The Case for Obama-Dodd '08
Christopher Dodd, the senior Senator from Connecticut and former presidential candidate, would make a great, safe, reassuring choice for Obama's running mate. Nobody would get all that excited about an older white guy who's been in Washington a long time, it's true. But boring could be just what Obama needs to reassure voters uneasy with Obama's experience credentials.
Dodd doesn't help to win a swing state or make history in any way, but here are some of his assets:
1) Experience. Experience. Experience. He's in his 60s with white hair and he speaks with gravitas. He is a credible president and would be warmly received by the party.
2) As a Catholic, he can help with the crucial Catholic vote (many Catholics have been spooked by the Wright controversy). He's also fluent in Spanish, a bonus in courting Hispanics.
3) His his policy positions complement Obama's nicely and he's already endorsed Obama. His solid liberal credentials will help shore up the base of the party.
4) As Chair of the Banking committee, Dodd knows his economics and can easily help make the case for Democratic solutions to the #1 issue: the economy.
5) He has served in the US Army Reserve. Nobody questions his patriotism.
Dodd says he doesn't want the job of vice president. But then most presidential candidates say that. Obama would have to talk him into it, but I suspect he couldn't refuse the offer.
Dodd doesn't help to win a swing state or make history in any way, but here are some of his assets:
1) Experience. Experience. Experience. He's in his 60s with white hair and he speaks with gravitas. He is a credible president and would be warmly received by the party.
2) As a Catholic, he can help with the crucial Catholic vote (many Catholics have been spooked by the Wright controversy). He's also fluent in Spanish, a bonus in courting Hispanics.
3) His his policy positions complement Obama's nicely and he's already endorsed Obama. His solid liberal credentials will help shore up the base of the party.
4) As Chair of the Banking committee, Dodd knows his economics and can easily help make the case for Democratic solutions to the #1 issue: the economy.
5) He has served in the US Army Reserve. Nobody questions his patriotism.
Dodd says he doesn't want the job of vice president. But then most presidential candidates say that. Obama would have to talk him into it, but I suspect he couldn't refuse the offer.
