1. Chuck Hagel- A simultaneously moderate, tough, and intelligent Nebraska Republican who hates the same republicans we hate. A Vietnam Vet who opposed the Iraq War, calls it a failure. Thinks George Bush has embarrassed the USA, and horribly damaged our image overseas. An economic populist/centrist with loads of swing-voter appeal among virtually all regions and demographics. The base would like other choices, but Barack pleasing the democratic base for a high turnout is not needed in this election cycle.
Hagel would chip away much of the republicans’ strongest argument: “We’re stronger on national defense”. Chuck Hagel would also make many of those older white Midwestern swing-voters(who may have been shook by Rev Wright) very very comfortable with the ticket.
Barack, since his 1st primary victory in Iowa, has been speaking strongly and convincingly about building a very serious and broad coalition of experts, across all democrat, independent, and republican party lines. This VP choice would prove that, BEFORE the election, and the GOP would collectively sh!t their shorts.
2. Jim Webb- A Virginia Senator who was former secretary of the Navy under Ronald Reagan. Military smarts in spades. VERY Pro-2nd amendment, which may lock down a few Mountain-West states for Barack. Can also likely deliver the state of Virginia’s electoral votes in the general election.
Side note: came somewhat close to blows with George W. Bush, when, after a dinner event in DC, after Webb very boldly spoke his mind to Bush's face about policy differences, Bush made a half-veiled quasi-threat asking about Webb's son's safety (Webb's son is cureently serving in Iraq)
Authored the new G.I. bill, which would give Iraq War Veterans the same benefits (educational and otherwise) as WW2 vets, not one bit more. Webb's G.I. Bill would also bring tour lengths back down closer to Vietnam/WW2 lengths, allowing Soldiers almost as much time at home with their families as Veterans in the past had. McCain voted against the G.I. Bill, and Bush veto'd it. It is currently going thru House/Senate again, hoping to gain a Veto-proof majority.
This MF is the toughest democrat on the hill, with all the credentials and military experience to back it up. With Webb on the ticket, the republicans “soft on defense” attacks will lose much of their credibility with the same type of people they were designed to frighten. Webb has that.
3. Hillary Clinton- Barack may feel pressure to put her on the ticket, but would it be the smartest choice ? She’s got a lot of baggage, but the older white women will almost certainly vote for a ticket with her as Vice President. That’s still making history to those women. Would she even accept VP ? Or instead want to position herself well for 2012, should Barack lose ?
Since the NC and Indiana primaries, Hilary looks like she’ll slowly bring all her supporter’s back over to Barack, regardless of if she’s VP or not. Provided Barack pay off her campaign debts, and agree to a few other conditions, like making her Senate majority leader to replace Harry Reid, and nominating certain cabinet positions of her choice. It's also possible for Hillary to have a controlling role in HHS. Should Hillary choose to want to be VP, it has a high risk/reward scenario. Especially after they win the white house. Is it big enough for 3 of them?
4. John Edwards - A champion against poverty, who grew up poor, and became a millionaire trial lawyer by defending people who got f#@ked over by big corporations. Sounds like just what we need in an Attourney general in 2009….
Would certainly help Barack garner votes amongst moderate southern whites, and when combined with big numbers in new registration and turnout in the black community, may even put the Carolinas in play. But he’s been on a losing ticket (2004 w/ Kerry), without carrying his own state. But that was 4 years ago, and in current political climate years, that’s a lifetime. Also polls well with Barack among older midwestern whites. But again, Edwards is much more likely to prosecute Bush-era crooks & war-profiteers as Attourney General.
5. Bill Richardson - Probably the most qualified candidate of all the VP choices, with truckloads of domestic and international policy experience. Concerns and fears over two men on the ticket who are both ½ minority (Richardson is ½ Mexican) seem ridiculous to us sensible people, but unfortunately, we know theose fears are real amongst some older whites.
A real concern, is that republicans could use the fact that Barack payed off Richardson’s campaign debts, in exchange for his endorsement. That’s why Carville called him Judas.
More likely to do his work repairing the damage Bush did, as a high-level international diplomat with Latin America and Asia.
6. Christopher Dodd - One of the most well-liked senators, of either political party, in all of congress. Knowledge and experience across the board. A rolodex of authored legislation on virtually any issue, foreign or domestic, many co-authored with congressional members across the isle. Fits with Barack’s message of bi-partisan unity.
Would help greatly among swing-voters whose key issues are economic. Would also absolutely destroy whoever McCain picks for VP in the vice presidential debate. DESTROY. A legitimate president in his own right, Dodd would be a solid liberal pit bull of a vice president.
On the short list for possible Secretary of the Treasury.
7. Joseph Biden - Another ridiculously over-qualified candidate, the Delaware senator brings knowledge and experience in all facets. Domestic economics, domestic social & judicial issues, international diplomacy, international trade law, name it, and Biden has decades of positive experience. Authored more legislation than any other candidate, much of it passed with bi-partisan support. 1st to advocate for raising the $97,000 ceiling on social security taxes, which will be a major campaign issue. Also, would definitely improve Barack’s numbers among catholics.
Unfortuneatly, he suffers from foot-in-mouth. Will likely become a very effective Secretary of State shortly after Barack’s innaguration
8. Sam Nunn - An older, southern democrat, who voted against the 1st Persian Gulf War. Has made nuclear non-proliferation his major issue, which has been back burner for some mysterious reason. :blink: Holds board positions at several major US corporations, which could be twisted into a negative. Nunn was considered as a vice president for John Kerry, and has already endorsed Barack, despite being courted by independent NY mayor Michael Bloomberg as his own vice presidential running mate.
9. Al Gore - It’s a real longshot, but it may pay off. Very respected internationally. Comes with a large, nationwide coalition already. Probably would not deliver the state of Tennessee, but brings broad appeal in many regions, among many demographics. Association with the Clinton brand, and the economic growth of the 90’s, possibly helps ease the transition of Hillary’s constituency coming to Barack in novemeber. Loved by all environmentalists, whether a swing voter, or part of the liberal base. Certainly wouldn’t hurt among the exact demographic Barack is having major trouble with: Undereducated southern whites who vote off of name recognition and familiarity. Al still speaks with a southern accent, and they all know who he is.
Top prospect for Secretary of Energy.
10. General Wesley Clark - A 4-star general, who brings much more of the same National defense cred as Jim Webb or Chuck Hagel. Clark is a Clinton loyalist, who has shown some receptiveness to considering a Vice Presidential role for Barack. He's not a particularly strong Campaigner in his own right, but he just might help with those voters attacjed to the Clinton brand.
More likely to be a top candidate for Secretary of Defense in Barack's Cabinet.
11. Tim Kaine (VA) / Ted Strickland (OH) / Ed Rendell (PA) / Robert Casey (PA)
Basically these dudes are no-names(to the general public) who happen to be governors of swing states. Casey is a popular senator from a swing state. These choices won't piss anybody off, but none of them are going for the knock out either. Hit or miss.
(found on another forum)
