Choice of Bayh Emminent!
http://www.howeypolitics.com/...
http://www.howeypolitics.com/...
Judging from some of the national and local media buzz, it sounds like Evan Bayh is the flavor of the week atleast. I originally favored Kathleen Sebellius as Obama's VP choice but over time I've come to reason that the U.S. Senator from Indiana, Evan Bayh is actually in Obama's best choice possible. Here are the reasons:
#1. INDIANA is already in play - Recent polls have shown Obama slightly ahead whereas in the past it has always been reliably Republican. LBJ was the last Democrat to win the state back in 1964. Bayh is immensely popular in the state and his father, Birch Bayh, was also a U.S. Senator and a legand in the state. Given what we've alread heard about McCain not planning to open offices in the state to counter Obama's 20, he would put Indiana the bag for Obama.
#2. FOREIGN POLICY EXPERIENCE - Bayh has extensive foreign policy experience as a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committe. Yes...I know alot of you will criticize his initial support for the war but I believe he, like John Edwards, has stated that he would vote against it if given the chance to vote again. I found this interesting quote of his:
It is clear to just about everyone but the die-hard neoconservatives within this administration that shifting our focus away from Osama bin Laden to Saddam Hussein was perhaps the biggest strategic blunder in our nation's history. And while we have been preoccupied with Iraq, under this President, North Korea has gone nuclear and Iran is on the verge of doing so.
#3. EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE - Bay was first elected as Indiana Secretary of State and was also elected two terms as Indiana's governor. He clearly knows how to run a government. He developed a reputation for bipartisanship in a traditionally red state.
#4. STAUNCH HILLARY SUPPORTER - Party unity is the issue here. If Hillary won't work out than I think choosing a staunch Hillary supporter would be a way to give deference to Hillary without actually choosing her and hopefully help unite the party.
#5. OHIO, MICHIGAN, & NORTHERN KENTUCKY. - Ditto No. 1 but at a smaller but still very significant degree. I think he could put the industrial midwest out of reach for McCain.
#6. HE'S HANDSOME AND THEY LOOK GREAT TOGETHER! - I know...this is superficial but it still means alot in politics! He's married, with a beautiful wife and young kids...just like the Obamas.
In terms of geographical balance and quality of experience and other intangibles, he actually is the superior choice of those reportedly on the final list. Although he has been a part of Washington for 10 years, he comparatively offers alot to Obama that a Sebellius or a Kaine cannot.