Following up on my post featuring potential Republican nominees for VP, here's my analysis for Barack Obama's potential running mates. Whereas the Republican field is sorely lacking, I believe the Democratic field has a few excellent choices for Obama. What factors into Obama's pick? Does he choose an elder statesman to give him gravitas (see Dick Cheney for Bush)? Does he pick Hillary? No way. He does not want Hillary anywhere around. (Because with Hillary comes Bill. His campaign has been about change, so I don't see how Hillary helps him with that or with his weakness in national security… except for her experience in Bosnia of course.) But Obama has to secure Hillary supporters, beef up his national security expertise, and/or choose someone to win a key state. With this in mind, here are his best options:
1. Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana. Big Clinton supporter, so he may help with her supporters. Indiana is in McCain's column, but Bayh is extremely popular in Indiana and could swing the key state to Obama. Bayh is a fairly conservative Democrat, which would balance the liberal Obama and appeal to independents. I don't know about his foreign policy experience, but I think Bayh would be his best choice.
2. Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico. Another swing state that Obama would win if Richardson were on the ticket. Richardson would be the first Hispanic on a major ticket, which would certainly help with the Hispanic vote. He has foreign policy experience with the Clinton administration. Ran unsuccessfully for president, but definitely brings a lot to the table for Obama to consider. If I were McCain, I would fear Obama selecting either Bayh or Richardson.
3. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas. Traditionally Kansas is Republican state, but Sebelius is very popular and would bring Kansas in for Obama. She would possibly satisfy the "because she's a female" Clinton supporters. She lacks any foreign policy experience, so Obama would still be at a deficit there. But she's an outsider and adds to Obama's campaign for change in Washington.
4. Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia - appeals to independents, military experience, traditional Republican state that could be up for grabs. However, Webb is in his first term as a Senator. Some could say he won in 2006 only because of George Allen's fateful comment. He would appeal to the yellow dog Democrat, but I think he is too inexperienced for Obama to select him.
5. Sam Nunn - Another conservative Democrat. Brings ample foreign policy credentials. Is a southerner. He would be to Obama what Cheney was perceived to be to Bush, or Bentsen was for Dukakis.
There's my prediction. Much stronger candidates in my mind than what the Republican side has to offer.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Doesn't look very good for the Republicans. But, I still have faith that people will realize that "Change" without a plan is really "chance". The stakes are too high, and I'm not a gambler, so I'm voting McCain.
I think he takes Richardson or Webb. Richardson helps him with the Hispanics and sews up New Mexico, a swing state. Webb brings him Virginia and a shot at other more conservative states. The Kansas governor offers nothing but being a woman. I don't think she can deliver Kansas. Bygh might help him win Indiana but doesn't do anything else.
Post a Comment