Though it is apparent that many on Daily Kos want anyone but Hillary as Obama's VP, to me the criteria have been clear: the nominee should choose the person who brings the most votes, electoral votes, money, experience and gravitas to the ticket. There is no one who meets these criteria better than Hillary Clinton.
Bob Beckel has very clearly and concisely articulated the arguments for Hillary Clinton and has also refuted the CW arguments against her (many of which are parrotted by Kossacks in diaries). I didn't vote for Obama in the primary, but I want my party to win, and I want my nominee to win. I also want my President to have a mandate for change. That can only come from the people by winning decisively. When I look at the candidates mentioned in the Media, there is simply no one who comes close to what Hillary Clinton brings to the ticket.
The entire article is a great read, but for me the money quote from Beckel is the following:
"A drag on the ticket. Please. Hillary Clinton immediately expands the electoral map putting states in play that are currently out of Obama's reach; West Virginia, Kentucky, and Arkansas. She helps move toss up states to leaning Democrat; New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada (if Obama breaks north of 60% of the Hispanic vote he wins all three, Clinton helps get him there). Clinton helps solidify weak Democratic states including Pennsylvania and Michigan; she can bolster Obama's lead in Ohio and probably makes Florida competitive which it is not currently. Any other VP candidate that can expand the map like this? Not even close"
These facts have been apparent for months, but few in the MSM or liberal media sources (including this site) want to consider it. Beckel has done an excellent job of presenting an argument for Clinton over other choices that I think is difficult to refute.
If Obama supporters have other favorites, then those candidates should be measured against the objective criteria for selecting a VP that Beckel has outlined. Can the VP candidate expand the map? Can the VP candidate raise money? Can the VP candidate help energize the party? Can the VP candidate help the President govern the country? These are the kinds of questions that should be debated on this site.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/...