Choosing a Vice President
Edwards and Obama certainly looked very good together out there on that South Dakota stage, didn't they. Two young, vigorous, attractive, enthusiastic politicians, capable of a long hard campaign. Illinois/North Carolina. However, Edwards says he doesn't want to run for VP again (yes, I know he also said he wouldn't endorse anyone) and it wouldn't exactly send a fresh, new message to voters, would it?. Plus, he would pull Obama in the wrong direction on trade policy, immigration, medical malpractice reform and probably a few other issues.
But I think it would be a serious mistake to ask Hillary. Not because she isn't qualified or because of her views, which on all important matters are very close to Obama;s. And she would be a big asset in the campaign, unifying the party. Problem is not the campaign, it's the governing. Yes, I know politics makes strange bedfellows, witness JFK and LBJ. But to have a VP who is constantly thinking "I should be in your chair" AND WHOSE HUSBAND IS AT HER SIDE THINKING THE SAME THING? It would be a huge problem for Obama, and I think he's smart enough to see it.
Richardson is certainly a possibility. All kinds of international and Washington experience, well-regarded Governor, came out for Obama early, could be counted on to obey orders loyally. Terrible campaigner at the beginning, but he got better as he went along. Certainly would help with the Hispanic vote. Not to be written off.
But it seems to me he almost has to choose a woman. Any male, even Edwards, would antagonize further millions of women voters who supported Hillary as a matter of justice and fairness. But who? There are five female Democratic governors; one (Gregoire) is running for re-election this year. Of the remaining four, Sebelius is the most mentioned and from a variety of perspectives most logical. However, she did a terrible job responding to the State of the Union speech, and did not strike me as someone who could do a great job on the stump. That was Gore's mistake: picking someone who seemed logical but could not in fact add to the campaign. Plus, no Governor (except Richardson) could compensate for Obama's relative lack of Washington or foreign policy experience.
There are of course plenty of female Senators and Representatives to choose from. But wouldn't it be great if he picked somebody who isn't a politician, but is a great speaker with proven leadership skills and international experience? I have no names on the top of my head, but I'm sure some could be found. You'd have to go back to Eisenhower and Wendell Willkie to find a precedent, and they were not only male but in the Other Party.
In any event, a few early thoughts.
But I think it would be a serious mistake to ask Hillary. Not because she isn't qualified or because of her views, which on all important matters are very close to Obama;s. And she would be a big asset in the campaign, unifying the party. Problem is not the campaign, it's the governing. Yes, I know politics makes strange bedfellows, witness JFK and LBJ. But to have a VP who is constantly thinking "I should be in your chair" AND WHOSE HUSBAND IS AT HER SIDE THINKING THE SAME THING? It would be a huge problem for Obama, and I think he's smart enough to see it.
Richardson is certainly a possibility. All kinds of international and Washington experience, well-regarded Governor, came out for Obama early, could be counted on to obey orders loyally. Terrible campaigner at the beginning, but he got better as he went along. Certainly would help with the Hispanic vote. Not to be written off.
But it seems to me he almost has to choose a woman. Any male, even Edwards, would antagonize further millions of women voters who supported Hillary as a matter of justice and fairness. But who? There are five female Democratic governors; one (Gregoire) is running for re-election this year. Of the remaining four, Sebelius is the most mentioned and from a variety of perspectives most logical. However, she did a terrible job responding to the State of the Union speech, and did not strike me as someone who could do a great job on the stump. That was Gore's mistake: picking someone who seemed logical but could not in fact add to the campaign. Plus, no Governor (except Richardson) could compensate for Obama's relative lack of Washington or foreign policy experience.
There are of course plenty of female Senators and Representatives to choose from. But wouldn't it be great if he picked somebody who isn't a politician, but is a great speaker with proven leadership skills and international experience? I have no names on the top of my head, but I'm sure some could be found. You'd have to go back to Eisenhower and Wendell Willkie to find a precedent, and they were not only male but in the Other Party.
In any event, a few early thoughts.
