Who is your pick for VP?

[Firespirit]

I don't think this group needs a 2008 presidential poll. ;)

However, if Kerry runs and wins the nomination, who would you most like to see on the ticket with him?

For the purposes of this poll, let's assume that none of the incoming Senators or Congressmen would accept, probably a valid assumption.

The names I have included are those I've seen members of this group float before. I haven't intentionally left anyone out but may have had an oversight.

Just a fun poll, speculative, don't take it too seriously. :)

[Blaukraut]

1. I voted for Feingold

I don't know how likely or feasible that would be, but I have a soft spot for Russ :-)

[Firespirit]

2. It's a fantasy poll, so likely and feasible aren't that important

...unless you want them to be important for you.

Well, it's a fantasy poll with the exception of newly elected Dems. :P

[Island Blue]

3. That was difficult.

I would love to see a Kerry/Gore ticket or even a Gore/Kerry ticket. (Or a Kerry/Gore co-presidency. This is fantasy, right?) Since I doubt either man is interested in the VP spot, I chose Clark.

[blm]

4. Clark and Feingold. Clark is more of a consistent fighter, though.

While Russ has a good voting record, he has never been one to take on many battles. He picks and chooses his battles sparingly, and as a candidate you don't have the luxury of doing that - consistency and ferocity matters.

[ginnyinWI]

5. I asked myself who I would trust to be prez from this list

It would have to be Gore I most trust, although some of the others might do just fine. Because you always have to imagine a vice-president having to take over in the event of a tragedy.

[cadmium]

10. Good point. I had expressed a preference for Clark but

you have a point.

Can't decide.

[paulk]

6. other

Bill Richardson, for purely strategic reasons. He's who I thought Kerry should have picked last time.

Richardson would help to negate Kerry's northeasterness, putting the mountain west, which is already turning blue, very much into play. It could also help in the midwest, which also has a bias against the NE.


Richardson is Hispanic - he would bring out the Hispanic vote, not just in the west, but all across the country. It would also help lock up that vote - that of the fastest growing minority in the country - for the Democrats into the future.


2nd choice is Obama.

[karynnj]

7. Evan Bayh

I really liked his calm intelligent demeanor and thoughtful questions on the first panel at the Senate Armed Services Committee. The questions were not as focused as Kerry's typically are, but they were very good. He also asked 1 question, waited for an answer then asked another - now this may seem normal but it was in utter contrast to Hillary showboat Clinton.

The first question he asked was whether it was possible that our opponents wanted us to think the center of the war on terror was in Iraq - so we wasted resources there rather than going after them in Afghanistan. Now I know that Feingold and Kerry have been saying this forever, but I don't think many others are.

Other reasons - he was a Governor and is reasonably popular in Indiana. Indiana is pretty red - but he might help in Ohio. He is far more experienced than Obama or Edwards - while being as attractive as Edwards but with a much nicer personality (ok, this may be the Hoosier in me - bland can be nice and solid - rather than slick and hype.) In some ways, his personality, intelligence and politeness is a match with Kerry. You can sell them as smart people who will look at things carefully and then give a reasoned answer. Another plus I never heard any scandal about him. His wife is suppose to be nice and they have cute kids.

Another plus - Birch Bayh, who I had hoped would run for President - he atarted to but his wife was diagnosed with cancer - so he pulled out. Bayh was the guy in the plane crash with Ted Kennedy. He was replaced in the Senate by an idiot, Dan Quayle. So, he never served with Kerry, but I suspect may have met him in the 70s.

[Mass]

8. Other : Janet Napolitano.

Somebody from the West, where Democrats are close from winning. Somebody popular in her own state, who could put AZ in play if McCain is not the nominee, and a woman. It is more than time that the Democratic Party does not offer two white men.

[europegirl4jfk]

12. Wesley Clark

He was my first favorite candidate in 2003/04 (I didn't know Kerry at this time). I think he also is an honest, intelligent guy who wants the best for America and the world. I was impressed with him when he was the NATO commander in Europe. But he would also be a wonderful Secretary of State or Secretary of Defense in a Kerry administration. Even better in one of these positions... Maybe Kerry should take Obama. He is young but he could learn a lot on Kerry's side and then run in 2016. LOL All fantasy, I know. :cry: Actually I'm a pessimist and therefore I think it's likely that you end up with Hillary instead. :yoiks:


(Sorry, wrong spot. That was meant as an answer to Firespirit's OP.)

[cadmium]

9. I voted unsure-probably should have voted for Clark

I think it is time for a minority candidate on the ticket--There is intrinsic value in taking that step. Other than that consideration Wes Clark is accomplished, talented and has been a loyal outspoken Dem. After Kerry won the nomination Clark and Dean put aside their respective ambitions and did battle on the air waves and at rallis for our ticket. They have continuted to kick Republican ass without missing a beat since the 2004. I think Obama is talented but if I have to vote I am going to prefer someone who has been tested. I dont want to express a preference for two white men again yet, so I am unsure.

[beachmom]

11. I picked Wes Clark because he'll fight both for the ideas

Kerry has AND he would fight tooth and nail to defend Kerry's honor. Wes has some issues with retail politics but he would be great as a tough as nails, take no prisoners VP.

I don't believe in strategic VP picks for elections. It never seems to work, so you may as well pick the one who'll have Kerry's back the most.

[YvonneCa]

13. I voted for Clark...

...but I've noticed that my 30-something daughters and sons perk up when Obama is speaking.

[rox63]

14. Undecided

I like both Feingold and Clark a lot. But Gore is the most prepared of the whole lot to be president if the need arose. I'm torn, I tell ya, torn... :shrug:

[sandnsea]

15. Vilsack

I voted Mark Warner, all he needs is one state. But as I was typing it out, it seemed to me Vilsack has a compelling personal story and Iowa is more likely to go blue than Virginia. So I think I change my mind. I would agree with Richardson, except I heard he has a woman problem. If not, he might be the best choice.

[wisteria]

16. I picked Warner. He is a nice man,comes across as very honest

and intelligent and I think he would compliment and balance JK more liberal views. He is "green" but a VP spot would allow him time to learn and grow into the role of President perhaps someday.

[demdiva]

17. I voted for Obama

First of all, I adore him and I think like Kerry he has the ability to "unite" the country. Plus .... politically .... turnout turnout turnout

[Der Blaue Engel]

18. I picked Gore, but to be completely honest, I'd like a Gore/Kerry ticket

I just feel like we deserve to have the presidents we voted for actually take office, and in that order. I want 8 years of Gore, then 8 years of Kerry. Then I will feel vindicated. :D