What would Barack Obama be looking for in a Vice-President?

[kentuck]

First of all, he would be looking for someone that was loyal and would not stab him in the back. Secondly, he would look for someone that would help him win in November. Thirdly, he would look for someone that would strengthen his perceived political negatives. Fourth, he would look for someone that would be willing to work behind the scenes. Fifth, he would look for someone that would help him with a certain segment where he has not run as strong as needed. Sixth, he would look for someone he likes and that he personally gets along with and considers a friend.

Now, go out there and find me a VP candidate! :-)

[XemaSab]

1. I would hone "fifth" to include geographic appeal

He doesn't need someone FROM the area, but someone who will appeal to the area. :shrug:

[Barack_America]

2. Done! Tim Kaine.

Seriously.

Loyal? Tim Kaine endorsed Obama in February 2007.

Win in November? Tim Kaine helps in both VA (where he is governor) and MO (where he grew up).

Behind the scenes guy? Tim Kaine has been an excellent surrogate for Obama. Always on message. Never grandstanding.

Certain segments? Tim Kaine speaks Spanish and is also Catholic. He can also work the "good ol' boy" angle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smvxB4RvOxQ


A friend? He and Obama have been friends for years, since they realized their mothers were from the same town. Obama has been quoted as saying he and Tim were "separated at birth" (jokingly, of course).

[nebula]

6. Thanks for the info

Tim Kaine is my first choice as well.

having a VP you know really well and trust with your life is more critical than anything. he offers other positives as well. and we sure don't need a repeat of Joe Lieberman/LBJ style shenanigans this time around.

[MercutioATC]

3. I'd reorder your priorities, but I think Brian Schweitzer fills all of the Obama "gaps".

We have a great opportunity to run on "change" vs "status quo"..."new blood" vs "established politician"...and I believe that allows us to make an exponential leap forward...to set a new standard.


Kneeling to the "we need to see political experience" crowd would diminish the product. Screw "experience" (which is a metaphor for "inside-the-beltway, good-old-boy, scratch my back and I'll scratch yours "experience").


The opposition is weak. It's time to inspire people.

[cloudythescribbler]

4. several specifics -- starting w/NEVER supported the Iraq War Resolution, also ...

specifically, a LOT of foreign policy experience a very important plus, given McCain (those who are going to support McCain on domestic policy basically are going to vote GOP anyway).

Also -- ABSENCE of high negatives and baggage, which is skirted in several of the criteria but somehow is more concrete when stated baldly

personally, all other things being equal, I STRONGLY favor a woman on the ticket this year for both principled AND realpolitik reasons: it's about time, and a LOT of voters feel that way too, and many voters would be enthused to support ticket who might otherwise be relatively unenthusiastic campers, and some might VOTE who might otherwise not do so.

the logic that obama needs strengthening w/"white males" and therefore one should be on the ticket is silly. Who is actually going to vote FOR Obama because, like his VP pick, this voter is a white male? That is a VERY TINY number of votes, all principled discussion aside.

[kentuck]

7. What about a woman that...

is respected by almost all women and would get the support of most Hillary supporters, is Jewish, and was anti-war from the beginning??

What about Barbara?

[MadBadger]

5. In terms of loyalty, the usual role of attack dog VP, and experience, Kerry is the best

But for other reasons, Kerry wont work.

[FrenchieCat]

8. Webb, Clark, Kaine, Jones.....

or Sebelius.