I think there are several wonderful VP candidates out there who people are overlooking, or writing off too quickly for seemingly "obvious" reasons. However, let's honestly consider the following people and what they would bring to the ticket.
- John Kerry
Yeah, I know. He's a "loser" who couldn't stand up to the swiftboating. However, I believe that much of the media is remorseful for the way they portrayed Kerry in 2004 and how they allowed the swiftboating to become such a big deal. I feel like they will be easy on Kerry at the very least a second time, and many will actually go out of their way to support him to make up for what happened in 2004. Not only that, but I believe many Americans regret their vote in 2004 for Bush and would be energized by a chance to redeem themselves.
Beyond that, Kerry covers most of the bases: experience in the senate, military experience, age and wisdom, campaigning, progressive values and supporting Obama.
- Michael Bloomberg
Obama going out of his way to pick what everyone thinks he needs (someone like Jim Webb) will only underscore his perceived weaknesses. We already tried to out-muscle the Republicans in 2004. We aren't going to do that. No matter who we put on the ticket, the Republicans will always have more "macho" credibility in the eyes of most Americans. Having McCain gives them that much more of an edge.
The solution: shift the focus of the discussion to the economy. Polls show that the economy is the number one issue for voters, and McCain is weak in that area. Who better to bring about this shift than Bloomberg? Furthermore, he will appeal to independents, put to rest the concerns some Jewish voters supposedly have, and he is in line with Obama's general philosophy of coming together and getting things done and making change rather than bickering and playing the same old politics. Furthermore, Bloomberg has lots of cash, is a Washington outsider, and he would give Obama a better shot at Florida than he has now.
- Gary Hart
Yes, I know about the Donna Rice scandal. The fact is, that was 20 years ago. People will get over it (especially considering the Lewinsky scandal doesn't seem to have hurt Hillary's campaign).
What does Gary Hart bring to the ticket? He's an older white male from Colorado (a crucial swing state) who would help in the West in general. He has foreign policy experience, is a very bright guy, and hasn't been in Washington for 20 years and thus fits the outsider description. Furthermore, he was one of the first big names to come out for Obama and call out Hillary for her Rovian tactics. Hart has been a powerful voice against the forces within the Democratic party trying to turn it into a Republican-lite. He would bring the experience Obama needs while still being an outsider, and anyone who followed his 1984 campaign knows all about his success as an advocate for "change" and "new ideas" and moving towards the future. He seems like the perfect match for Obama once everything is considered.
Feel free to add on with other good candidates who have been overlooked