Welcome back for yet more Obama v.p. speculation. I know it can get annoying for non-addicts. But that's part of the point. If we're annoying enough, perhaps Obama will announce early, which I believe would be very good for his campaign.
I've set the threshold fairly low for defense and/or national security experience, ranging from just a short time on related House or Senate committees to unquestioned political expertise, from solid work on individual related issues to entire distinguished military careers.
I have only listed highlights of related experience; if you would like to get more specific in the comments in support of your favorites or against your least favorites, please feel free. I like most of the listed choices in the poll this time, and have included a few more names being mentioned recently for possible Obama running mates. I will note my reservations below the fold.
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I am personally opposed to Gen. Clark and Gov. Strickland because of criticisms of Barack Obama's readiness during the primary campaign now winding down. I am lukewarm on Sen. Webb as a Reaganite who voted the wrong way on the important FISA vote, and because I'm skeptical he could really help swing Virginia. I am likewise lukewarm to Adm. Fallon and Gen. Zinni, both because I know so little about them, and because I would prefer a largely civilian executive leadership. And I believe Gov. Richardson could be tripped up by the Los Alamos scandals which occurred on his watch as Energy Secretary. I don't like Sen. Hagel because he is anti-choice and generally too conservative a Republican for me, despite strong bona fides in criticizing the Bush Administration's handling of the Iraq War and military affairs in general.
Finally, as your humble host, it is my privilege to list again my top three choices for Obama's vice presidential running mate: Fmr. Sen. Sam Nunn (GA), Fmr. Sen. John Edwards (NC) and Justice (Ret.) Sandra Day O'Connor (AZ) (who also served on the Iraq Study Group, incidentally).
Let me know what you think!
Thanks,
Alex
Choose Our President 2008