(Huffpost) Obama's VP List: A Few Good Men -- And No Women?

[Lithos]

Revisits the Sibelius debate. While I understand from an intellectual viewpoint why some would have problems with Sibelius because she is female (the conflict over Hillary), but I still don't get it in my gut.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20080720/cm_huffpost/113909

[NYC_SKP]

1. The Irony is sublime.

Because a woman came so close to winning a primary, no woman candidate but she may be considered, thus disqualifying any other woman, is that it?

But the part I find so maddening about this turn of events is the reason given for the absence of a female contender. From the Times: If he does not choose Mrs. Clinton, several Democrats said, it would be difficult for him to name any woman -- like Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, someone for whom he has had warm words. Both Clinton and Obama advisers said such a move could create a backlash among women who supported Mrs. Clinton.

Or is it because it was this one particular, powerful, former first lady who came so close that we're forced to have this discussion.

Either way, women lose and no good comes of it for our candidate.

:kick:

[Lithos]

4. That's my thought

No disrespect to Hillary, but she's not the only woman politician of note in this country. The selection of VP often is to introduce dynamics which complement that of the nominee. Ie, the heuristics have changed which means that a new set and larger set of candidates are in play.

I think Sibelius has some strengths as she represents a Democrat who has done well working cross-aisle and who would help him in his 50 state strategy (and do well for states in play such as Colorado, Missouri, N/S Dakota and Montana), though she does absolutely nothing to add to Obama's Foreign Policy and National Security image which is where I think the Pukes are going to land their heaviest attacks. It would be stupid to discard her simply because she is a woman.

L-

[NYC_SKP]

6. I agree, if we weren't in the middle of two wars...

Sibelius would be a great choice.

I wonder if he could still select her and simultaneously identify a few strong cabinet positions, including Wes Clark, to address the foreign policy/national security concern?

:shrug:

[MrsT]

5. Exactly. The Clinton supporters here who say "no female except Clinton" disturb me

And of course, none of them have this rule for male candidates.

[Kdillard]

2. Not official but it would hardly be surprising and the reason is pretty simple.

I never thought Sibelius would be asked to be on the ticket. I don't think she brings enough to the table to justify the backlash over not choosing Hillary Clinton. I personally think it is going to be either Biden or Schweitzer.

[MidwestTransplant]

3. There is no reason to think that any of this is especially informed opinion.

That said, I think it will be Biden. Maybe Sibelius. I also thought Clair McAskall would be a decent bet.

[smalll]

7. Obama/Sebelius or Obama/Napolitano won't fit too well on bumper stickers.

He could still pick Hillary though. He also can't pick McCaskill -- that would really piss off all us old Hillary supporters -- we'll never forget that McCaskill was the Enabler of the Snub.

[WinkyDink]

8. So there's no women on the list. So what? We don't HAVE to double-up our historic victory.

And I'm a woman, FTR.

[malik flavors]

9. If they don't pick a woman it won't be because of her gender. Why assume something like that?

Shouldn't they pick the most qualified person, regardless of gender?

If Obama doesn't pick Bill Richardson will it be becasue he's hispanic?

[saltpoint]

10. We can't see Obama's cards. He keeps them tucked close to his chin.

So we don't know who's on his list or where he is in the process of choosing a vice presidential nominee.

I suspect Sebelius is on the list. I'd be surprised if she weren't. Possibly other women as well, but chosen IMO because they would help the campaign and an Obama adinistration and not because they are female.