So here we are, the final night of the DNC, outdoors at Mile High. While the first night of the convention was a little shaky, since Hillary gave her speech easing the tension, the convention has been focused. Definite theme of "McCain = More of the Same; Obama = Change We Need." However, the success of the convention rests on how Obama’s speech relates to the public. But first, we suffer through a litany of speakers with the same speech writer, rehashing ever less uniquely the week’s theme. To quickly get to Obama’s speech, I’ll sum up in a sentence or two the preceding speakers.
Gov. Tim Kaine: Evidently, his assignment was this: use every biblical cliché you can think of, speak Spanish for a few seconds, get off the stage.
Al Gore: young people are smart because they support Obama, old people are dumb. And Barack Obama is a reincarnation of Abraham Lincoln. And if Gore had been president, the climate crisis would be solved and 9/11 would have never happened.
Obama video: Very well done. Of course, it was sappy and over-the-top, but the images, narration, life story it told would connect with viewers. Additionally, Obama’s appeal to young voters is recognized by the music selections for the second half of the video. Obama won the primary by attracting many new and young voters. Traditionally, young voters do not vote. If these voters follow historical trends, Obama loses. If they remain energized, Obama wins. The electorate is still heavily polarized. If the new voters vote, then Obama will be able to squeak by where Kerry and Gore couldn’t – on the electoral map. Getting young voters, 18-30 year olds, to the polls in November is critical for the Obama campaign.
The Speech Setting: Obama is a phenomenal orator. Obviously, that’s why he’s where he is today, thanks to his keynote address four years ago. And his campaign has staging and visuals down. They may be too good at it, hence Obama’s celebrity status. But the atmosphere was great – packed stadium, striking backdrop (many said it looked like the Greek ruins, I think it looked like the White House). Obama enters to U2’s “City of Blinding Lights,” which is the song he has used throughout his campaign as entry music. There was even a shot of a crying girl in the audience. Obama is a rock star celebrity whether he wants to admit it or not. And this setting amplified that fact. So much so, that I nearly fell of the couch laughing when Obama said with “great humility” he accepts the nomination to be president. 80,000-in-a-football-stadium-with-all-this-hype-kind-of-humility.
The Theme: Obama was attempting to straddle the fence and be liberal and moderate at the same time. He definitely gave a speech aimed at independents rather than party faithful, while attacking McCain to give the faithful red meat. His theme seemed to come down to allowing government to do what people can’t do on their own, while restoring status of America around the world. He also spent time delineating the differences, as he sees them, between John McCain and himself. He has to prove that he is tough enough to withstand the next few weeks. He has to prove that he can be an effective Commander-in-Chief.
Obama listed his plan: tax cuts for 95%, end dependence on oil in 10 years, “world class education,” Healthcare for everyone, protect Social Security, be better people.
Pros: No one delivers a speech better. I liked his line about the need for both individual responsibility and mutual responsibility. He re-iterated many of the points he made four years ago when he discussed getting beyond red states and blue states. He certainly attempted to convey that he would be capable of defending the country as Commander-in-Chief. He addressed a desire for post-partisanship
Cons: No presidential candidate should have the need to assure voters that they are patriotic. First Michelle said she loves America, now Obama says he is patriotic. This cannot be a good thing that the campaign felt the need to address this. On his specifics, how will he pay for all these programs? How will he pay for healthcare, for college education for everyone? How will he end oil dependency, protect Social Security? Higher taxes? On whom? While he distorted McCain’s joke about $5 million being rich, Obama believes rich is $40,000. If we’re talking about raising taxes on the rich, I like McCain’s joking reference better.
Obama mentions that he will go through the budget and strike everything he doesn’t want. That’s great, except that the president does not have the power of a line-item veto. So unless he is planning on pulling a Putin and taking control of the legislature too, he’s going to have to rely on Congress. On global problems, he criticized Bush’s “go it alone” strategy, but then seemed to convey that he can single-handedly change world leaders’ minds and make them act nice. And on parenting, how will he make people be better parents?
One of the things that Obama has mastered is the art of double-speak. On abortion, he “reached out” to pro-lifers by saying he wanted to end unwanted pregnancies. How is that helpful, since abortion is a way to end an unwanted pregnancy? Why didn’t he say he wanted to work to make abortion rare, so rare that eventually no one would choose to kill their baby? Why didn’t he at least agree with the partial-birth ban or the born-alive protection act? On gun control – who favors criminals having AK-47s? On alternative energy – is he now in favor of coal and nuclear power? He seemed to say so tonight. Also, the speech ran about 45 minutes. Did people watch it and stay tuned in?
The Effect: So how effective is this speech. I give him an A. But how many people will vote for him now that wouldn’t before? How influential is the whole convention process? He seems to be receiving a slight bounce. As a result of this speech, I would guess he’ll be up by 10-12 points by Sunday. But the American people have short memories. Come November 4, will anyone remember either convention?
The Obama campaign should be happy with tonight. While the celebrity label was reinforced, the delivery was good. For people who don’t know much about Obama, they’ll think he’s a moderate. It places Obama back on offense for the first time in a couple of weeks. We’ll see if he can sustain it after next week as the Republicans gather in Minneapolis.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
DNC - Day 2 - Hillary
On Monday night, the Democratic Party sought unity by focusing on Ted Kennedy and reminding the Obamamaniacs and Clintonites that before either of their groups claimed the party, the Kennedys were the uniting figures. Bill Clinton must not have watched last night, because he again vaguely questioned the nomination of Obama today. (Apparently, he wasn't alone in not watching. Practically as many people tuned in for "Deal or No Deal" as watched the convention on ABC, NBC, and CBS combined.) If Hillary's speech doesn't bring unity tonight, the Democrats may be rousing the spirits of Eleanor Roosevelt and Andrew Jackson. It should be high theatre.
I began watching about 8:05. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas was speaking. I can't believe she was one of the names mentioned as VP for Obama. She had nothing. No one was listening, she said nothing inspiring, I think she just woke up from a nap - she must have been on a very long short list. Next up Bob Casey, a rarity of all rarities - a pro-life Democrat! He had to rush through that detail in his speech out of fear a riot would ensue if the delegates found out. Then came the keynote address.
Rewind a mere four years ago when an unknown figure gave the keynote address. An Illinois state congressman running for Senate. His speech was electric. That single speech launched Obama into the stratosphere. How about tonight for Mark Warner? Not so much.
During the break, the camera kept showing Biden and Michelle Obama. Every time the camera would cut to the two of them, Biden's mouth was moving non-stop, I mean non-stop, and Michelle's head was nodding. This went on for a few minutes. I bet she wishes Barack had tapped Calvin Coolidge instead. She had that look of "Please stop talking to me" on her face.
Time for the main event - video tribute to Hillary with a comment or two by "Hillary's Husband," as Bill was titled in the video - I found that quite humorous. One comment in her video that struck me: "We weren't able to do it this time." Hmm, I wonder what she means by "this time."
Out comes Hillary, and it was more painful/sad than I even thought it would be. Not only did the media flash pre-convention photos of multiple pantsuits being matched with the backdrop, but here was Hillary - the inevitable candidate. This was supposed to be her party, and she had to come out and make a speech for Obama - The Mark Warner of '04. She's got to be kicking herself everyday that she underestimated him. Anyway, Hillary gave a good, solid speech. I have always thought she would be the most formidable candidate against John McCain. She showed that again tonight. I think the few weeks out of the spotlight did her some good too. She didn't channel Eleanor Roosevelt, but she did practically all she could to swallow her pride and support Obama. The highlights:
I began watching about 8:05. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas was speaking. I can't believe she was one of the names mentioned as VP for Obama. She had nothing. No one was listening, she said nothing inspiring, I think she just woke up from a nap - she must have been on a very long short list. Next up Bob Casey, a rarity of all rarities - a pro-life Democrat! He had to rush through that detail in his speech out of fear a riot would ensue if the delegates found out. Then came the keynote address.
Rewind a mere four years ago when an unknown figure gave the keynote address. An Illinois state congressman running for Senate. His speech was electric. That single speech launched Obama into the stratosphere. How about tonight for Mark Warner? Not so much.
During the break, the camera kept showing Biden and Michelle Obama. Every time the camera would cut to the two of them, Biden's mouth was moving non-stop, I mean non-stop, and Michelle's head was nodding. This went on for a few minutes. I bet she wishes Barack had tapped Calvin Coolidge instead. She had that look of "Please stop talking to me" on her face.
Time for the main event - video tribute to Hillary with a comment or two by "Hillary's Husband," as Bill was titled in the video - I found that quite humorous. One comment in her video that struck me: "We weren't able to do it this time." Hmm, I wonder what she means by "this time."
Out comes Hillary, and it was more painful/sad than I even thought it would be. Not only did the media flash pre-convention photos of multiple pantsuits being matched with the backdrop, but here was Hillary - the inevitable candidate. This was supposed to be her party, and she had to come out and make a speech for Obama - The Mark Warner of '04. She's got to be kicking herself everyday that she underestimated him. Anyway, Hillary gave a good, solid speech. I have always thought she would be the most formidable candidate against John McCain. She showed that again tonight. I think the few weeks out of the spotlight did her some good too. She didn't channel Eleanor Roosevelt, but she did practically all she could to swallow her pride and support Obama. The highlights:
- By my count she mentioned supporting Obama 9.5 times
- She mentioned Biden 2 times
- Michelle Obama 1 time
- Bill Clinton's presidency 1 time
- McCain as her friend 1 time
- Anti-Bush 3 times
- anti-McCain 2.5 times with another 4 soft jabs
Those were my counts. Spending a substantial amount of time on her run for the presidency, Clinton made a couple of errors, in my estimation. First, she mentioned her "35 years of experience" in politics. Immediately, I thought of the very little political experience of Obama. Not a good comparison to make for the Obama campaign. Second, she said nothing of Obama's ability to maintain security or face the threat of terror. Why is this a glaring omission? Because the McCain campaign is using a quote of Clinton's where she compares the vast experience and readiness of John McCain to Obama's lone speech in 2002. By not addressing that issue, she left the door open for the McCain campaign to continue to attack Obama using her own words.
Regardless of the omissions, Clinton did all that could be expected of someone who lost such a close race. The tension in the hall seemed to be relieved. It's up to the Obama campaign now to capture the Clinton hold-outs. Of course, tomorrow evening Bill Clinton speaks. So everyone will be holding their breath once again.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Democratic National Convention Diary - Monday
Over the next two weeks, I am going to try to keep a running diary of each evening's convention happenings for both the Democratic Party this week in Denver and the Republican Party next week in Minneapolis. One of the difficulties I will face is our antiquated technology in our household. We do not have Tivo or cable, so I am reliant on real time and PBS. The major networks are only showing an hour each night including commercials, so I am thankful for PBS' full coverage, which makes me wonder: who's older, Dick Clark of Jim Lehrer? Anyway, I digress.
Due to spending time with the kids and helping get them to bed, I didn't begin watching the convention this evening until about 8:30pm - right in the middle of the tribute to Ted Kennedy. Say what you want about his politics or personal life, Ted Kennedy is an historical figure, the Lion of the Senate, one of a kind. There is not a figure in either party currently that matches the political clout of Ted Kennedy - not Obama, not Biden, not Clinton, nor John McCain. None of those Senators will ever have the title of "Lion of the Senate." That being said, after his health crisis a few weeks ago, it was good to see him at the convention. His endorsement of Barack Obama proved to be critical to Obama's nomination. Without Kennedy leading the charge for Obama, many of the party faithful may never have shifted from Clinton. Obama owes Kennedy big time.
9:00pm - major networks come in - I miss Tim Russert, badly. He was the best. NBC is lacking gravitas, ABC was showing Kennedy's speech again, and I don't bother with CBS, so it's back to PBS to stay.
After a few very forgettable speeches, a video of Michelle Obama is played. This video picks up where the Olympic videos on the athletes left off - telling the background story and obstacles faced by Michelle Obama. The campaign is trying to figure out how to re-introduce Michelle to the country. She has been somewhat controversial thus far in the campaign, I think rather unfairly. I know a politician's spouse is critical to understanding the politician, but the spouse should not be held to the same verbal scrutiny as the one running. Fair or not, the Obama campaign is in damage control, and the video accomplishes part of that goal. Her brother introduces her in a very personal and touching way, especially when he told how they shared a room as little kids and would often talk after they were supposed to be asleep. He remembered her always talking about the kids that were picked on at school. Kids form their personalities so early. (Reminds me of G and C and how much I love their relationship.) Then in comes Michelle Obama.
One of the things I admire about the Obamas is their seemingly sincere love for each other. I don't doubt her love for him or his love for her. It's great to see in politics today (especially compared to the Clintons and Edwards). It would be a shame if it ever came out otherwise.
Michelle gave a solid, but forgettable speech. She was not as personal speaking about Barack as her brother or mother had been speaking about her. She felt the need to say "Hillary Clinton" in what I thought was a rather forced interjection, and she had to say how much she loved America, to make up for an earlier gaffe. Overall, a good speech, but really didn't let us in on who she or Barack are. So I was a little disappointed in that. After the speech, her daughters came on stage - again seems very authentic. Perhaps the most authentic moment came when the youngest daughter took control of the microphone while on a very awkward telephone call from Obama in Kansas City. As Barack is telling everyone where he is, the youngest daughter is having fun talking to him in the microphone. It seemed to me that Michelle was in the quandary that many parents find themselves in - should I take the microphone from her and risk the reaction, or let her keep talking? Michelle chose what I would have chosen and let the daughter keep the microphone. I'm not sure who the family was that Barack was with in Kansas City, but it really didn't matter anyway.
Night one - no fireworks, safe, begins the convention on a feel good note. Not that many people are watching, but it was a good test run for the Obama campaign on how they will approach the fall. So there's night one - "One Nation." Now the next couple of nights will be intriguing, as the Clintons take over the convention. The art of "publicly-supporting-Obama-but-secretly-hoping-he-loses-so-I-can-run-in-2012" will be the task Hillary Clinton embarks on tomorrow. I don't think that's the theme, but it is definitely her plan.
Due to spending time with the kids and helping get them to bed, I didn't begin watching the convention this evening until about 8:30pm - right in the middle of the tribute to Ted Kennedy. Say what you want about his politics or personal life, Ted Kennedy is an historical figure, the Lion of the Senate, one of a kind. There is not a figure in either party currently that matches the political clout of Ted Kennedy - not Obama, not Biden, not Clinton, nor John McCain. None of those Senators will ever have the title of "Lion of the Senate." That being said, after his health crisis a few weeks ago, it was good to see him at the convention. His endorsement of Barack Obama proved to be critical to Obama's nomination. Without Kennedy leading the charge for Obama, many of the party faithful may never have shifted from Clinton. Obama owes Kennedy big time.
9:00pm - major networks come in - I miss Tim Russert, badly. He was the best. NBC is lacking gravitas, ABC was showing Kennedy's speech again, and I don't bother with CBS, so it's back to PBS to stay.
After a few very forgettable speeches, a video of Michelle Obama is played. This video picks up where the Olympic videos on the athletes left off - telling the background story and obstacles faced by Michelle Obama. The campaign is trying to figure out how to re-introduce Michelle to the country. She has been somewhat controversial thus far in the campaign, I think rather unfairly. I know a politician's spouse is critical to understanding the politician, but the spouse should not be held to the same verbal scrutiny as the one running. Fair or not, the Obama campaign is in damage control, and the video accomplishes part of that goal. Her brother introduces her in a very personal and touching way, especially when he told how they shared a room as little kids and would often talk after they were supposed to be asleep. He remembered her always talking about the kids that were picked on at school. Kids form their personalities so early. (Reminds me of G and C and how much I love their relationship.) Then in comes Michelle Obama.
One of the things I admire about the Obamas is their seemingly sincere love for each other. I don't doubt her love for him or his love for her. It's great to see in politics today (especially compared to the Clintons and Edwards). It would be a shame if it ever came out otherwise.
Michelle gave a solid, but forgettable speech. She was not as personal speaking about Barack as her brother or mother had been speaking about her. She felt the need to say "Hillary Clinton" in what I thought was a rather forced interjection, and she had to say how much she loved America, to make up for an earlier gaffe. Overall, a good speech, but really didn't let us in on who she or Barack are. So I was a little disappointed in that. After the speech, her daughters came on stage - again seems very authentic. Perhaps the most authentic moment came when the youngest daughter took control of the microphone while on a very awkward telephone call from Obama in Kansas City. As Barack is telling everyone where he is, the youngest daughter is having fun talking to him in the microphone. It seemed to me that Michelle was in the quandary that many parents find themselves in - should I take the microphone from her and risk the reaction, or let her keep talking? Michelle chose what I would have chosen and let the daughter keep the microphone. I'm not sure who the family was that Barack was with in Kansas City, but it really didn't matter anyway.
Night one - no fireworks, safe, begins the convention on a feel good note. Not that many people are watching, but it was a good test run for the Obama campaign on how they will approach the fall. So there's night one - "One Nation." Now the next couple of nights will be intriguing, as the Clintons take over the convention. The art of "publicly-supporting-Obama-but-secretly-hoping-he-loses-so-I-can-run-in-2012" will be the task Hillary Clinton embarks on tomorrow. I don't think that's the theme, but it is definitely her plan.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
It Took This Long for Obama to Choose Biden? Really?
So what took so long? Obama finally sent out the "highly anticipated" text message early Saturday morning declaring his VP to be… Joe Biden. I am sure it was easy for people to go back to sleep after hearing that. Ok, so Biden has a lot of experience in the Senate as well as some foreign policy cred, which helps Obama on paper. But Biden is arrogant, tends to stick his foot in his mouth, and garnered 1 percent of the vote when he ran for the nomination last year. Biden will be an attack dog for Obama, but I don't think he was Obama's first choice. Let me explain.
Most of the media pinpointed Biden as the selection last week. Why then, did Obama not send the text message until 3am Saturday? He missed Friday's news cycle, probably ticked off many on the text message waiting list by receiving a wake-up text at 3am, and it's Saturday - who is paying attention? If Biden was his selection all along, why the delay? I think Obama wanted someone else. And that someone else turned him down on Friday, sending Obama into panic mode and panic pick. (Perhaps like in fantasy baseball drafts when the guy you wanted gets picked just before you, sending you into chaos as you search for a new pick before time runs out.) Obama is campaigning on change, so he picks Biden? Obama is trying to offset his liberal policies so he picks Biden? Obama is trying to alter the electoral map, so he picks Biden? Makes no sense at all. (For the record, I still think Bayh would have been a much better pick for all the above reasons. Perhaps Bayh turned him down? A close friend of the Clintons, was he pressured to turn it down?)
Some may say Biden is to Obama what Cheney was to Bush in 2000 - gravitas. But, I think the better comparison is Dukakis-Bentsen. Bentsen was an accomplished Senator, throttled Dan Quayle in the debate - "You are no Jack Kennedy" - and was a well-respected leader, but Bentsen overshadowed Dukakis and didn't help Dukakis on the electoral map. Biden is more apt to overshadow Obama because he likes to hear himself speak.
So the pick makes little sense to me. I think Obama panicked. I hope one day the full story comes out. If this wasn't a panic pick, then Obama's campaign completely mismanaged the release of this news. Additionally, it was released that Clinton was never considered. (Even a bigger mistake to let that get out - and it makes Clinton's speech at the convention even more intriguing). The McCain Campaign must be thrilled this morning.
Most of the media pinpointed Biden as the selection last week. Why then, did Obama not send the text message until 3am Saturday? He missed Friday's news cycle, probably ticked off many on the text message waiting list by receiving a wake-up text at 3am, and it's Saturday - who is paying attention? If Biden was his selection all along, why the delay? I think Obama wanted someone else. And that someone else turned him down on Friday, sending Obama into panic mode and panic pick. (Perhaps like in fantasy baseball drafts when the guy you wanted gets picked just before you, sending you into chaos as you search for a new pick before time runs out.) Obama is campaigning on change, so he picks Biden? Obama is trying to offset his liberal policies so he picks Biden? Obama is trying to alter the electoral map, so he picks Biden? Makes no sense at all. (For the record, I still think Bayh would have been a much better pick for all the above reasons. Perhaps Bayh turned him down? A close friend of the Clintons, was he pressured to turn it down?)
Some may say Biden is to Obama what Cheney was to Bush in 2000 - gravitas. But, I think the better comparison is Dukakis-Bentsen. Bentsen was an accomplished Senator, throttled Dan Quayle in the debate - "You are no Jack Kennedy" - and was a well-respected leader, but Bentsen overshadowed Dukakis and didn't help Dukakis on the electoral map. Biden is more apt to overshadow Obama because he likes to hear himself speak.
So the pick makes little sense to me. I think Obama panicked. I hope one day the full story comes out. If this wasn't a panic pick, then Obama's campaign completely mismanaged the release of this news. Additionally, it was released that Clinton was never considered. (Even a bigger mistake to let that get out - and it makes Clinton's speech at the convention even more intriguing). The McCain Campaign must be thrilled this morning.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Dinosaurs
Why did God create dinosaurs? I've been pondering this question lately as our house has become obsessed with the giant lizards (which may or may not be a good description I've learned - perhaps they are closer to being giant pre-birds). Dinosaurs don't fit neatly into the story of creation for a lot of people. For those who claim the earth is only 6,000 years old, they really have a difficult time with dinosaurs, especially since the last dinosaur was around close to 70 million years ago. The young earth crowd believes the earth was created in six 24-hour time periods. This literal read completely disregards science. My question to the "young earthers" would be how exactly day one through three worked since the Sun, which we track our rotation by, wasn't created until day four? But anyway…
I believe the Bible. I believe our earth is billions of years old. And I believe God created it all. How did God create? I don't know, and it doesn't much matter. Whether God created each individual species independently of others or whether He used evolution, the fact still remains that God created. Should we hold Moses accountable for not scientifically relating to the Israelites all about DNA, the universe, cell development, the periodic table, etc.? Should we be dismayed that the Bible doesn't tell us whether or not to consider Pluto(id) a planet? Of course not. It doesn't take away from the authority of Scripture. It makes us explore and question and grow our minds - these minds that God created in us.
As Grant teaches me more and more about dinosaurs, I am even more amazed at God's creativity, humor, and majesty. From the Protocerotops to the Archaeopteryx to Diplodocus to the Pachycephalasaurus, what unique, awesome creatures God made. And how cool that God has given us minds to be able to reconstruct the dino world. As I ponder why God created dinosaurs, I'm reminded of why he created me. And I'm thankful. And I'm thankful I wasn't around when the dinosaurs were - I'm not sure I would be able to outrun a Spinosaurus.
I believe the Bible. I believe our earth is billions of years old. And I believe God created it all. How did God create? I don't know, and it doesn't much matter. Whether God created each individual species independently of others or whether He used evolution, the fact still remains that God created. Should we hold Moses accountable for not scientifically relating to the Israelites all about DNA, the universe, cell development, the periodic table, etc.? Should we be dismayed that the Bible doesn't tell us whether or not to consider Pluto(id) a planet? Of course not. It doesn't take away from the authority of Scripture. It makes us explore and question and grow our minds - these minds that God created in us.
As Grant teaches me more and more about dinosaurs, I am even more amazed at God's creativity, humor, and majesty. From the Protocerotops to the Archaeopteryx to Diplodocus to the Pachycephalasaurus, what unique, awesome creatures God made. And how cool that God has given us minds to be able to reconstruct the dino world. As I ponder why God created dinosaurs, I'm reminded of why he created me. And I'm thankful. And I'm thankful I wasn't around when the dinosaurs were - I'm not sure I would be able to outrun a Spinosaurus.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
VP: Safe or Gutsy
We are approaching the VP selection time. A few weeks ago, I listed potential VPs and their pros and cons. Now that we are nearing the selections, here are my "safe" picks and "gutsy" picks. "Safe" means the selection won't be a detriment to the campaign. It would maintain the status quo of the election, bringing little risk. The "gutsy" pick, if it worked, would ensure victory, but if it didn't, it would adversely affect the campaign in such a way that could cause a huge defeat.
For Obama:
Safe Pick: Sen. Evan Bayh, Indiana. He is my top choice for Obama. Bayh was a Clinton supporter, he's well-liked in Indiana , he has some foreign policy experience as well as governing experience, he's a moderate on many issues. I really think Bayh would be the best choice. In fact, I think he would have been the best choice for the presidential nomination among Democrats, however, Iraq hurt him. He was pro-Iraq war and is more conservative than Obama on most issues; however, as frequently as Obama seems to be amending his positions, it may not be long before he agrees with Bayh on most issues - at least for a while anyway. Bayh's support of the Iraq war may cost him the nomination.
Gutsy Pick: Gov. Tim Kaine, Virginia. Kaine has little experience, is not well known outside of Virginia, and doesn't have near the charisma that Obama has, but if he were selected, he would strengthen the "outside of Washington" aspect of the ticket as well as help bring in Catholic voters (Kaine is Catholic) and Hispanic voters (he speaks fluent Spanish). If Kaine could also deliver Virginia to the Democratic column, Obama would be the next president. However, if experience and foreign policy become major issues, Obama/Kaine would have little to offer and may lose big.
My pick: Bayh.
For McCain
Safe Pick: Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota. I find this an incredibly boring, but safe pick. Pawlenty re-affirms McCain's desire to reach independents and broaden the Republican party without flash or pizazz that could get the candidate in trouble (except for some of his jokes.) Pawlenty may not be able to deliver Minnesota to the Republicans, but he would shore up other Midwest states, I believe, and give McCain a decent shot at winning. Incredibly safe pick.
Gutsy Pick: Gov. Sarah Palin, Alaska. Strong Pro-Life, Strong Family Values, Anti-Corruption, Reformer, Outsider. If Palin were McCain's VP, she could help bring in upset Clinton supporters while also exciting the conservative base. McCain could win in a landslide if Palin is embraced by the public. The risk - she's governor of Alaska and little known as to how she would perform on the national stage. She runs the risk of being Quayled. Also, with McCain's age, would she be seen by the public as ready to be president? A "safer-gutsy" pick would be Kay Bailey Hutchison. While she could appeal to the Clinton supporter, I'm not sure she would excite the conservative base as much as Palin. And she's not the most exciting person to listen to either.
My Pick: Palin
For Obama:
Safe Pick: Sen. Evan Bayh, Indiana. He is my top choice for Obama. Bayh was a Clinton supporter, he's well-liked in Indiana , he has some foreign policy experience as well as governing experience, he's a moderate on many issues. I really think Bayh would be the best choice. In fact, I think he would have been the best choice for the presidential nomination among Democrats, however, Iraq hurt him. He was pro-Iraq war and is more conservative than Obama on most issues; however, as frequently as Obama seems to be amending his positions, it may not be long before he agrees with Bayh on most issues - at least for a while anyway. Bayh's support of the Iraq war may cost him the nomination.
Gutsy Pick: Gov. Tim Kaine, Virginia. Kaine has little experience, is not well known outside of Virginia, and doesn't have near the charisma that Obama has, but if he were selected, he would strengthen the "outside of Washington" aspect of the ticket as well as help bring in Catholic voters (Kaine is Catholic) and Hispanic voters (he speaks fluent Spanish). If Kaine could also deliver Virginia to the Democratic column, Obama would be the next president. However, if experience and foreign policy become major issues, Obama/Kaine would have little to offer and may lose big.
My pick: Bayh.
For McCain
Safe Pick: Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota. I find this an incredibly boring, but safe pick. Pawlenty re-affirms McCain's desire to reach independents and broaden the Republican party without flash or pizazz that could get the candidate in trouble (except for some of his jokes.) Pawlenty may not be able to deliver Minnesota to the Republicans, but he would shore up other Midwest states, I believe, and give McCain a decent shot at winning. Incredibly safe pick.
Gutsy Pick: Gov. Sarah Palin, Alaska. Strong Pro-Life, Strong Family Values, Anti-Corruption, Reformer, Outsider. If Palin were McCain's VP, she could help bring in upset Clinton supporters while also exciting the conservative base. McCain could win in a landslide if Palin is embraced by the public. The risk - she's governor of Alaska and little known as to how she would perform on the national stage. She runs the risk of being Quayled. Also, with McCain's age, would she be seen by the public as ready to be president? A "safer-gutsy" pick would be Kay Bailey Hutchison. While she could appeal to the Clinton supporter, I'm not sure she would excite the conservative base as much as Palin. And she's not the most exciting person to listen to either.
My Pick: Palin
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