What if Obama Choses Gen. Anthony Zinni as VP in April?

[thepurpose]

Pros

A former Bush supporter who became a Bush critic.
His military leadership is specifically in the Middle East, thus bringing him added credibility when talking about Iraq and eventual withdrawal from the region
As a Special Envoy to Israel and Palestine, he would shore up any questions critics may want to raise concernign Obama's commitment to Israel and would have a well informed partner to pursue pease int he region.
An ethnic (Italian), working-class persona that will help attract Hillary Clinton's down-scale voters and conservative Reagan Democrats. Like Obama, he is the son of immigrants - which should help when the issue of immigration arises.
He's Catholic. Democrats used to attract the lions share of Catholics but have had a harder time holding on to them in Presidential races.
From Pennsylvania, thus not only reinforcing a possible swing state in a race against McCain, but helping to win the PA primary and finally driving a stake through the heart of Hillary's campaign.
He came out for Jim Webb in his Senate race.
He's a literate man who has written books with Tom Clancy.
His son, a captain, currently serves in the Marine Corps.
I've watched Zinni on many political panels and he is very articulate, powerful, and persuasive.
Here are a few interviews with Zinni, which would give you an idea of his intelligence and persona:

Around the 4:00 mark, Zinni discusses the downside to globalization and how it hasn't lived up to its promise, that it seems to have increased the gulf between the haves and haves not. It's an argument I've heard Webb make.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/3/8/173948/3347/...

[msongs]

1. why not choose a democrat instead of this guy? nt

[tokenlib]

2. Because it shows we want to turn the page....

..and bring people together.

[depakid]

8. That would be funny if it wasn't so self destructive

The far right is NOT going to come together with you, no matter how many choruses of kumbaya you sing.

[FrenchieCat]

3. Probably a different reason than why Hillary endorsed John McCain

over Barack Obama.

[featherman]

4. Zinni's a strong candidate but has a problem with name recognition

I do like a military presence as Veep but not sure that Obama/Zinni may not sound like a new dish at an Italian boutique restaurant. LOL

[thepurpose]

6. That's a good point. LoL.

[tokenlib]

11. It doesn't matter..the masses will hear General..and their ears will perk up..n/t

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

5. silly reason: ObamaZinni sounds like an exotic vegatable

its tough enough!

[FrenchieCat]

7. I like the sound......

OBAMA-ZINNI!

Sounds like a super kewl cocktail, and way better than a CLINTON-BAYH!
How soooo kewl!

[theHandpuppet]

9. Is "soooo kewl" like, you know, baby-talk?

I've often wondered about the level of like, maturity around here, you know, but the mixture of baby talk meets Valley girl is like, you know, soooooo ANNOYING and not kewl.

[FrenchieCat]

10. Lookit, It's theHandpuppet all grown up!

I can always talk shit if you'd like. I'm really good at that.

[fujiyama]

18. Clinton Bayh

Talk about a ticket that makes me GAG!

[Gore1FL]

12. I am still pushing for Sebelius

She is an awesome choice who could easily slide into the number 1 slot if, god forbid, such a slide was required.

[Bullet1987]

13. Zinni...hell no

[Coexist]

14. I can see that ticket.

Would slap the shit out of McCain/Insert-random-conservative-here.

[ellisonz]

15. I'm pretty sure Zinni doesn't want into politics.

[fujiyama]

16. Interesting choice, but April is way too early

Obama isn't arrogant enough to believe he has this is the bag or has won this yet...even though he has a delegate lead that is very difficult for Hillary to overtake.

[Quixote1818]

17. Either that or talk Webb or Clark into the job. nt

[Bullet1987]

20. Clark is anti-Obama and Webb just got there

I wish people would get off this General argument. Obama doesn't need some damn former military guy to go against McCain. Zinni is a damn Rethug...that's not going to happen.

[maddiejoan]

19. Nahhh

ObamaZinni sounds like an exotic pasta dish.