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Mark Warner VP Speculation Continues...
Yesterday's Washington Post interview with Mark Warner has revived the Obama-Warner ticket speculation.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/07/mark_warners_blueprint_to_win.html
The interview reinforces the compatibility of Warner to Obama. And it also shows Warner's suitability to be President.
The only catch: Warner's children. Apparently, they are not keen on him running for national office while they are in high school. This should be respected. But it could be tested when Obama (who himself has two children in school) asks Warner to serve with him. Then Warner's children will have to grow up fast. It would make for an interesting discussion around dinner. No doubt. NB: I am not dismissing the committment Warner has made to Virginia Democrats here. It is a significant consideration, but Warner (like every other elected official or candidate) would have to break his committment in order to serve the nation at a higher level. Obama is breaking away from the Senate. Ultimately, someone (unless they are retired), will have to do the same to join the ticket.
Since I first posted on why I believed there would be an Obama-Warner ticket, there have been a couple more clues.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/05/obamas-vp-out-of-sight-out-of.php
1. Obama choosing to stand with Warner in Bristol, VA, on first campaign appearance post Clinton concession. I think that was significant, symbolic and no accident.
2. Warner will be in New York tonight (July 9th) for a private fundraising event. Obama will also be in New York tonight. Warner and Obama need face time to get calibrated for the convention.
Comments (5)
Warner is not going to be VP. He has already accepted the nomination for the U.S. Senate seat:
We actually need Warner in the Senate, so this is good news.
Webb is out too, so don't even go there.
July 9, 2008 10:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Warner accepting the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Virginia seat does not prevent Warner from accepting Obama's offer to be on the ticket.
Warner's 'has sought and would not accept' statement is not as emphatic as that of others such as Strickland and Webb.
What else was Warner to say at the Virginia convention. Thank you. Thanks so much. No really, thank you. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks for understanding that I am not totally sure if I will be still the Senatorial candidate in August.
Warner said what he had to say to keep his profile off the radar screens and allow Obama the opportunity to consider the merits of others.
Clearly, Warner is compatible with Obama and suitable for the highest office. Obama-Warner remains irresistible for all the reasons I laid out in my initial post on this. It is really a matter of timing now.
Why did Warner allow the speculation to begin anew by appearing on a Washington Post blog interview? Because it was time to raise his national profile just a tick. Warner's answer to what was obviously going to be the first question was intriguing. He would be willing to run for national office, if his children gave their consent. I am sure his children are bright and will get their heads around an Obama-Warner ticket soon enough.
I most certainly won't go there with Webb. He is an old chum. I assure you Webb is well aware of his own limitations and the potential damage he could do to the Obama candidacy. Webb v Palin? Advantage McCain. Webb in the Senate. Advantage Obama.
July 9, 2008 6:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm a fan of the Obama/Warner ticket myself, even given that it would hurt our chances to turn John Warner's Republican Senate seat into Mark Warner's Democratic Senate seat.
That said, the reasons for Obama showing up with Warner are easily explained as Obama wanting to help Warner get elected. Obama's been helping a lot of Democrats running for Senate and Representative seats across the country.
Combine that with readytoblowagasket's excerpt above, and I think the Obama/Warner ticket is not looking that likely. (Granted, I don't know what ticket is likely, so I wouldn't completely rule it out.)
July 9, 2008 2:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not completely ruling an Obama-Warner ticket is smart.
July 9, 2008 6:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Obama has been keeping Warner's name from the Veepstakes list purposely to limit the time Warner will be scrutinized. In other words, give your opponent as little time as possible to attack your VP.
Warner has everything Obama needs:
- He would assure Barack a win in VA - and help him have a legitimate shot at NC and WV and solidify his hold on PA, Missouri, and OH
- Warner was one of the best Governors in the
country during the last 20 years
- He comes from a DoD state
- Warner is the co-founder of Nextel - a fact that would play well in all facets of the Economy
- He works well with Republicans
- Warner has solid family-value credentials
- Last but certainly not least - He would be
ready to be President at any time
July 16, 2008 11:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
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