5 Choices: Who Brings the Most to Obama as VP in November & Later in Office?

[David Zephyr]

Poll question: 5 Choices: Who Brings the Most to Obama as VP in November & Later in Office?

Obama has to choose someone that will help him win in November, but also someone that will bring something to his administration, too.

I really see only five realistic candidates, all of who have been vetted over the years and all of whom bring some real punch to his campaign in November with electoral votes and also who would be an asset to his administration as he governs.

Those five in alphabetical order are: Joe Biden, Wes Clark, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry and Bill Richardson.

What does the DU community think of these five and which would you prefer Obama to choose?

Poll result (66 votes)
Senator Joe Biden	(14 votes, 21%)	Vote
General Wes Clark	(30 votes, 45%)	Vote
Senator Hillary Clinton	(6 votes, 9%)	Vote
Senator John Kerry	(7 votes, 11%)	Vote
Governor Bill Richardson	(9 votes, 14%)	Vote

[patrice]

1. I know his state doesn't want to give him up, but Senator Webb is a Populist

who actively supports Economic Justice AND has a Military background.

[Sensitivity]

5. Webb was hammered for Anti-women and pro-confederacy writings -- decades ago, but still mattered

to some loud voices. He took himself out of the running after receiving the thick vetting package anyway.

[paulk]

2. the only two on that list that I see as viable

are Clinton and Kerry.

Both are proven vote getters, though Kerry's demographic appeal is basically the same as Obama's.

What Obama needs is a VP with name recognition. He himself is a blank slate for most Americans, which leaves him wide open to be defined by the media. He's already started the GE off poorly in that regard. He needs a VP who has already been defined.

Biden, Clark, Richardson - these are names that the great unwashed out there really doesn't know (or care) much about. I can't see any of them bringing the demographics that Obama is going to need nationwide. Richardson would bring NM, but I don't see a ticket made up of two minorities as viable.

[David Zephyr]

9. I agree that your two have the instantaneous recognition by the public.

And I agree that they have both proven to be "vote getters". Both have run 50 state campaigns, too. That's an interesting distinction and I appreciate you pointing it out.

Kerry and Clinton have more national campaign experience and, while there is no single qualifying component, that is something that should not be sneezed at.

Thanks.

[Motown_Johnny]

11. But they get the same votes Obama does (for the most part) Richardson adds the most in Nov. and has

the longest resume


He helps both with the latino vote and in western battleground states.

[David Zephyr]

12. Good points. I didn't vote in my own poll because I'm stuck between these 5 now.

I am interested in how the poll turns out at this point in time.

[NYC_SKP]

3. Clark, we need Biden in the Senate

Judging from recent events, we need to keep all of our champions in the senate to stay on to fight there.

[rebel with a cause]

13. I vote for Clark because he brings the military experience to the ticket

and he can stand up to mccain's "hero" claim. I worry though because the MSM is still attacking him for his statements against mccain's leadership claims. How dare anyone critisize the great mccain!!! It was brought up today on CNN to counter Phil Graham's statements made this last week, and pointed out that Clark's statement hurt Obama the same way Graham's hurt mccain. I won't repeat the words I said to the tv as I switched the channels.

Anyway, of the five listed he is my first choice and my next would be Richardson, but would that turn off some of those willing to vote for an African American but would be worried with two minority (bi-racial) men on the ticket? Man, I hate even having to consider the prejudices of people when trying to consider who would be best to run this country.

[Snotcicles]

4. I still think it will be Edwards. nt

[Kokonoe]

6. John Kerry has the experience of defeating a sitting president.

And won't be fooled again.

[BlooInBloo]

7. I betcha a star for a DUer than *none* of the "only five realistic candidates" you're able to see...

are picked.

[David Zephyr]

10. I'll take your bet, not because I think I'm right, but because it's a good cause.

That's a nifty idea, by the way. Betting where one has to sponsor a new DU'er.

I don't know who Obama will pick and I will support whoever he picks, but those are my choices.

[benddem]

8. Dodd??

Dodd would bring more to the plate than Biden.