Does VP choice really matter?

[mcd1982]

I had put this on the GD board, but it fits here too...

Who really says:

Eh, I don't like Gore, but I do like Lieberman -- that's who I vote for!

Eh, I don't like Clinton, but I do like Gore -- that's who I vote for!

Eh, I don't like Dukakis, but I do like Bentsen -- that's who I vote for! -- we didn't even carry Texas

Eh, I don't like Mondale, but I do like Ferraro -- that's who I vote for!

Eh, I don't like Dole, but I do like Kemp -- that's who I vote for!


I think I've made my point -- does the VP choice really effect who votes for whom? I know in my own experience, back in 2000 I wasn't very politically aware and didn't really pay attention -- probably a lot like your average voter -- and I simply voted for Gore and didn't really pay attention to Lieberman. Also, don't most polls show most Americans don't even know who the VP is?

Just curious...

Matthew

[virtualobserver]

1. I think a BAD choice could hurt...............

although Dan Quayle kind of disproves my theory.

[NewJerseyDem]

2. It matters a little

It isn't the most important thing in the world. However, it does help send strengthen the candidate a little bit at times. For instance, someone with military background helps the presidential candidate appear credible on military issues. Also, a southerner as VP candidate might help show that the candidate is at least reaching out to the south. However, I don't think that people really make their decision based on the vice presidential candidate.

[DrFunkenstein]

3. Clark - The Uber-Veep

Clark is a very hot tamale right now for the VP seat, because he has credentials up the wazoo, is relatively bi-partisan, and very few negatives. I don't think he has enough depth to be at the top of a ticket, but virtually any candidates' ticket would go through the roof with him on it.

[JitterbugPerfume]

4. you bet your boots it does!

The Vice President is just a heartbeat away from the Presidency

It has happened three times in my life time

Truman
Johnson
Ford

[vi5]

5. I know a ton of people who didn't like/trust Bush....

But who really liked/trusted Cheney. Yes, I know that is so far out of our realm of thinking but it's true. A lot of middle of the road people who I knew had their reservations about Bush calmed when he picked Cheney as veep.

I think it does matter if there are any question marks over a candidate.

[sandnsea]

7. Thinking the exact same thing

It's quite possible had more people known the real Dick Cheney, Bush wouldn't have come anywhere near 'winning'.

[polmaven]

6. I think it may matter to voters a lot more this time

than it has in the past.

We all have seen what Cheney has done since he usurped Lieberman's house. If the VP is going to do all the decision making, better make him/her a good one.

[Cha]

8. I think it matters a Lot! It is the person who the Prez will be working

with throughout his or her Presidency and the person who would immediately step up and fill the bill should something happen to our President! It's happened too often!

I heard People talkin' before the 2000 selection and they were saying they didn't like bush but they liked cheney!
It has only come out later what a creep he is!

[Lauren2882]

9. Well, I knew a few people in 2000 ...

who were sitting on the Gore/Nader fence. When Gore chose Leiberman as his running mate, they were pushed over to the Nader side. I doubt there were enough of such people to make a difference though.