The Dem V.P.: "...it's what you don't say."

After following the speculation on Obama's V.P. selection efforts of late, and then reading comments by Jerome at MyDD (Clinton not V.P.?) and Jeralynn at TalkLeft (Is Kaine a Smokescreen for Kathleen Sebelius?) today, I'm going to go out on a limb (wouldn't be the first time; and it won't be the first time if commenters to this diary saw it off, either) and suggest that what Jerome inferred at the very end--in an update--to his post today may be a reality:

"Jeralyn is wondering whether Kaine is a smokescreen for Sebelius. I highly doubt it, but maybe for someone else.

Is there a dark horse in the Democratic V.P. race?  (I say yes, there is...see below the fold.)

IMHO, I think there is, and I think it's former Florida Governor and Senator Bob Graham. Not only that, but I'll now go on record stating that if Clinton's off the "consideration table," then a clear dark horse must be considered--my second favorite choice--here. That'd be Graham.

Here's Graham's Wiki bio.(Click the previous sentence.)  He's awesome.  Downright perfect, in fact.

Contrary to the CW that Graham's too old, I believe Obama has enough youthful exuberance for the entire ticket, in his own right.  What he needs is a wise sage, with all the right positions (reflecting Obama's own sentiments), plus intensive experience where Obama's perceived by some to have weak points.  If you agree with my observations, then Graham emerges as a clear choice.

Just read this one graph from Graham's Wiki Bio...

As Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Senator Graham opposed the War in Iraq for fear it would divert U.S. attention from the fight in Afghanistan. After carefully reviewing information and meeting with military leaders in February 2002, he decided the war would be a "distraction" that would end poorly. He continues to oppose the Iraq War today.

I'm not going to bother providing any links, but Graham's been on the short lists of just about every Dem nominee for President since 1996. Clinton, Gore, and Kerry all considered him quite seriously. There are a SLEW of quotes speculating about "what if" Graham had been the Dem veep choice in '00 or '04. He's extremely popular in Florida. Many pundits have stated that Graham's presence on the ticket in 2000 or 2004 would have turned  the Sunshine State blue, without question.

Will Dems make the same mistake this year and not choose him?

On May 18th (about 10 weeks ago), Blogger Stuball posted a diary entitled: "Media Veep Speculation Misses the Mark." In it, he noted that former Florida Governor and Senator Bob Graham was his favorite choice for V.P., pairing with Obama on the Democratic ticket this year.

IMHO, I totally concur with Stuball. Here's what he said about Graham in his diary:

Bob Graham: My number one choice. Bob Graham, two term Governor of Florida (1978-86), won both races with over 65% of the vote. He went on to serve three terms in the Senate, winning with large margins in all three races (1998: Graham 63 Crist 37). Served as Chairman of  Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, opposing Iraq war for many of the same reasons Obama gave in his 2002 speech. Co-authored bill to create Director of National Intelligence. Widely respected for extensive military/foreign affairs/intelligence experience. Beloved in Florida. Tenacious campaigner; has participated in almost 400 work-days where he fills the shoes of a teacher, nurse, fireman, etc. for a day. Currently engaged in philanthropic activities Excellent campaigner but little charisma (Obama has enough for both). Ran for President in 2003-04 cycle, the first election he ever lost; was on short list of VP candidates for Kerry. Had Gore selected Graham in 2000 rather than Lieberman, very likely he would have won Florida and nation could have avoided catastrophic Bush Administration. Leiberman was, after all, selected for his ability to reach out to Florida voters (read: Jews). Brings to the table similar attributes as Sam Nunn  who has been mentioned in media but is sort of a DINO and, as such, not profiled in this diary. Potential negatives include quirky diary-keeper, heart valve replacement in 2003 (fully recovered) and age. Bob Graham is 2 months younger than John McCain.

Graham's just too damn good--downright close to perfect IMHO--not to be under serious consideration.  In fact, I'd almost have to say that many just seem to be going way too far out of their way to keep him out of the discussion, as if his omission from these short lists is making a statement in its own right.

As I frequently repeat to many in my day-to-day conversations: "It's not what you say, it's what you don't say."