I am a new member of Daily Kos. It's great to join this blog. I have seen friends of mine, former teachers, professors, etc, aligned with both parties tell me that the Democratic Party needs some competition against Hillary Clinton in 2016. I won't mind if Hillary Clinton is the Democratic Party's presidential nominee in 2016, as she may be the only chance of winning. However, competition is needed. Vice President Joe Biden, Former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, Former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley, Former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee, and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders are likely to run. I believe Agriculture Secy. Tom Vilsack should enter the 2016 presidential race as well.
Why Vilsack? He comes from the Rust Belt. You need the Rust Belt to win. IA, MO, WI, MN, OH, PA, IN. Imagine a Vilsack candidacy. Imagine him doubling-down on a Midwestern veep like a Sherrod Brown or a Dick Gephardt in 2016. He would win those states over an Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
Vilsack was vetted in 2004 when then-Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry vetted him for Kerry's vice presidential running mate. Imagine if Kerry had picked Vilsack in July 2004? Imagine how Kerry/Vilsack would fare against Bush/Cheney 2004? Imagine how a Cheney-Vilsack debate would be?
Vilsack is a safe choice. Vilsack will not embarrass the Democratic Party. He will be safe.
Vilsack is tested. Vilsack ran for president in 2008, but dropped out in February 2007 because he could not compete with Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Edwards, and Bill Richardson. Vilsack was a governor of Iowa, from 1999 to 2007. Vilsack is a centrist, yes, a DLC-type, but he can win most Americans' hearts.
Vilsack was an orphan. He grew up in a humble setting from working class Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (the same type of blue-collar, working class voters that Joe Biden give to Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 as VP). Vilsack knows the American struggle. Yes, Vilsack entered law and and is seen as a advocate for big-pharma and Agriculture Companies, he knows the American dream.
I think that Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic presidential nominee in 2016, but if she implodes, why not give former Iowa governor and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack a chance in 2016?