something. He's not in current combat,

is what I was shooting for and missed.

Clark brings a hell of a lot to the ticket -- he's from a southern state, he's dashing, he's very smart, and he proudly wears the medals against the Pukes when they try to assail Dems for being soft on terrorism.

[Sparkly]

45. Yes, retired.

He'd be EXCELLENT for Obama!!

(I'm VERY wary of another lawmaker as his VP.)

[saltpoint]

72. I wonder if one of Obama's considerations would be a separate shortlist

that included ex-lawmakers. People who no longer have to tapdance for constituents and can speak their peace more sure-footedly?

Actually, age isn't such a disqualifying factor for Obama -- he could choose Mario Cuomo -- who would absolutely bludgeon his Republican counterpart -- and were Cuomo to die in office, a President Obama would name his replacement, but meanwhile garner the significant (and maybe unmatchable) benefit of Cuomo's sage advice.

[Sparkly]

84. Oh man, I LOVE Mario!!

But I don't think so. And I have no idea what Obama and his team are looking for. I'm sure they're weighing all factors very carefully. (I am just hoping they don't go for a "centrist" southern lawmaker, primarily.)

[saltpoint]

89. I guess one of the things I respect about Obama is that I really do not

have any idea who might be attractive to him as a veep nom.

From a sheer arithmetic/electoral college standpoint, if Obama chooses Bill Richardson, the GOP might as well concede the election as our delegates are dropping the blue balloons in Denver.

[wmbrew0206]

113. Clark has some baggage, if it is a former Gen. Tony Zini is Clark without the bagage

[Clark2008]

125. What baggage?

And, Zinni has far more than Clark. Zinni actually was a Republican.

[gulfcoastliberal]

32. A-B-C (Anyone But Clinton)... easy as 1-2-3...n-t!

[newmajority]

34. Richardson remains the best choice IMHO

Here's the ones from the OP list I found necessary to comment on:

NY Mayor Mike Bloomberg - He knows the economic issues, but brings nothing electorally to the ticket (I'm guessing New York is "safe")

Fmr. Gen. Wesley Clark - Thought he might be a possibility. But praising Rove and encouraging Hillary to go to Denver were not good moves, General!

Fmr. GA Sen. Max Cleland - I'd put him in charge of the VA

Fmr. NC Sen. John Edwards - our next Attorney General

Fmr. FL Sen. Bob Graham - older than McCain

VA Gov. Tim Kaine - arguably could help flip Virginia, but what else does he add to the ticket?

Attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (NY) - Environmental Protection Agency

OH Rep. Dennis Kucinich - Department of Peace

AZ Gov. Janet Napolitano - Seems there's a weird law in AZ which fills a vacant Governor seat with the Secretary of State, and the current one there is a right wing lunatic. Better leave Janet there for now.

Fmr. GA Sen. Sam Nunn - Old and a homophobe. No thanks.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (CA)- Do we really need the "San Francisco values" crap in the media 24/7? (Yes it's complete bullshit, but when has that ever stopped them.

NM Gov. Bill Richardson - Best resume. Best overall choice.

Editor and Attorney Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg - We wouldn't want her accused of being a "Cheney" if she picked herself.

MT Gov. Brian Schweitzer - Currently my #2 choice, though he's not exactly well known outside of political circles.

KS Gov. Kathleen Sebelius - Some seem to think this will attract Hillary supporters, but not much electoral advantage in Kansas.

OH Gov. Ted Strickland - Well.... I guess he could rig Ohio for us.

Fmr. IA Gov. Tom Vilsack - As a Deaniac, the mere thought sickens me. :puke:

Fmr. VA Gov. Mark Warner - Never saw what was so damn special about this guy. Sorry

Fmr. Gen. Anthony Zinni - Don't really know much about him, aside from him quitting the Chimpified military.

[Forkboy]

35. I would love to see it be Feingold.

Which means it won't happen. x(

[saltpoint]

38. Even so, it is a great notion. He's a true-hearted soul and brings

a lot of clarity and reverence to any issue.

Wisconsin is always a dogfight. The state that sends Feingold to the U.S. Senate elected that cranky old Neanderthal Tommie Thompson for what -- 350 consecutive terms? -- something like that.

[Forkboy]

52. 350 is close enough.

:rofl:

[muryan]

54. Best choice

I think its because his name hasnt come up all that much among the pundits as a VP choice but he really is a great fit. And he fits perfectly with Obama's message

(From one my earlier posts)

Only senator to vote against the Patriot Act, one of 23 against IWR. Hes jewish and strong on gay rights, which shores up some perceived weaknesses of Obama within the party (key word being perceived). He has a somewhat centrist record on gun issues, and hes also fiscally responsible.

"The Concord Coalition, a nonpartisan advocacy group that pushes for fiscal responsibility, placed him on its "Senate Honor Roll" every year since 1997, and ranked him in the top two every year since 1998, making their suggestion that Feingold is also one of the top budget hawks in Congress"

Its hard for the republicans to attack him on taxes when he rates higher than almost all of the senators on fiscal responsibility. Only issue that the repubs can hit him on for being too liberal is gay marraige, and thats a wedge issue they already pulled out of the closet in 2004.

[Forkboy]

58. You cite some great reasons.

And the fact that he's been under the radar in the talks about VP is good. I think Obama will surprise us, and I really have a ton of respect for Russ.

[NorthCarolina]

117. Fiengold would be my first choice

but I am thinking Obama will probably look for someone with more Foreign Policy experience. We can hope though, you just never know.

[Muttocracy]

119. Feingold is very good on the SFRC at least.

[nebula]

43. Can't go wrong with a Kennedy on the ticket.

[SoxFan]

46. Crusoe, did you forget anyone?

Lindsay Lohan? The singing pirate from those credit report ads?

Seriously, though, my short list goes as follows:

Joe Biden: Foreign policy experience, street smart, Pennsylvania roots and a hint of a Philly accent, good pit bull, strong debater and stump speaker, no question about meeting the "day two" test.

Bill Richardson: Killer resume, nice blend of diplomatic, executive, and legislative experience. Not a natural attack dog, but has been a good surrogate for Obama during the primary campaign. Obama and Richardson also seem to genuinely like each other.

Kathleen Sebelius: A good pick if Obama feels he needs a woman on the ticket. Low key but comes across as thoughtful and articulate. Popular red state governor, family roots in Ohio (her father was governor in the 1970s) are an added bonus.

Blanche Lincoln: A sleeper possibility. Young (in her late 40s), mother of twin boys, native of the rural Arkansas delta, co-founder of the Blue Dogs would appeal to rural voters, conservative Dems.

Evan Bayh: Not exciting, but solid. Has a pleasant "soccer dad" way about him, like Lincoln the father of twins, good resume with two terms as governor and time on the Senate intelligence committee.

Personally, I'm intrigued with the idea of Tim Roemer. He's a popular red state guy (former Indiana congressman), and as a member of the 9/11 commission he is repsected by people of all ideological stripes as a serious, thoughtful individual. His abortion record (best described as moderately pro-life) would probably set off a shit storm with NARL and NOW, though it could potentially be appealing to Catholic voters in places like Youngstown, Manchester, and Scranton.

[saltpoint]

66. Blanche Lincoln.

Yikes. I did forget her, and should not have.

Just went back into the list and added her name.

Good catch.

Also you make some keen observations on your 5 choices.

[gateley]

47. Thanks for including Schweitzer - and may I suggest Wexler? Thanks!! nt

[saltpoint]

55. Gately, yes. Wexler. He represents Boca Raton, or what? I'm not sure

where his districts starts and stops.

But let me try to throw him up on that list before time runs out.

[Thrill]

48. I like Sam Nunn or Mark Warner

[saltpoint]

64. I could see Obama choosing Mark Warner, but at the same time

we have a Senate pick-up if Warner stays in the Virginia Senate race. I think everyone in the state knows he can win that and replace the "bad" Warner with the "good" Warner.

[Thrill]

68. Kaine could run for that Senate seat

His term is up

[saltpoint]

78. Hadn't considered that. Of course then Obama would do a double-clutch

shift and pick Kaine as his veep nom.

This could be a wild, wild summer leading up to Denver.

[FlyingSquirrel]

105. I know this is stupid, but

Obama-Kaine sounds too much like Novacaine and Cocaine. The Repugs would have a field day with it.

[Secret_Society]

51. Clinton, Edwards, Clark, Bayh, Biden...No Webb or Hagel for me

Hagel would actually make it difficult for me to vote for him.

[redstate_democrat]

56. My five

Gov. Sebelius
Sam Nunn
Howard Dean
Jim Webb (maybe but he may have an issue with women) or Tim Kaine, Mark Warner (SOME VIRGINIA POLITICO)
Gov. Napalitano

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

59. First draft:

IN Sen. Evan Bayh
DE Sen. Joe Biden
NY Mayor Mike Bloomberg
CA Sen. Barbara Boxer
TN Gov. Phil Bredesen
CA Attorney General Jerry Brown
OH Sen. Sherrod Brown
Fmr. University President Betty Castor (FL)
Fmr. RI Sen. Lincoln Chafee
Fmr. Gen. Wesley Clark
Fmr. GA Sen. Max Cleland
NY Sen. Hillary Clinton
Fmr. SD Sen. Tom Daschle
Dem. Party Chairman Howard Dean (VT)
CT Sen. Chris Dodd
Fmr. NC Sen. John Edwards
WI Sen. Russ Feingold
Fmr. Rep. Dick Gephardt (MO)
Fmr. FL Sen. Bob Graham
Fmr. AK Sen. Mike Gravel
NE Sen. Chuck Hagel
Fmr. IN Rep. Lee Hamilton
IA Sen. Tom Harkin
Fmr. Sec. of Labor Alexis Herman
VA Gov. Tim Kaine
OH Rep. Marcy Kaptor
Attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (NY)
MA Sen. John Kerry
OH Rep. Dennis Kucinich
Gen. Colin Powell
AZ Gov. Janet Napolitano
Fmr. GA Sen. Sam Nunn
MO Sen. Claire McCaskill
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (CA)
NM Gov. Bill Richardson
Fmr. IN Rep. Tim Roemer
Editor and Attorney Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg
MT Gov. Brian Schweitzer
KS Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
OH Gov. Ted Strickland
MD Rep. Chris Van Hollen
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Fmr. IA Gov. Tom Vilsack
Fmr. VA Gov. Mark Warner
CA Rep. Henry Waxman
VA Sen. Jim Webb
Fmr. Gen. Anthony Zinni


Second draft:

DE Sen. Joe Biden
CA Sen. Barbara Boxer
Fmr. Gen. Wesley Clark
CT Sen. Chris Dodd
WI Sen. Russ Feingold
IA Sen. Tom Harkin
Attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (NY)
NM Gov. Bill Richardson
Fmr. IA Gov. Tom Vilsack
CA Rep. Henry Waxman

[saltpoint]

69. Your second draft brings it to Dodd or Harkin, and I love them both, but

would recommend Harkin first, not on merits or attributes (as both men are way up there on merit) but because Dodd's state govenror is a Republican and we would lose that vote.

Do I have that right? Would the Republican Governor of CT not appoint Shays or someone even worse to Dodd's seat if he left it to be veep assuming an Obama win?

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

74. Harkin works.

He's a good joe.

[Muttocracy]

70. I like Dodd but want him for Majority Leader :)

[muryan]

60. Feingold, Sherrod Brown, Schweitzer, Kaine, Hagel

Feingold being my favorite by far, Hagel being interesting because it completely takes the wind out of McCains sails.

[Warren DeMontague]

73. Sticking an anti-choice Republican like Hagel on the ticket would be a dealbreaker for many.

Including myself.

[saltpoint]

76. I'd be less than thrilled with Hagel myself, but am drawing as large a

circle as possible for Obama to play in.

I liked Hagel on Iraq these last few years, but just prefer a more progressive veep nom.

[Warren DeMontague]

81. I don't think it will happen, so I'm not going to get to agitated about the idea

but the truth of the matter is, I'm going to support the Democratic Ticket, I've always said that- Obama, Hillary, whatever...

..but that presupposes a few, "large circle" but non-negotiable core Democratic values; one being that I'm voting for actual Democrats, support for Roe v. Wade being another.

[saltpoint]

86. I'm with ya, and would understand anyone who objected to a

political choice on the principle of Principle, so to speak.

It would be a great setback to lose Roe. McCain would set out to deliberately undo it, pandering to the fundie nutbags.

I'd like to think that Obama will make the same deliberate bee line to preserve it, and then bolster it through deep-bench judiciary appointments.

I think he will, too.

[muryan]

100. Likewise

But in the realm of pure speculation, it is an interesting idea...discounting his conservative stances.

[Thrill]

62. Webb shouldn't even be considered. He STILL hasn't endorsed Obama

Nevermind, Obama campaigned for him to get elected to the Senate.

[Warren DeMontague]

71. 1) Feingold. 2) Richardson. 3) Dodd. 4) Clark. 5) Schweitzer. nt

[Iwillnevergiveup]

77. I seem to recall

Russ not giving a thumbs down to a V.P. spot. My God - what a team that would be. Russ is fearless.

[saltpoint]

80. Agree -- there is a fearlessness to him. I held Wellstone awfully high

and Feingold, too, for many of the same reasons.

I love those upper Great Lakes States when they send terrific Senators to DC so all the rest of us can enjoy them too.

[Dbdmjs1022]

79. My shortlist: Clark, Edwards, Richardson, Sebelius, Webb

General Wes Clark
Former Senator John Edwards
NM Governor Bill Richardson
KS Governor Kathleen Sebelius
VA Senator Jim Webb

[saltpoint]

83. Hi, Dbdmjs1022. Thanks for throwing in to this thread.

I thought about putting (help me out on the spelling here) Curt Schmoke? Baltimore's former mayor -- on the list, but left him off the final draft.

You would know the man better than I would, and have insight into him. But I had a lot of respect for him generally and also appreciated his knowledge of the so-called War on Drugs and his very refreshing comments to federal folks on that issue.

The 5 shortlisted Democrats you chose are all strong options for Obama, and all would bring some serious heft and uplift to the ticket.

[Frank Booth]

82. In alphabetic order:

Biden
Clark
H. Clinton
Schweitzer
Warner

[saltpoint]

90. A case can be made for all five on your list. I am wrestling with

Schweitzer this week -- at first thinking he would be great remaining in Montana and building up the Democratic Party there to sustain our string of recent wins in state-wide elections there.

Then at the same time, I kept thinking how damned impressive he is and thought, Well, hell, let's just go for it.

I'm still back-and-forth on Schweitzer, but for all the right reasons. He's a marvel, and a man with a very very bright future.

[Lyric]

87. It CANNOT be a Senator. It can't.

Senator Robert C. Byrd is ailing...badly. I'm in his home state. We're expecting that we're probably going to lose him before election day. We don't have enough of a Senate majority to risk losing any of the others. But even more importantly, choosing a Senator is a badbadBAD idea because it puts both Obama and the VP nom in the position of having two ugly choices--either the VP nom resigns from the Senate well *before* the election, which damages our Senate lead and puts us at the risk of last-minute Shrub administration havoc-wreaking, or both Obama *and* our VP nom could be stuck either casting a vote for or against something ridiculous and divisive that will hurt them in the election, or refusing to vote, thus giving the Repukes more fuel for accusing them of neglecting their duties as Senators. We'll see tons of crap like this--stuff that was thrown at Kerry and Edwards last time:

http://mensnewsdaily.com/archive/newswire/news2004/0704/070904-rightmarch.htm

Pick a governor without a lot of baggage, and preferably either southern or from one of the swing states.

[FlyingSquirrel]

106. I agree, no senators. A governor or General Clark.

[Milo_Bloom]

91. Richard Clarke, Wesley Clark, Bill Richardson, Robert F Kennedy, Mike Bloomberg

[saltpoint]

92. Gotta say, that's a dramatic list of five dynamic names, all of them

of a different dynamic from the other 4.

Richard Clarke would be the most dramatic of all on that list, IMO, simply because he stood out by being so dignified and by apologizing to the men, women, and children who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks.

That was a stunning moment in Congressional history.

[Milo_Bloom]

95. Richard Clarke is my #1 pick.

He has been Obama's top security advisor throughout the campaign.

He is the one person who I see as a VP pick who is A-political and is the best to "keep us safe".

[saltpoint]

97. I think he would bring those two strengths and a lot more.

I personally don't care for the way Clarke was treated by Condoleezza Rice, so a Clarke appointment of any sort would represent a restoration of dignity to the government, after 8 years of ethically indefensible conduct by the Bush administration.

[cliffordu]

93. Jim Webb:

In a world of paper tigers and "heroes" that turn out to be chickenhawks, Senator Webb is the real deal

Read the wikipedia entry. I printed the Naval Citation for his Navy Cross below.


Here's the short version:

He offered up his life for one of his men.


Webb received the Navy Cross for actions on July 10, 1969. The citation read:


“The Navy Cross is presented to James H. Webb, Jr., First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 July 1969, while participating in a company-sized search and destroy operation deep in hostile territory, First Lieutenant Webb's platoon discovered a well-camouflaged bunker complex that appeared to be unoccupied. Deploying his men into defensive positions, First Lieutenant Webb was advancing to the first bunker when three enemy soldiers armed with hand grenades jumped out.

Reacting instantly, he grabbed the closest man and, brandishing his .45 caliber pistol at the others, apprehended all three of the soldiers. Accompanied by one of his men, he then approached the second bunker and called for the enemy to surrender. When the hostile soldiers failed to answer him and threw a grenade that detonated dangerously close to him, First Lieutenant Webb detonated a claymore mine in the bunker aperture, accounting for two enemy casualties and disclosing the entrance to a tunnel.

Despite the smoke and debris from the explosion and the possibility of enemy soldiers hiding in the tunnel, he then conducted a thorough search that yielded several items of equipment and numerous documents containing valuable intelligence data. Continuing the assault, he approached a third bunker and was preparing to fire into it when the enemy threw another grenade. Observing the grenade land dangerously close to his companion, First Lieutenant Webb simultaneously fired his weapon at the enemy, pushed the Marine away from the grenade, and shielded him from the explosion with his own body. Although sustaining painful fragmentation wounds from the explosion, he managed to throw a grenade into the aperture and completely destroy the remaining bunker.

By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Webb upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

[saltpoint]

94. As far as service to country and genuine patriotism are concerned --

and they are VERY concerned in U.S. politics -- Webb is a powerful option for Obama.

I will always lionize Webb for his smashing victory over Cement-Head George Allen in 2006.

Allen was SO certain he would win re-election in a walk and then go on to be the GOP nominee for the presidency.

Our Mr. Webb dead-ended that scenario but quick.

[cliffordu]

99. AND, he has real Defense Department credentials - unlike anyone else

running...


He completely negates every "positive" that McCain is supposed to have - and Webb is a CONCRETE friend of the Veteran...This is going to be KEY over the next 16 - 30 years because of the HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of vets coming home that will need counseling at a minimum, and life long care at the worse.

He refused to have his photo taken with Bush, which gets my vote automatically.

[saltpoint]

101. Yes. There was that famous confrontation between Webb and Dubya

when Dubya asked "How's your boy," and got a different answer than he bargained for -- an adult answer from Webb -- and Dubya just couldn't process it.

Sometimes dignity and self-respect are a giant pretzel little Dubya can't chew.

It was a classic confrontation between a true patriot and a fake cowboy.

[wmbrew0206]

116. Webb has a lot of baggage on women's issues

http://stonetharp.wordpress.com/2008/05/30/the-progressive-case-against-jim-webb-as-vp/

[cliffordu]

124. Yeah, but Obama's losing women anyway, right??

:sarcasm:

[Muttocracy]

120. Wow. nt

[MadBadger]

96. Here is my short list of 10

1. Jim Webb
2. Janet Napolitano
3. Bill Richardson
4. John Edwards
5. Wesley Clark
6. Joe Biden
7. Chris Dodd
8. Kathleen Sebelius
9. Brian Schweitzer
10.Sherrod Brown.


btw, Barbara Boxer is my favorite, I just dont see it happening.

[saltpoint]

98. hnmnf, there's quite a bit to like in your list of ten, and your

11th name -- Senator Boxer -- is extremely fine with me.

Barbara Boxer is the bee's knees. I love her.

[Crunchy Frog]

103. Jim Webb, Wes Clark, or Bill Richardson.

[Asider23]

104. Wexler is perfect

[kickitup]

107. I'm in Southeastern Kentucky

and both my husband and I support Obama. Now, I like Richardson for V.P. but my husband commented that the bigots won't vote for an African American and a Hispanic - he thinks that would be too much. However, when he heard Sam Nunn mentioned on some network, he commented that Nunn might be a good choice if Obama wanted to draw in the area and the south in general. I know how everybody feels (justly) about the Appalachian area and the horrible exit poll results that came out of the region, but I just wanted to throw his comments out about the V.P. choice because he has a very good "ear" for politics and what plays well in the area. If any of you are from this area, I would like to know if you agree with my husband's conclusions about Richardson and Nunn.

[Unsane]

109. Why bother? Obama could dig up Davey Crockett and your state still won't vote for him.

I read a poll in KY where the state's democrats favor McCain over Obama. That is beyond help.

[kickitup]

118. Unfortunately

you are probably correct, but I still want to have hope. You have no idea what it's like to be an Obama supporter in the eastern part of my state. I think they believe I'm a closet Muslim or something. They all believe this about his being a Muslim. Those of you outside of this area have no idea how deeply offensive and frightening the idea of that is to these people. I would like to think that if he came here, that the people might get a chance to know him, but I really don't know. Maybe the correct strategy is to just write this area of the country off, but this area does need help. hThe hopeful part is that a lot of the young people are for Obama, especially the college age or educated ones.

[Unsane]

108. LOL Kennedy-Schossberg and Jerry Brown, but not Colorado's sitting governor (Ritter)? Wild.

[FlyingSquirrel]

110. Clark, Schweitzer, Edwards, Warner, Richardson.

No sitting senators. We could find a replacement for Warner in the VA race.

Clark is my favorite, he builds a bridge to Clinton supporters and obviously helps with national security creds, helps out in many southern states.

Schweitzer, I don't know a lot about but I like him more as I read more about him.

Edwards - I know a lot of people think he should be AG or have other reasons for thinking he'd be bad on the ticket but I've seen some polls with different VP options for Obama and Edwards consistently adds the most for him. Plus if we're taking a long view, he's young enough to run in 2016.

Warner, I was very disappointed when he didn't run for President. He'd bring a lot to the ticket and Virginia is a big deal for us this year.

Richardson is a conundrum for me because you've got two minority candidates on the ticket when a lot of people can't even wrap their heads around one. His credentials are excellent but his speaking style sucks and having him on the ticket rubs salt in the wounds of many Clinton supporters. Still, something about him is reassuring - I could see him taking over in a second in a crisis situation.

[cloudythescribbler]

111. (1) BOXER, (2) you don't list Stabenow so I guess Sebelius (3) Graham (4) Warner (5) Richardson

Ideally, it should be someone who NEVER supported the Iraq War Resolution, and it seems both principle and realpolitik to me that it should be a woman this year.

Of course, you also want someone with low negatives/baggage, and very strong appeal, that might help win over at least some voters, in some swing states, who might not otherwise vote Obama.

[saltpoint]

128. Thank you for mentioning Stabenow. I did not include her through

inadvertence but perhaps she should be on the list.

Michigan matters, and this time it matters that we compete for it whole-hog.

Good catch.

[progdog]

112. Schweitzer, Webb, Warner

n/t

[Tommy_Carcetti]

114. From that list, I would probably seriously consider:

Biden
Clark
Clinton
Edwards
Feingold
Graham
Harkin
Richardson
Vilsak
Warner
Webb

And I think the best choice there is Wesley Clark, IMHO.

[TornadoTN]

115. 1.Webb (probably wont accept) 2. Schweitzer 3. Bredesen 4. Zini 5. Richardson

I honestly think Bredesen has a shot if he wants it and is asked. Could deliver TN his way since he has a lot of appeal in the state and won his reelection by a landslide (carried all counties and garnered almost 70% of the vote.)

[saltpoint]

131. Bredesen has been under-covered in this veep speculation, but could be

the surprise in the mix.

He seems like a decent soul, as well as bringing Tennessee into competitive range for the blue team.

Plus, it would piss off Bill Frist.

[Hart2008]

121. Gary Hart! Hart brings experience and integrity.

Hart is an expert at homeland defense, defense policy, foreign policy AND

in his entire public life NEVER took a dime from a PAC!

[saltpoint]

127. Hi, Hart2008. On other lists and posts I have included Hart, and should have

in this one, and that if anything, your assessment understates his attributes.

Vice President would be fine with me, or National Security Advisor, or just about anything.

On the campaign trail, Hart would be especially powerful in any venue in which his progressive profile is used by fundie nutbags as a perjorative character trait, inasmuch as Hart holds a divinity degree and could blow the fundie Right screechers out of the water on theology.

With the scope & depth he has, Hart is a man who steps confidently off an airplane onto any tarmac. I like him a lot.

[harun]

122. My list

NM Gov. Bill Richardson
OH Rep. Dennis Kucinich
WI Sen. Russ Feingold
MT Gov. Brian Schweitzer
VA Sen. Jim Webb

My pick would be Jim Webb as the best choice for winning.

[saltpoint]

129. Lots to like in that batch. Webb? Yes -- he is damned effective.

As others have said, Jim Webb's victory of George Allen in Virginia was a truly heroic night for Democrats everywhere. I realize Virginians get the loudest whoop in that one, but the rest of us non-Virginians enjoyed it too.

It was a case of replacing a really horrible guy with a notably tremendous guy.

[Lex]

123. Wes Clark.

That's who I'd like to see.

[cbc5g]

126. It'll be Mark Warner , bookmark it ;)

[abburdlen]

130. Clark or Schweitzer

Currently I'm leaning more Schweitzer as VP and Clark as Sec. of State.

[saltpoint]

133. Two very capable souls, to be sure.

Schweitzer may want to stay in his beloved Montana, but he is wildly attractive as a national public figure. I could definitely see him as Obama's vice president.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

134. NY Sen. Hillary Clinton ....please please don't beat up on me?

[saltpoint]

135. It could happen.

Good morning.


:hi: :dem:

[suffragette]

136. I'd love to see Patty Murray in that spot.

She also voted against the IWR and was a community activist before running for office.
She's credible, sensible and she would mop the floor in debates with whomever McCain picks.