Tim Kaine would be a good VP pick, I'm taking back my post from last week.

[PresidentObama]

Last week, I launched a thread saying he shouldn't pick Tim Kaine because he's pro-life.

That was boneheaded and wrong. There is only one pick I would disqualify completely and that's Sam Nunn for his views on gay rights and homosexuality, but other than that I won't let my own personal views get in the way of my belief that Barack Obama should pick whose best for himself and his campaign. While I'm strongly pro-choice, I've came to the conclusion that Kaine won't push to overturn Roe V. Wade and his view is based solely on his religion and not political pressures in VA. I can respect a man who takes a position that might not be popular within his party, and doing it on principle.

Tim Kaine would help move Virginia into the blue column in November, his pro-life views and the fact he's Catholic actually might help bridge the gap with religious votes, he's a Governor with executive experience, and he's not necessarily well known so he won't overshadow the nominee.

So I think Kaine could actually make a strong pick. I was stupid to suggest Obama shouldn't pick him. I'll let Obama make his pick, and I have to believe it'll be a wise one.

[truebrit71]

1. No thanks!

.

[beachmom]

2. My issue with Kaine is his support for offshore drilling, and that he just

approved another coal firing plant in Virginia. Those stances may be more fatal than being pro-life. In the end, I'm not all that into the VP pick because I think Obama will overshadow whomever he picks. So, I do think Kaine is still in the running; I just wonder how he is going to reconcile his energy stances with Obama's.

[TwilightGardener]

3. I'll repeat: when people mention he's Catholic among his top three attributes, there's

a problem. Oh, and they throw "Spanish-speaking" in there too, as if Obama isn't kicking McCain's ass among Hispanics and pulling NM into the blue column. Sorry, I don't know what he offers Obama besides VA.

[Captain Angry]

10. Thank you.

If the best thing that his supporters can offer is his religion, or ability to speak another language, he's not the person for the job.

[Barack_America]

4. Kudos to you. I fully understand your reservation about the pro-life stance...

And being defensive about it, due to the over-politicization of abortion. But I, like you, got the impression that it really is about a personal belief with him. Heck, I suspected even Barack is personally pro-life. But the most important thing is both Obama and Kaine understand that personal beliefs don't necessarily have to be legislated or forced onto others, and I value that highly.

Here's another post from early today you might find interesting.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6549608&mesg_id=6551086

:hug:

[PresidentObama]

5. I respect someone having personal religious beliefs, but not pushing them on other people.

That says a lot about character.

As for that post, thanks for sharing. He'd be a strong pick!

[FSogol]

6. I think it will be Tim Kaine. n/t

[RichGirl]

7. I don't know much about Gov. Kaine....

...only what I've googled. His response to the SOTU one year was not memorable. Anyway...his background, former missionary and peace corp. Very admirable, but since Obama has the image of riding through a field of daisies on a unicorn, I really think we need a VP with some balls or good, solid ovaries. I'm not sure, but I think Gov. Kaine is pro-life. That will not bring angry Clinton supporters on board. In fact, many women will be turned off by that.

On edit: Just noticed that someone mentioned the pro-life stance. A personal belief should stay PERSONAL and not become policy.

[CTyankee]

11. Except that I wonder what does it MEAN when a male politician says he's against abortion personally?

He will never "personally" have an unwanted pregnancy. If he is unwilling to act on it politically, what is the meaning? This has always mystified me...

[Colobo]

8. Gov. Kaine would be a superb VP.

[bunnies]

9. No backsies.

Just sayin.