Obama Looks to Balance Vulnerabilities With Veep Choice
Obama may pick a vice president with more national security experience
Also ran. Obama could go with a candidate who ran against him in the primaries. At the top of the list is Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, who gathered 18 million votes but fell short. Democratic sources say that at this point, Obama and his aides are not inclined to choose her because of questions about how loyal she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, would be to Obama. "Actually, their objections have more to do with Bill than with Hillary," says a prominent Democratic strategist. "He showed himself to be demonstrably undisciplined" in the primary campaign.
Other options include Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, a Hispanic who has a sterling résumé as a former member of the House, United Nations ambassador, and secretary of energy. His drawback is that he didn't do well in the primaries this year. John Edwards, the former senator from North Carolina, could add working-class appeal, but he was the vice presidential nominee in 2004 and wasn't considered a huge boon to nominee John Kerry.
Wild card. There are a number of selections that could be dramatic, if risky, game-changers. One is Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, who appeals to Democratic doves because of his opposition to the Iraq war and whose nomination would extend an olive branch to the GOP. But as Obama operatives road-tested the idea privately on Capitol Hill in late June, they encountered serious resistance from Democrats who said Hagel is too conservative on other issues, especially abortion.
Another name often mentioned is New York mayor and billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who was once a Democrat but switched to Republican and is now an independent. He is widely regarded as a strong, effective manager and had a highly successful business career. But some Democrats wonder if he is temperamentally suited to be anyone's No. 2, and his Jewish faith may be a problem with some voters.
Obama supporters also suggest that former Secretary of State Colin Powell would be a powerful choice. But others argue that Powell tarnished his reputation by arguing that weapons of mass destruction would be found in Iraq, which never happened, and that he is too closely tied to President George Bush.
Republican strategists argue that Obama's choice of a running mate will get him into trouble no matter which way he goes. If he chooses someone young, they say, it will call attention to his own vulnerabilities. If he chooses someone older and more experienced, they argue, it will undercut his theme of breaking away from the Washington elites.
But that's the nature of the vice presidential selection process—it's rarely easy. It provides an insight into a potential president's judgment and ability to handle pressure, which voters consider two of the prime qualifications for the top job.
Reader Comments
vp choice
Biden first and foremost is the candidate that can help Obama. First Biden knowledge of foreign affairs is unbeatable on either side of the aile. Second Biden has a strong record of accomplishments. Third Biden debate skills are strong with his vast knowledge of all the issues and his great wit. Last Biden would bring in the older voters, women and the working class voters with his average Joe approach and his hardworking get the job done attidude.
GO CLAIRE
Statement Issued and Released
Statement Issued and Released on the world wide web at http://www.goclaire.4t.com
Contact information:
Jeff Kenkel co-chairman Honjeffkenkel@yahoo.com
Cell 417 380 2530 or cell 417 336 9496 home
Dear Barack Obama:
It has to be McCaskill to win!
1. Claire McCaskill needs to be the Vice Presidential Candidate to capture the female vote in November.
2. As Missouri goes so goes the nation. JOHN MCCAIN 50%
BARACK OBAMA 44% John McCain leads Barack Obama in Missouri , according to the latest Rasmussen Reports survey. When "leaners" are included in the survey, McCain leads Obama 50% to 44%. When just solid supporters are tabulated, the results changes slightly: McCain 48%, Obama 41%. Clearly Claire McCaskill as a dynamic campaigner can turn that around and help win Missouri and other states with her down home talking.
3. To run a real campaign based on “Change” having two candidates who are outside the beltway and that have not only the feel but the real pulse of the people.
Mr. Obama Please consider Senator McCaskill this week as you make your decision.
Thank you and enjoy your vacation time.
Sincerely,
Jeff Kenkel
###
VP
Statement Issued and Released
Statement Issued and Released on the world wide web at http://www.goclaire.4t.com
Contact information:
Jeff Kenkel co-chairman Honjeffkenkel@yahoo.com
Cell 417 380 2530 or cell 417 336 9496 home
Dear Barack Obama:
It has to be McCaskill to win!
1. Claire McCaskill needs to be the Vice Presidential Candidate to capture the female vote in November.
2. As Missouri goes so goes the nation. JOHN MCCAIN 50%
BARACK OBAMA 44% John McCain leads Barack Obama in Missouri , according to the latest Rasmussen Reports survey. When "leaners" are included in the survey, McCain leads Obama 50% to 44%. When just solid supporters are tabulated, the results changes slightly: McCain 48%, Obama 41%. Clearly Claire McCaskill as a dynamic campaigner can turn that around and help win Missouri and other states with her down home talking.
3. To run a real campaign based on “Change” having two candidates who are outside the beltway and that have not only the feel but the real pulse of the people.
Mr. Obama Please consider Senator McCaskill this week as you make your decision.
Thank you and enjoy your vacation time.
Sincerely,
Jeff Kenkel
###
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