Obama knows he needs a V.P. with NATIONAL SECURITY Credentials.

[Sensitivity]

Poll question: Obama knows he needs a V.P. with NATIONAL SECURITY Credentials.

No John Edwards (ala Kerry mistake).
No Hillary, no Sibelius, no Richardson.

You heard McCain loud and clear.

At a time of war and terror (scares) Obama must not only put together a national security
policy that stands up against McCain, but a nationa security team, including the V.P., that
is beyond question.

Here are some options rumored. VOTE!

[9119495]

1. Bill Richardson.

[meow mix]

31. id like richardson best, clark off this list..

[harun]

68. None of the above, I agree Richardson is the best choice (n/t)

[butterfly77]

131. I don't think that Richardson,,,

has as much experience as his resume shows. He is not the best choice considering some of his answers in the debates. I think he just was lucky in certain circumstances.

[leftynyc]

69. Without question - Richardson

Solid foreign policy background and Latino. Best pick by far.

[all.of.me]

74. And from the west.

I think he's the best choice, but I like him as my governor! There will be a lot of changes here this coming election....

[Araxen]

83. I believe Bill is the best choice for Obama

and this is why he hasn't endorsed Hillary. I believe Barack will choose Bill as his running mate.

[9119495]

93. Exactly my thinking. I think he would have picked his friends the

Clintons to endorse if this were not the case. He provides everything Obama needs. I think Richardson would have endorsed Clinton if she had promised him VP. If she did not, I wonder why? Did she make that promise to Clark?

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

89. Please, Dear God, no!

[Hart2008]

123. The governor of a state that can't count its own ballots. Something smells bad in NM.

Ballot boxes taken home for "safe keeping".

If they can't run elections transparently in his state, why should he be VP?

[Bicoastal]

2. Know he NEEDS.

[NJSecularist]

3. As long as it's not John Edwards, I am fine.

Edwards brings nothing to an Obama ticket.

[SoCalDem]

4. Richard Clarke?

wouldn't that be delicious:)

[9119495]

28. I completely forgot about that one...

I've been racking my brain for weeks...very interesting...

[caledesi]

55. Yes! nt

[Hobarticus]

86. Clarke would be good in DoD, Justice, or CIA...

He's a good behind-the-scenes guy. VP is far too ornamental, and a waste of this man's talents.

[Thrill]

5. Jim Webb more likely

[Barack_America]

11. Why?

I'm a little surprised by the results of this poll. And you mentioned Webb, so I'll pose the question to you.

[Thrill]

24. He has Foreign Policy Experience. And he will attack

And he gives us a great chance to win a red state.

So he meets the criteria.

1. Foreign Policy Experience
2. Brings an additional state
3. Can be an attack dog

Oh and they look good together

[Barack_America]

39. More than Biden?

But I do understand the red state issue. I really like Kaine too.

ETA: That's really more of a rhetorical question, by the way. I'm just mulling this all over.

[cali]

67. It's a lousy choice. No way.

Webb actually has waaay too little experience. He was Sec of the Navy for all of 10 months. He's been a Senator for all of one year. He betrayed us on telecom immunity.

[Virginia Dare]

76. Also, his son has served in Iraq..

as has McCain's son, so that takes that little sympathetic talking point away.

[ecstatic]

27. I think Webb has the passion and authenticity needed to win in red states

Together they could be powerful, although I feel Webb is further to the right than I'd prefer.

[stillrockin]

37. Webb is a DINO. Voted for telecom immunity.

[Eric J in MN]

58. I've been against Jim Webb for VP since that vote. NT

NT

[Blarch]

102. Yep.

sunk his ship.

[Bucky]

140. Webb is a populist. He has been fighting for working families & unions

You can't judge a man on one vote.

[pocoloco]

6. WTF

General Petraeus???

[sellitman]

167. After seeing his name on the list

I wanted to hurl.

Its not even funny.

[TeamJordan23]

7. No Biden? nm

[MrSlayer]

8. I think Clark is out of the question, though I'd like to see it.

Joe Biden might be a good running mate for Obama.

[goodgd_yall]

14. Agreed---on both your statements. n/t

[dansolo]

49. Biden voted for the war

It will be hard for him to attack on the issue of Iraq

[Larry in KC]

99. Clark is NOT out of the question. Remember his work for Kerry?

He fought hard against Kerry for the nomination in 2004. He called attention to Kerry's flaws, as candidates always do. As soon as he withdrew, for the good of the party he worked harder, I daresay much harder, than any other high-profile person for a Kerry win (and that DEFINITELY includes working harder than Kerry's own running mate). Kerry called him a "chief surrogate" and trusted him in difficult terrain. He kept it up right through election day.

He has done nothing in his support of Clinton that would put an Obama-Clark ticket out of the question. They could both choose that ticket with honor and pride completely intact. It's also a winning ticket.

[MrSlayer]

122. I'm well aware of how the last primary went.

And of General Clark's actions after he left the race and up to this point. I'm a fan. And I have no doubt that should Obama get the nod that Clark will again be a main surrogate for the party but I do think his close ties to the Clintons will preclude him from the VP offer and probably any cabinet position. Unless Obama is even smarter than I think he is. Heh.

I agree completely that it would be a winning ticket.

[Larry in KC]

135. True, but he has shown himself to be pretty darn smart...

...and it might show political astuteness to reach across to a Hillary supporter, for the sake of healing the party. It's not always easy to do that, but it often happens. Of course, it's easier with someone like General Clark, who always treats his competitors with respect. Might be a lot tougher for Obama if he had to reach out to Bill Clinton, for instance.

So, I agree it's a little problematic, but I still think it's one realistic hope.

[TheDoorbellRang]

184. If Lincoln is one of Obama's heroes, as I believe he is,

that's precisely why Obama might choose Clark even tho he endorsed Hillary. That's also why I think he would consider Robert Kennedy, Jr. -- another Clinton endorser -- for a cabinet post. Lincoln's whole cabinet was made up of his political opponents ("Team of Rivals" by Goodwin). Goes along well with his "we're all in this together" meme.

[kristopher]

127. Why do you think Clarke isn't viable>

[TexasObserver]

9. It won't be Clark. He's a Clinton asset, and has no state he can deliver

[faithfulcitizen]

44. I usually agree with your posts, but alas I think an Obama/Clark combo could deliver many a state.

And he'd take it in a heartbeat if offered. They are friends, but politically, he's much closer to Obama than Clinton, imo.

[FrenchieCat]

64. I agree........

He actually sounds much more like Obama than Clinton.......Wes Clark that is.

[JPZenger]

149. Support for Hillary should not be a disqualification

Just because Clark supported Hillary should not be a disqualification. After all, we are all going to have to come back together at some point. Sooner rather than later.

[indie_voter]

10. I hope it's Clark! n/t

[rwheeler31]

12. No military

[Roland99]

13. Let's be careful pulling another Senator out of the razor-thin Dem Majority in the Senate.

[goodgd_yall]

16. Yes

that's my reservations about picking Biden.

[Coexist]

47. if its Webb, Kaine can replace him with a Dem.

[Hieronymus]

132. Good point ... I also voted Webb.

[Bright Eyes]

15. Ok...who the hell voted for General Petraeus?

[stillcool]

17. Joe Biden

[Occam Bandage]

18. Bill Richardson.

[KittyWampus]

21. Richardson.

[TexasObserver]

19. Probabaly Webb, who can counter anything McCain brings and then some.

[Warren Stupidity]

20. Aside from Hart that is one sorry list. nt.

[Sensitivity]

42. Obama's weakness in Security -- this is not a happy choice, a necessar one

How come no vote for Hart.

[Medusa]

22. Clark is a long-time Clinton cronie.

No way will he agree to be Obama's running mate.

[faithfulcitizen]

25. "cronie" hardly.

[ecstatic]

23. I'd take Webb over Clark. Clark can be the NSA

then again, he still is kind of war hawkish... So I don't know...

[kristopher]

128. He has been speaking out since day one. Clarke is not prowar, anything but.

[Rowdyboy]

26. Former senator Bob Graham of Florida would be a solid choice in that field

[faithfulcitizen]

29. I like Graham ALOT!

:applause: haven't seen him in a while...

[Perky]

38. I have been saying that for three weeks now

5 like Richardson but he is not a great debater or campaigner ans He is ideal fo Secretary of State.

[IronLionZion]

52. Graham would bring us Florida and the presidency

and he's already retired so no seat lost. I just worry about senators with all of those votes that can be spun.

[Virginia Dare]

78. Agreed...n/t

[JPZenger]

151. Graham - Chair of Intell Committee Who Voted Against Iraq War

Graham was chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee when Bush was promoting the Iraq invasion. Graham voted against authorization of the war.

[JI7]

30. Joe Biden

[book_worm]

32. You left off Joe Biden, I think he has great credentials in national security

and foreign policy and I think he will be on Obama's short list.

[faithfulcitizen]

35. I like Clark, Biden, Graham - in that order. nt

[chknltl]

33. First off, I have not written Senator Clinton off as our nominee.

That from a supporter of Senator Obama.

Secondly it is a bit early to be thinking such thoughts of VP for either of the Democratic Senators imo

Thirdly, although I have in the past stated why I am against General Wesley Clark...I just voted for him in your poll.

(He just might be the guy to bring the hawks home for us...)

[faithfulcitizen]

34. I would love Clark & he would gladly accept BUT the msm is not good to him.

Sigh, he would be perfect though.

[silverlib]

36. Joe Biden (n/t)

[Barack_America]

40. Powell.

Am I going to be thrown out of DU now?

Just food for thought. You can't say he doesn't have foreign policy experience.

[yodermon]

45. more like mccain will choose powell. or condi. n/t

[Warren DeMontague]

174. No. McCain will NOT choose Powell, or Condi. For one giant reason.

Here's a hint- it has nothing to do with race.

(cue jeopardy music...)

Got it, yet?

Here's another hint- a lot of self-important windbags and pundits were calling Rudy Guiliani the "front runner" before a single GOP vote was cast. Instead, he got his ass waxed... why?

Know what the answer is, yet?

ANY time you hear someone say that Condi, or Colin, or Rudy is going to be on a GOP Presidential/Vice Presidential Ticket, the person who is making that statement has absolutely NO clue as to who really runs the Republican Party.

Know why?

[Warren Stupidity]

46. Yes lets give that liar and war criminal and republican a spot

on our ticket! What an excellent idea!

Two time war criminal by the way. Once for the My Lai cover up and once for the Iraq War. Arguably three times if one counts Gulf Farce I.

[leftynyc]

71. No, not thrown out

but I still remember his speech to the UN before the war. While I never trusted the chimp and darth, I did have respect for Colin Powell until that speech.

[Virginia Dare]

79. Not thrown out, but possibly flamed...

Why in the name of sense would he do that?

[Barack_America]

92. Kos discussed it a while back...

I don't agree with it, but figured I'd bring that discussion here.

But honestly, Powell does have a significant amount of respect among Americans.

[psychopomp]

41. Sen. Webb looks good...

...I would like to hear reasons why he would not be a good choice for VP.

[Tatiana]

43. I like Graham

But this guy would be the landslide ticket:



(I know, politically, it would never happen, but I can dream...)

[dansolo]

48. I'd add Bob Graham to your list

He voted against the war, AND he is from Florida (which I am admitting that Obama will have a tough time winning against McCain)

[Dumak]

50. Can a VP also have a cabinet position?

I mean, a VP inherently has very little work to do. He can be accorded work/power by the President, but is under no obligation to accept.

[Hill_YesWeWill]

51. I want Clark! A general trumps a POW nt

[GarbagemanLB]

53. Use a Rove tactic: Hit the GOP's trump card- national security.

[HeraldSquare212]

54. Not Clark, no way.

[IronLionZion]

56. Richardson could be SecState, I want Webb to keep his senate seat

Bob Kerrey might be good for VP, I like Gary Hart a lot and would like to see him in the cabinet somewhere, I like Wesley Clark a lot too. John Breaux might be a good one to consider as well. I like General Zinni but he hates politics and said he wouldn't run. This isn't the first time I've heard of him in the consideration for Obama's VP. They tried to draft him for senate in PA in 2006.

Who voted for Betray us?

[Eric J in MN]

57. I disagree with the premise. VP choice has little effect on voters.

Obama should choose the VP who would make the best president if needed, regardless of whether that person is associated with "national security."

[Dumak]

60. I kind of agree too

People are looking for a VP to make a president 'whole'. I'd prefer that they look for a VP who would make a good president. If they are looking for someone to augment or complement the president, then maybe they should get some people onboard for cabinet appointments.

[Sensitivity]

62. Wrong!! Kennedy-Johnson, Clinton-Gore. Kerry lost because NO Clark to slap back swift-liars

[JPZenger]

152. Kerry lost because he spent too much time talking about Vietnam

Kerry spent way too much time talking about Vietnam. It made him vulnerable when the swift boaters apparently raised some questions about the central theme of his campaign.

Kerry also lost because of the terrorist attack on the school in Russia. It was at that point that people started to fear a terrorist attack that would hurt their own kids. That same week, the security moms shifted in large numbers from Kerry to Bush.

[dysfunctional press]

59. graham would be a good choice...obama & the cracker.

nt

[Sensitivity]

61. Zinni is spoken of by some in the know, but name-rec seems low here.

[Smarmie Doofus]

70. Madalyn Albright? Just thinking out loud. nt

[Bullet1987]

63. It won't be Webb and it won't be Clark...

Webb has even less experience in politics than Obama...so why the hell would he give him the nod? Clark is a BIG Clinton supporter so that is unlikely too.

[Adelante]

65. Clark is a Clinton supporter in the primaries

He will be the biggest Obama supporter you ever saw in the GE. Obama is a grownup and he will go with what he needs most. If he sees that's Clark, he won't hesitate to ask him to serve, in my opinion.

[Bullet1987]

66. Clark won't happen...so don't get your hopes up

He has even written an article or something heavily criticizing Obama amoung other things.

[Adelante]

81. I disagree it won't happen

I think it's as possible as anyone. My hopes notwithstanding.

[Bullet1987]

87. I didn't say it was impossible...and I really like Wes Clark

but he seems like one of those people that, while yes he'd support the Dem nominee...he REALLY wanted Clinton to get the nomination and staunchly supported her and attacked Obama. Making it unlikely that he'd get the nod. There are other people with foreign policy credentials that would look good on a ticket like Bill Richardson...but I question how strong of a running mate he'd be.

[faithfulcitizen]

88. He wrote lots of articles critizing the rush to war, yet still supported Hillary?

Pols will be pols, but he will work his butt off for Obama regardless. Remember "All Patriot, No Act" Not just a slogan. ;)

[nolabels]

134. Obama seems to seek out his critics and bring them to his team

For that fact alone i would not rule out anybody

[Cosmocat]

72. I love the general ...

but, I also don't think he would be the right person ... Definitely a high cabinet post ...

Webb, maybe ...

Biden is a no go ... I like him, but his candor has permanently spun in a negative manner ... He couldn't be muzzled enough to the point where he wouldn't be himself, say something that really isn't a problem, but will be spun negatively by the press ... Obama can't keep a lid on him, type of thing ...

I would agree with those who note Richardson ... Nice pairing IMO ... Brings some governor exec chops, some recognized foreign policy chops ... Also, he matches Obama in terms of having a strong likeability factor from those on the right ... I didn't like him much at all for a pres candidate, but I do think he would be a strong VP choice, especially for Obama ...

One more thing, it would completely solidify the hispanic vote, as well as bring some of the midwestern states even further in to play ... People talk about the south, but the states the dems can more easily flip are those in Richardson's region ...

[Sensitivity]

77. Kerry is the most qualified, with legislative and military Creds. But the swifties have

influenced even the Dems.

[robcon]

73. Richardson or Clark

n/t

[oviedodem]

75. I guess Webb but his FISA vote bothers the hell out of me.

[Sensitivity]

94. Big picture folks. Chasing the details will never build a powerfull coalition

[moondust]

80. When you think about it

it's not that important unless you want the President micromanaging military operations. Republicans exaggerate its importance because they're militarists. Flying an airplane 40 years ago does not qualify McBush to micromanage the military any more than anybody else.

The President may have an agenda or a mission to carry out. Military and intelligence planners give the President options to choose from. Anybody, including little Bush, can sit back and make those choices. There are tons of widely experienced advisors available at the drop of a hat.

I would trust Obama's careful judgment on any potential military action long before I'd trust McBush's temperamental, bellicose, knee-jerk reactions.

[Sensitivity]

84. Sound like you think Obama does not need to compete with Repub for votes

-- only people like you are needed for a win. I think not.

[AlertLurker]

82. Bad poll - I couldn't vote for any of these nimrods.

64% for Wesley "Let's start WWIII" Clark? Shit - that's just EXACTLY what the USA needs right now.

[Larry in KC]

95. You may lurk, but you're not alert if you believe that old comical distortion about Clark

[apnu]

85. Clark would be a good choice.

Straight talking and direct. Plus something of a moderate in the Democratic Party which will be helpful to woo all the injured Hillary Clinton supporters. And, as a general, will help capture some of the right-leaning independents who are hawkish on American Policy.

Yeah, Clark would be a good choice.

[Alexander]

90. Most of those options suck. Feingold's got FP and NS creds.

Obama/Feingold is the way to go.

[Sensitivity]

91. Didn't know Feingold was a veteran or has big support from Military folk?

Good to know. :sarcasm:

Else we will do another JE feel-good selection. We need someone who has the credibility to
smack down the attacks that are comming from the right re National Security, patriotism, terrorism.

[Alexander]

103. Didn't know you had to be a veteran to be strong on national security.

Good to know. :sarcasm:

http://feingold.senate.gov/issues_defense_spend.html

"That is why, on March 2003, I offered an amendment to the Senate's fiscal year 2004 budget resolution that would have created a reserve fund of up to $100 billion to pay for military action and reconstruction in Iraq by reducing the amount that the budget resolution provided for tax cuts. While my amendment was included in the Senate version of the fiscal year 2004 budget resolution, unfortunately it was not included in the final version of this bill. I also supported S. 1689, the Iraq and Afghanistan emergency supplemental appropriations bill, which included $87 billion in additional, emergency spending to continue paying for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. On November 6, 2003, the President signed S. 1689 into law (Public Law 108-106). I will continue to work to ensure that ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are responsibily budgeted for so as to reduce the burden on the American taxpayer.

This time of unprecedented federal budget deficits underscores the need for the Congress and the Administration to take a hard look at the Pentagon's budget to ensure that scarce taxpayer dollars are targeted to those programs that are necessary to defend our country in the post-Cold War world and to ensure that our Armed Forces have the resources that they need for the battles ahead and that they are adequately compensated for their service and sacrifice.

I will continue to scrutinize carefully the Pentagon's procurement budget. I am concerned about the utility of continuing to fund Cold War-era weapons systems such as the Trident II submarine and the Navy's Extremely Low Frequency Communications System (Project ELF). Congress should work to ensure that no weapons system enters full production before it has been fully tested so that we know that it will perform its intended mission in a safe and cost-effective manner and that it does not duplicate the mission of existing weapons systems."

Feingold is hardly a "feel-good" selection. He's got 15 years of Senate experience - more than Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama combined.

And he outpolled Kerry in Wisconsin in 2004 - after voting against the PATRIOT Act. Meaning he obviously has some kind of crossover appeal.

Only a narrow and closed mind would assume that we absolutely must have a veteran to appear tough on national security.

[Warren DeMontague]

176. I agree, that would be wonderful. Chris Dodd would make a good choice, too. nt

[NoSheep]

96. Webb or Clark would be fine!

[eissa]

97. How about Mark Warner instead of Webb?

Popular former Virginia governor could help deliver the red state, and would save us the Senate seat that would have to be vacated by Webb. A fiscal conservative who took his state out of debt and left it with a surplus upon exiting office. I think an Obama/Warner ticket would offer great balance and appeal. And I think he'd be a great candidate in 2016!

[taught_me_patience]

100. Mark Warner - I agree

He is a very nice fit as a VP. I was hoping Mark Warner would run for president this year. He will be set to make a serious run in 2016!

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

98. Wes Clark.

People say he won't be VP because he's a Clinton supporter, but they fail to mention that he won't be for long.

[Sensitivity]

101. Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni got another mention on Tucker. He is the real deal

if you want a respected NS leader who strongly opposed going into Iraq.

Obama will need a strong VP but one without any personal ambitions.



Zinni's position on the Iraq war is in sync with Obama's - they were both against it.

Zinni retired in 2000 and thus was not compromised by working for Bush.
In 2006 he got behind VA Senate candidate Jim Webb and helped him win.

Zinni's being from Virginia could help bring VA to the Dem collumn.

[JPZenger]

146. Zinni's biography - very interesting choice

http://www.generalzinni.com/bio-zinni.htm

Zinni would be an interesting choice. I certainly agree that national security is more important this year for the VP than delivering a state.

Zinni did good work in the Middle East during the Clinton Administration. Then King George ignored the Palestinian issues for years.

The repubs are ready to paint Obama as a naive Jimmy Carter-like cartoon figure sitting in an oversized chair who just says "why can't we get along" to them IslamoFascists. He needs someone with gravitas and decades of experience.

[andym]

104. Clark will be out there strongly supporting the nominee whoever it is

Why not make him VP. In his favor, he has tremendous knowledge and experience. He opposed IWR. He is smart and seen as an outsider with no baggage.

If Obama is the nominee, selecting Clark would be seen as extending an olive branch to Clinton.
If Clinton it the nominee, she already values him highly and gets along well with him.

In fact, the only problem is that he lacks political experience, which is also a great plus (see baggage). He certainly seems to have learned a lot from his 2004 campaign about how the system works. His political acumen is good. He rightly calculated that in a primary season with two celebrity candidates he would have little chance of breaking through. He chose the candidate he thought most capable of doing the best job, but that won't stop him from serving if he is called.

[tokenlib]

105. We need to make this simple-put a General on the ticket...

...Generals are for a strong military. "Nascar Joe six-pack" doesn't have time for explanations about why Jim Webb,or Richardson, or Biden are strong on foreign policy or the military. Put a military man out there as VP, as point man for foreign policy, McCain is checkmated and WE WILL WIN.

Clark is smart on economics--supported raising cap for Soc Sec tax in 2004--would be a great asset.

Just my worthless two cent opinion.

[Sensitivity]

107. Agreed!!!!!

[rosetta627]

106. Clark by a mile

A million miles.

[OzarkDem]

108. Wes Clark has endorsed Clinton

apparently he knows something Obama supporters don't.

[tokenlib]

111. SO? He was being loyal to the Clintons...

Bill was his Commander in Chief, they had Arkansas ties... It had nothing to do with Barack.

[andym]

112. He thinks Hillary Clinton is the most quailified to be commander in chief

That doesn't preclude helping Obama should he be the nominee. In fact Obama will need his help more.

[tokenlib]

115. I doubt Barack would hold that against him..n/t

[Emit]

109. Wes Clark endorsed Hillary, didn't he? n/t

[cd3dem]

118. Good Lord! Wes Clark could run circles around Obama!

Yes, General Clark is a big Hillary Clinton supporter... the man knows his stuff!!!

[cd3dem]

110. General Wesley Clark supports Hillary Clinton and believes Obama is not experienced enough to serve

[andym]

113. See post 112

Clark will feel obligated to help the more inexperienced Obama for the good of the country.

[Hutzpa]

141. Oh really, after saying all that crap,

you guys are a peice of work.

Its not going to happen, not in a million years.

[ORDem]

114. I like Gen. Clark, but voted for Webb. Sometimes Clark gets a little

too hot. But then again, that's sort of par for the course for V.P.s I guess. LOL.

[DemVet]

116. Actually, I'd choose Wes Clark for SecDef

[FlyingSquirrel]

117. This is too bad 'cause it will prevent him from naming a female running mate

But it's gotta be Clark. Clark would have put Kerry over the top too, very bad mistake choosing Edwards.

I personally don't like Clark. Actually Jim Webb might not be a bad choice.

[Sensitivity]

130. love sibelius. too bad no NS background. Great if Obama can bring her into

cabinet, but the job she's got now is great.

[slick8790]

119. It will be Bill Bradley. You heard it here first. n/t

[cd3dem]

120. the question should be, who wouldn't up-stage Obama as VP with so much more experience?

[high density]

121. I dunno if Wes Clark would go to Obama

He was on Joe Scarborough's show this morning hawking up Clinton's "experience."

[cd3dem]

157. He would not embarrass himself with that job!

look what happened to Collin Powell when working for Bush... it would ruin his career!

[jackson_dem]

124. Clark and Webb don't have enough civilian governmental experience

Kerry is useless in this area since he allowed himself to get swiftboated. Zinni has the same problem Webb and Clark have. patraeus would never work because he is the architect of the surge and, while Obama voted to fund it, for him to rail against the surge and then put Patraeus on the ticket would be a joke. That leaves Kerrey, Nunn, and Hart. Kerrey has Vietnam skeletons. Based on that list it would have to be Hart by default since Nunn is too conservative for most Democrats.

You left Biden off the list. He makes up for the foreign policy, governmental experience he lacks as much as any veep could. While he doesn't have any military experience, his foreign policy experience gives him credibility on national security. Biden seems to be the best choice for Obama.

[andym]

125. Conventional wisdom would agree with you, but Clark may be a "general" exception

Conventional wisdom would agree with you, but Clark may be a "general" exception. Several men became president with no political experience whatsoever except that they had been successful commanders: Zachary Taylor, US Grant, and Dwight Eisenhower. Teddy Roosevelt had minimal political experience (2 years NY governor). Each were famous for their military exploits, more so than Clark. However, VP is not as significant as President, so victory in the Kosovo war may be sufficient. The management skills of a high ranking US commander would be considered by many at least as significant as a Governor. Having a "tough-guy" on the ticket would probably be of great help to Obama. This argument should generally apply to Zinni as well.

Obviously Joe Biden is an excellent choice. Gary Hart would be interesting. One thing that they both lack is executive experience. Some political consultants may want to see the VP with some kind of managerial skill. Senators are often seen lacking in that regard. Ironic that this year, it appears that one of the candidates whose political experience predominately results from being a legislator will be elected president.

[jackson_dem]

126. Clark would be great for Hillary. Obama is an unusual case because he is so inexperienced

Obama, if elected, would be the most inexperienced president arguably ever in our history. Taylor, Grant, and Eisenhower won major wars. Roosevelt was a war hero who had little political experience but what he had was being governor of the largest state in the country, a far cry from being a legislator. Besides he was elected veep and then succeeded to the presidency. He was ran in 1904 as the incumbent. Clark won Kosovo. Still, Clark would go well with almost any other nominee but not with Obama.

[RBInMaine]

129. Jim Webb is a good choice, but also consider Schweitzer;

Jim Webb would be a very good VP choice also because he is from a red state and an economic populist.
Brian Schweitzer though is also someone to look at as a very good populist Democratic Governor from a red state (though not long national security). Wesley Clark is a good choice, as may be Evan Bayh. It should be a relative outsider, and an economic populist with cross appeal preferable from a red state.

BUT FIRST, LET'S WIN THE PRIMARY. IT IS NOT OVER YET !! STILL LOTS OF WORK TO DO.

[HeraldSquare212]

133. I agree re: Richardson, think he'd be agreat choice.

No way should it be Clark, though.

[rox63]

136. Clark or Richardson

Although I'd love to see Senator Kerry on the ticket, I don't want to lose him as my Senator. Yeah, I know it's selfish of me. :blush: ;)

[Debi]

137. Joe Biden n/t

[9119495]

138. He's my first choice...but what about his seat?

I don't want to lose it and I'm not sure of the appointing process in DE...Who is the governor?

He's friggin' tough too so I think he can be the attack dog to let Obama stay on the optimism message.

[Debi]

139. Democratic Governor so I'm sure a Democrat will get the seat

(maybe Beau Biden??)

He'd be the BEST!

[9119495]

143. Did you see he was on a chopper that had to emergency land

in Afghanistan? All are okay.

[Debi]

144. NO! Do you have a link to the story?

:wow:

[protect our future]

161. Biden, Kerry & Chuck Hagel were on that chopper.

What a tragedy if we should lose them, and I thank the Lord they are all safe.

[JPZenger]

150. No serious GOP opposition for Governor

There will be a new governor in Delaware in 2009, but it won't be a republican. They don't have a serious candidate.

[Debi]

153. Thank you for the info!

:hi:

[goodgd_yall]

147. I think the Obama camp would be worried about Biden having too much baggage

Selecting a senator with a long record of votes, leaves him open to challenges on particular votes. For one, he's a strong gun control advocate.

[Debi]

155. Any baggage Biden has is worth it when you look at his foreign affairs record

and leadership credentials.

[Warren DeMontague]

175. Eh. Try Chris Dodd, instead. Although if Hillary is nominated I give 60% odds she picks Biden. nt

[Debi]

182. I don't doubt Dodd's abilities

Just that he could not get off the ground here in Iowa and we really had no access to him or his campaign.

I just got to know Biden and his staff better.....so I like him better

Either one would make a great choice.

[Warren DeMontague]

186. I have trouble forgiving Biden for the RAVE act, and he has a tendency to put his foot in his mouth

but he's certainly knowledgeable, and he did really well in the debates.

I'm sure he's on both candidates' short lists, but probably higher up on HRC's than Obama's.

[Hutzpa]

142. This is one of those Wes Clark supporting thread.

after talking about Obamas inexperience, he is now touting his Veep qualification, what a sellout,
wonder how Hillary will feel about him selling her out.

I would not trust him from nose to my ass.

[Jai4WKC08]

179. Where has Clark "touted his Veep qualification"?

Name one place. Give me a link. Or the date of a speech or interview. Anything at all.

You may not trust him, but I think not being trusted by someone who just makes shit up is probably a badge of honor.

[Bleacher Creature]

145. No chance it's Webb.

The national security aspect of a Webb candidacy would obviously be intriguing. That said, there no chance that he'll pick another freshman Senator.

[Sensitivity]

Why not? The less senate experience the better seems to be the rule? Military exp is needed.

[JPZenger]

148. Many are too conservative on domestic issues

Many of the Dems with the strongest national security credentials are too conservative on domestic policy issues, such as Webb and Nunn. Those people would be better in a cabinet position where they would not be so close to being president.

John Kerry or Al Gore would be great choices if they would accept it, but the odds are against it.
They would each remind voters of the responsible guy they should have married, vs. the bum that beat them.

[rug]

154. It's Oprah.

[protect our future]

156. 1) John Kerry; 2) Wes Clark; 3) Joe Biden n/t

[Marie26]

158. Gen. Clark supports Hillary!

That's one reason why I'm supporting her. Clinton would have probably named Clark as VP. Obama will have to select a southerner for VP - that's the way it's gotta be. Sen. Webb is the only one who fits the bill.

[Jai4WKC08]

181. Clark is a southerner

But I agree with you that Hillary might have picked him for VP but there's not a chance that Obama will. Clarkie Obamans are fooling themselves if they think otherwise.

[Marie26]

185. I know

That's why Hillary would've chosen him for VP. People are fooling themselves if they think Clark would serve in an Obama Adm. If they really want Clark, they should support Hillary. Obama will have to find a different Southerner to balance the ticket.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

159. Clark is campaigning for Clinton and raising money for her - forget that one....

n/t

[protect our future]

160. But if Obama becomes the nominee, Clark becomes a free agent. Correct? n/t

[kerry-is-my-prez]

164. I'm thinking Obama wouldn't want Clark becasue of it. Clark might do it.

He's a pretty strong supporter of Hillary's, however.

[Radical Activist]

162. That makes it even better as a way to mend fences

with Clinton and unite the party. Obama isn't known for holding grudges and it would reflect well on him to choose someone who backed Clinton.

[protect our future]

165. Bingo, Radical Activist!

And Clark may have an even bigger following than we realize. Remember he was a commentator on Fox after the 2004 election? So Fox viewers had a chance to be impressed, as I am sure they were with his depth of knowledge, and betcha he made them feel safe and secure from terror. Clark has that effect on people. And then he switched to MSNBC and now we can watch him on Countdown.

[Tom Rinaldo]

166. And Clark hasn't gotten nasty toward Obama

He has countered him on some foreign policy matters, but not in an ugly way. The harshest thing I think I have seen Clark say about Obama was at one point pointing out that the Obama camapaign said they were going to go negative on Hillary before Hillary went negative on them, and in a hard fought battle, that barely registers as an attack. And of course Clark has argued that Clinton is better prepared to be President on day one, but again, that isn't remotely in the league of bashing Obama. For the most part Clark has been an advocate FOR Hillary Clinton, and he only gets personal when he praises her abilities.

Of course Clark will have none of this VP talk for now at least. He won't allow it in regards to Hillary either.

[Radical Activist]

163. I disagree with your premise

but of the list, I think Jim Webb is the best choice. He brings experience in the military and elective office. He would also help make Virginia competitive. I don't think he guarantees VA but it helps. He could also help swing the military vote that could decide the election.
I don't think Clark can deliver any state and he lacks political experience.

[Iceburg]

168. Jim Web onlys has 2 years of political experience, and the senate

would lose a Dem member.
I don't think anyone will be hitching their wagon to Obama before the convention.
Beware of the Ides of March.

[Radical Activist]

172. Webb would be replaced by a Democrat

since the Governor of VA is a Dem, so that's not a concern.

[protect our future]

170. Webb is another freshman senator. Not the best choice.

Kerry, Clark, and Biden all are "elder statesmen" and balance the ticket. All are qualified, especially in the area of foreign policy and foreign affairs, which will no doubt be the principal GOP issue for the GE.

[Radical Activist]

171. Clark hasn't been elected to anything

so Webb trumps him there. I seriously doubt Kerry and Biden could rally the military vote the same way that Webb could.

[malik flavors]

169. I would say Collin Powell, but that might be too much for America to handle.

[Warren DeMontague]

173. Wes Clark, for sure. I wouldn't be surprised at Richardson, either- not a bad choice.

Personally, I'd like to see someone like Russ Feingold or Chris Dodd, but that's just me.

[Perry Logan]

177. Valerie Plame?

[marlakay]

180. she and her husband are big for Hillary

and her experience doesn't go far enough I think.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

178. Hillary will definitely have a job for Clark - that's a given

n/t

[Sensitivity]

187. Will he accept vice president

[Leopolds Ghost]

183. Changing my vote: Kerry-Clark in 04 would've won. it should be Obama-Clark.

WEBB IS OUT for three reasons:

* He is more needed in the Senate. he could carry his red state
at the cost of losing the swing Senate seat there which would
not go Dem. Virginians are conservative enough that given an
open seat in a special election they will vote to offset Mark
Warner with a Repub to provide balance, like PA and OR do.

* He has even less legislative experience than Obama
though he is equally superior academically, like Obama is.

* He voted for wiretap immunity, like Mikulski and other Beltway Dem
"security hawks" who oppose the Iraq war, are economically liberal,
but can't bring themselves to criticize the military establishment
on any aspect of their encroachment of civil liberties and
government priorities. Would he have voted against
universal warrantless wiretaps in the final vote? Like his hero,
Daniel Patrick Moynihan, I like Webb but disagree with him on key
policy questions.

Richardson -- black brown ticket is too ethnic. Sorry.

I would say the same thing if Giuliani had picked a Cuban running mate
(which, if McCain were smart, is what he'll do.)

Edwards -- he should have fought harder for Kerry in 2004
and defended him in 2006 against Hillary's swiftboating.
also he's wierdly regressive on civil liberties, advocating
for mandated private insurance and no position on warrantless
surveillance (though I'm sure he's against immunity)