I think that George Bush, George Bush 41, George Herbert Walker Bush, is a decent individual and a man that really believes in civility. But he and his advisers around him knew that the only way that they could win was bring down his opponent and go fully negative and paint Michael Dukakis completely to the left. A guy that had painted himself — that had a record of trying to work to the center in a lot of ways. And that legacy continues to this day. And Senator McCain says that he’s going to speak out against that and not let that happen. I think that would be good for the country if that is the case. But, there’s certainly plenty of groups on the Republican side that are going to go forward with that kind of strategy.
Transcript Keith Olbermann and Scott McClellan.
Now at the start of Obama’s campaign and immediately after Kathleen Sebelius' endorsement, I believed that Gov. Sebelius would be a perfect running mate. Her bio just fit because of her ability to govern across party lines. But, then the primary season keep going, and going and going. And, now I (for reasons I am not getting into at this juncture) do not believe a woman is going to be on the ticket. So, with my first choice in the back burner, I have listened to others regarding possible choices. But, no one seems to be talking about what it will truly take to win in the Fall. I believe this election is going to be decided upon by two things, the economy and the ability to overcome a predictable but fierce smear campaign.
It is becoming increasingly clear that there is no way John McCain can win without the effort of a down and outright dirty campaign. McCain is painfully boring, confusing and confused and is running his campaign on an unpopular war and failed Bush policies. On the other side, Barack Obama is a charismatic energizer who is loved by young and old and is waging an incredible campaign during a time in which everyone is hungry for change. So, yes it is reasonable to expect lots and lots of smear. And, does anyone doubt that a large part of the smear campaign will prey upon fears and prejudices. Does anyone doubt that the smear will and has been about painting the Obamas to be radical militants and not true Americans. The code word as of late is "exotic".
And, to counter this, like it our not, the Obamas will have to prove that they are a conventional, mainstream, apple pie on Sunday, American Flag bearers on Monday type of couple. And, likewise, the Vice President selection will need to be someone who fits the profile as being an all American figure. The Vice President selection will need to be a national figure, not someone only regionally known. The Vice President will need to have an impeccable resume. The Vice President will need to be someone who can facilitate Barack Obama in energizing this country. But, most of all, the Vice President will need to be someone who is appealing to Independent voters. I believe the Dems will be united in the Fall. So, although a presumption, I believe the race will be decided by Independents. And, like it or not, the Obamas will need to fight hard to depict themselves as mainstream and common as possible.
Sadly, the Kerry campaign taught us that elections can be won on issues but just as easily loss because of smear. And, something in my gut tells me that we are going to enter the largest smear campaign ever in the history of politics. I just do not believe anything will be beyond the pale, and by November our senses may have been shocked so many times that we will need to carry a respirator to instantaneously revive ourselves.
In any event, there is only one person who I believe fits this Vice President profile and that is Wesley Clark. I believe Wesley Clark is one of the few persons who off of the starting block, has a national name and is well-respected. Also, I think his message that he launched a successful war without casualties is a winning message. Now some may say that John Edwards has a national reputation and is well respected. But, I believe Edward's message is most appealing to Blue Dems, so I put Edwards in a close second. But, the soccer mom who is disgusted with the Bush policies and is leaning Obama, I think will be more attracted to Clark, a war vet, and he may help tip the scale.
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