We're probably about a week away from Sen. Obama announcing his VP, and with that I'm sure it has already been decided and is awaiting announcement. I'm truly hoping its John Edwards, the labor partisan and the poverty-fighting hero.
I make my case below.
I don't care about the Obama weaknesses. This year, 2008, is about focusing on our strengths and being positive. Our strengths far outweigh our weaknesses. A vice president picked to cover a weakness merely perpetuates that weakness. That was one of Kerry's mistakes, to pick the guy that made him comparitively look old and dull.
There are many aspects to the Obama campaign, but a few basic fundamentals.
1. Cleaning up Washington, rising above the influence.
Let us not forget, Obama's Senate claims to fame are the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 and the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act. Both were about transparency and curbing the big money interests.
John Edwards never took a dime from a federal lobbyist. Neither has Obama '08. That is a strength right there! A ticket that is above the influence of Haliburton and Humana. Message consistency is a huge strength. Can Obama pick someone who has taken hundreds of thousands from federal lobbyists and still run as the Change guy? Good luck with that.
2. The working class
I, for one, do not believe Obama has a problem with the working class. McCain gives us more of the same with unfair trade deals and even loves NAFTA and free trade with China. Workers aren't exactly screaming to send their jobs overseas. If these people don't vote for McCain, it won't be because of his labor credentials.
So John Edwards, where does he come in? Oh yes, Edwards is a big friend of labor. Teamsters, SEIU, Steelworkers, Mineworkers, Culinary workers, Carpenters (*note* not all of these endorsed him, but he had strong connections to all of them). Maybe it was just me, but Edwards was the only one during the primary that successfully conveyed the woes of the working class. Obama didn't ignore them, Obama just wasn't as effective in conveying them (he was good, no doubt, just Edwards was better). Edwards has pledged to be the president that walked picket lines... well I don't think Edwards would have a problem with being the vice president that walks picket lines.
Thats what Obama is looking for:
"I’m not interested in a vice president who I just send off to go to funerals," he continued. "I want somebody who’s going to be able to roll up their sleeves and really do some work."
Let me remind you, John Edwads isn't afraid to work hard
3. The economy
This is very similar to number 2. Since labor and poverty are Edwards' issues, an Obama/Edwards ticket effectively guarentees these issues will stay in the crosshairs. I think every expert and blogger can agree, if its about the economy, we win.
4. Crossovers
I hope no one forgets about this:
I don't have a link to verify this one. But I have talked to dozens of Republicans who have said they would have voted for John Edwards. They don't agree with his policy, obviously. But they don't agree with McCain's either. When I ask why? They say because they see a guy who can think on his own two feet, and a guy with dedication and passion. Even if they don't agree, I think after 8 years of Bush people want a guy they can at least trust (even if they don't agree).
5. The down-ticket
Edwards has no problem going to any state to campaign for someone that shares the progressive vision. In 2006 he went to several states to help raise the minimum wage and campaign for Democrats seeking to unseat GOP Senators and Congressmen. We could use John Edwards help to win Senate seats in places like Idaho, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Alaska because WE NEED the Magic 60 if we want the Obama agenda to have a chance.
6. National experience.
Edwards has already been almost everywhere. This is a 50-state election, we need someone helping Obama who already knows the map and is comfortable speaking to thousands of people. National name recognition.
7. The GOP insiders fear him
You know if Fox News is pushing National Enquirer talking points, they are stooping to a farther low (as if it were possible). They only make up love-child lies because they are afraid. The only people who believe the lies are people who won't vote for us anyways. Find me one person who can tell me John does not love Elizabeth with all his heart.
8. Elizabeth Edwards
Obama won't have a problem with women voters, contrary to what the pundits wanted us to think. But Elizabeth Edwards sweetens the deal. She has inspired many with her bravery in the fight against breast cancer. She proved you can still live and make a difference. Most people know someone suffering from breast cancer or that has died from this dreadful disease. Elizabeth gives us hope, she gives them hope. Isn't hope what this is all about?
Plus Elizabeth isn't afraid of the stump.
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As I said, I think Obama already knows who he will pick and its just a matter of when. But I sure to goodness hope its our friend John Edwards.