The mid-primary VP gambit
by rustydude
Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 04:57:54 AM PDT
I've always been fascinated that through the years, no 2nd place Democrat nor Republican challenger has ever tried to get a mid-primary season boost by selecting a VP running mate far in advance of the nominating convention. The potential advantages are obvious, i.e. if the challenger picks a popular VP then he/she gets a voter boost from that selection and he/she gets an extra partner in campaigning as they criss cross the country.
The disadvantages are a little bit more nebulous...
- Does the move smack of desperation?
- Does the move smack of unfair competition relative to the leader?
- Does the move make the challenger look weak?
One problem with answering "yes" on these disadvantages is that we have no data from which to judge this gambit. It's never happened.
What if Obama tried it?
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