Earlier, I wrote two diaries discussing potential Obama running mates. One discussing an Obama-Bayh ticket(http://www.dailykos.com/...). The other discussing an Obama-Edwards ticket(http://www.dailykos.com/...)
After further researching and examining Obama's viable VP options, I am now ready to give an analysis on some of Obama's potential running mates.
Best Choices:
- Jim Webb: He is by far the best option for Obama. His extensive military and foreign policy record will help de-fang the Republican accusations that Obama is anti-military and unprepared to be president. His blue-collar roots would greatly assist Obama's working-class outreach efforts in states like Ohio,PA, MI, and MO. As a Reagan Democrat, he woukd accentuate Obama's message of bridging the partisan divide, and could also bring the Reagan Democrats and Independents into the Obama camp. His fierce support for the New GI-Bill will increase the issue's relevance in the election and turn up the heat on McCain. Plus, he could help turn VA blue. Though most importantly, Webb is a fighter that is not afraid to take on the role of attack dog. His state of the union response even gave Laura Ingrahm the chills! To understand Webb's appeal I recommend reading his latest book.
2.Wes Clark: Not as appealing as Webb, but Clark would still bring tremendous advantages to the ticket. Clark, as a former Clinton-backer, could help heal old divisions and further unite the party. Like Webb, Clark's defense and foreign policy record would help to ease some voters concerns that Obama would be soft on defense. As a native of Arkansas, he could help boost rural and working-class outreach in states like AK,OH, PA, WV,VA, and MO. Plus, his Independent and Republican background also would help boost Obama's campaign theme of healing the nation's divisions. Finally, Clark's knowledge of defense and foreign policy would make him an effective attack dog on the campaign trail. Just take a look at this-
http://www.youtube.com/...
Others to consider:
- John Edwards: I know he was part of a failed ticket in 2004, but it is fair to say that John Kerry and not John Edwards was responsible for our loss in 2004. During the primaries, poll after poll showed Edwards trouncing McCain, and all the recent SurveyUSA polls shows an Obama-Edwards ticket running strong in every state. His rural background and strong primary performance in rural areas could help Obama bring in support from blue-collar and rural areas. The only problem with this ticket is whether or not Edwards brings enough experience to the ticket. Also, Edwards probably wants to be AG more than VP.
- Ray Mabus: Mabus could help bring a geographical balance to the ticket as a former Gov. of MS.Plus, his record as ambassador to Saudi Arabia could fill in Obama's lack of foreign policy experience. However, Mabus is not well known across the country and he lost his gubernatorial re-election campaign back in 1992.
- Sam Nunn: Nunn would help to fill in any gaps that Obama has on issues of defense and national security. Plus, GA may turn out to be competitive with increased African-American and youth turnout, increased Democratic voter registration, and Bob Barr's 3rd Party campaign. Putting Nunn on the ticket could put GA over the top. On the other hand, having been to one of his speeches I can say that Nunn is knowledgeable, but certainly not charismatic. Also, it is fair to ask whether being out of public life for so long has diluted Nunn's appeal.
Not so Good Choices:
- Sebelius and Napolitano: Although they may help increase Obama's appeal as a Washington outsider, they would do little to make up for Obama's lack of foreign policy experience. Plus, many former Hillary supporters would be angered if a woman other than Hillary was put on the ticket.
- Evan Bayh: Although I filtered with the idea of putting Bayh on the ticket, I have come to the conclusion that what Obama does not need is a VP that talks like a Republican. Bayh's centrist politics would only help to increase the appeal of candidates such as Nader. However, while Bayh is a centrist, he is not Al From.
- Hillary Clinton: need I say more?
- Bill Richardson: Too many Clintonites view him as a traitor, which may increase the difficult task of uniting the party.