Obama's team asks you for 4 names, in order,

[saltpoint]

for his shortlist.

21 names follow.

I've excluded Republicans (Hagel, Chafee, etc.) and Independents (Gravel, Bloomberg, etc.).

There's varying degree of buzz on all 21. I've excluded Dems for whom no visible support is evident for their chances at the vice presidential nomination (Hart, Harkin, etc.), and also Democrats who are running for another office (Kerry, Warner, etc.).

Last I included a few names of Democrats who have expressed disinterest in the job.

- - -

Who are your 4 recs to the Obama team, in order?

Evan Bayh
Joe Biden
Wes Clark
Hillary Clinton
Tom Daschle
Howard Dean
Chris Dodd
John Edwards
Bob Graham
Gary Hart
Tim Kaine
Claire McCaskill
Janet Napolitano
Sam Nunn
Jack Reed
Ed Rendell
Bill Richardson
Tim Roemer
Brian Schweitzer
Kathleen Sebelius
Jim Webb

[MonkeyFunk]

1. OK

Clinton
Clark
Biden
Schweitzer

[emilyg]

41. I'll ditto your selections.

[Maddy McCall]

77. I third this list.

It's mine, too.

[endthewar]

117. What will Hillary say at the Vice Presidential Debate

when she is asked, "Is Obama ready to be Commander-in-Chief?"

Anything other than a "yes" and it becomes the headline and top media story for a full week or two. If she does say "yes", the Republican V.P. will point out things that she said, e.g. "I have a lifetime of experience, McCain has a lifetime of experience, Obama has a speech he gave in 2002."

This is why the Clintons shouldn't have run on the campaign theme that Obama isn't ready if she wanted to keep the V.P. option open. Moral of the story: Don't say something in February, March, and April if you don't want to defend it in August, September, and October.

[book_worm]

2. Webb, Clark, Biden, Dean

[tblue37]

143. I would prefer to keep Dean as DNC chair. Without him in that seat, we would not be in the

position we were in to take seats in 2006, or to compete in 50 states in 2008. I'd love to see him as president or VP, but his work as DNC chair is so valuable that we can't afford to lose him.

[JerseygirlCT]

155. I agree with this. He's not a VP anyway.

He's far better for us where he is. And I think far more temperamentally suited to his current job.

[BeyondGeography]

3. Kaine, Schweitzer, Sebelius, Richardson

All governors, leading with Kaine because he endorsed Obama from the start and I think they click personally. Strategically speaking, I think Schweitzer would be the curve ball the Republicans could never learn to hit.

[saltpoint]

8. Schweitzer as "the curve ball the Republicans could never learn to hit."

God that is a great line.

I think it's politically exact, too.

[Labors of Hercules]

97. Agree 100%

[ruggerson]

4. Schweitzer, Ritter, Mark Warner, Reed, Biden

and then Clinton.

OC, you should put Bill Ritter in there for the hell of it.

[saltpoint]

5. Hi, ruggerson. I had Ritter on the full list but winnowed it down to 21.

Ritter would be the ultimate dark horse, but a pretty strong dark horse, IMO.

[book_worm]

6. Hey that's six names!

If I knew we could go over four! Why you!

[ruggerson]

14. I applied for a variance

[jefferson_dem]

7. Webb, Kaine, Schweitzer, ... Biden

n/t

[ruggerson]

21. Well three out of four ain't bad

(this isn't hometown fantasy football, you know)

[Laura PourMeADrink]

9. bill, bill, bill, bill

[book_worm]

13. For a minute I thought you meant Clinton.

[saltpoint]

16. With Gov. Richardson we get not only the energy expertise in a time

when we are driving gas-sucking monstrosities on long commutes to work and school and grocery store, but also the big-picture diplomacy chops, plus the genuine experience.

Richardson would freak the Republicans out, too.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

152. I know !! My repuke inlaws LOVE him

[kerry-is-my-prez]

63. you might as well forget the Clinton voters - bad mistake

n/t

[question everything]

70. Plus, he was a lousy campaiger

He started with a great resume that should have been an almost shoo in, and fizzled. Like Fred Thompson on the Republican side.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

153. I don't know -he holds the world's record for shaking hands

at a political event. He's just got a different style. It's actually
a style that to me, is just what O needs - calm and assured.

[JeffR]

10. Dean, Webb, Biden, Sebelius

followed closely by Bruce Springsteen, Garrison Keillor and Bill Moyers. I hate people, but I'm a populist.

[saltpoint]

29. Hard to believe someone as good with the human landscape as you would

have any misgivings about others, and of the 3 others you named after your original 4, I love 'em all.

I could listen to "I'm On Fire" all night, and have, often. Garrison Keillor is one of the Great Democrats. His defense of Senator Eugene McCarthy in the early 80s (!) was strong and true. And he's damned funny besides.

Bill Moyers is the pragmatist's Buddha. I don't think chronological age is a disqualifying factor. Obama could choose Moyers -- a Texas Baptist Minister with historic government experience -- and have the benefit of his counsel for say, 3.5 years, then there could be a transfer of powers and someone like Dean, or Webb, or Schwetizer could step in and run on the re-election ticket.

Great list -- both the first 4 and the auxilliary 3.

[JeffR]

40. Obama could name a dirty sock his running mate & I'd support it.

Michelle might have some misgivings, but I have none.

[saltpoint]

44. Let me sign on to that idea. Michelle's likely his sharpest critic,

but it's gotta be a hail of love arrows.

She's probably a lot more accurate than McCain, too!

[JeffR]

47. After all, she's experienced his socks up close and personal.

Some say McCain lost his sense of smell the day he had that birthday cake photo-op with Bush. In fairness, others insist he was standing upwind...

[saltpoint]

48. LOL! I hate laughing at devastating mockery of John McCain, but my god

the guy just begs for it.

Great line.

[JeffR]

51. He does a lot of begging, indeed!

[NanceGreggs]

11. I refuse to choose from a list ...

... that doesn't include ME.

You've taken the trouble to include people who have expressed a lack of interest in the job - so why not include people totally unqualified for the job?

Okay, if I must ...

Clark, Biden, Richardson and ... ME!!! (gotcha!)

[saltpoint]

17. I like your list, but in reverse order.

You've got my vote, good person.

Just one question -- as Vice President, you aren't gonna say anything vulgar to Pat Leahy, are you?

[NanceGreggs]

34. Well, as Jed Clampett famously said ...

... when Mr. Drysdale offered him a vice-presidency at the bank, "I looked up the meanin' of vice in the dictionary, and I have no intention of being president of such goings-on!"

Apparently Cheney looked it up, too - and decided he was the perfect guy for the job.

[saltpoint]

39. LOL!

Jed Clampett... Good god I love these boards.

[DFW]

103. You forgot Alexander Throttlebottom!

[Supersedeas]

188. a little variation on those four

Reed Biden Hagel Richardson

If Obama is going to consider anyone who voted for the War, then Clinton should also be an option as well.

[liberalmuse]

12. Well, here it is...

1. Clinton
2. Clark
3. Dean
4. Richardson

[samdogmom]

15. Wow! I didn't think of Howard Dean as a choice before now! Go figure!

Mine:

1. Dean
2. Webb
3. Clark
4. Biden or Daschele (it's a tie! Sorry.)

[napi21]

18. Keep your paws out of the Senate! Geesh people! Do you want

a possible 60 majority? We're sure not going to get it by raiding the Senate of it's leaders!

[bunkerbuster1]

187. Yeah, I keep saying that too.

Obviously if someone could convince me that the ONLY way Obama can win is with an active Senator on the ticket, then I'd feel differently.

But absent any evidence that this is so, please, please, please, do not empower those Senate thugs to stall critical legislation.

[Muttocracy]

19. Schweitzer, Biden, Clark, (Feingold), Richardson/Dodd tie for 5th

[frog92969]

20. Barbara Boxer

Yeah, I know.

Howard Dean
Joe Biden
Jim Webb
Bill Richardson

[saltpoint]

23. I'm a Yeah I Know fan of Senator Boxer myself.

She makes things click in an often difficult democracy.

I don't blame ya one bit.

[frog92969]

27. "The Green Pit Bull"

She cares deeply about us, I respect that in a politician.
And she's fierce too!

[saltpoint]

35. You speak the truth. I've volunteered for her when I used to be

a resident in California.

I miss California. And I really, really miss Barbara Boxer.

[MonkeyFunk]

31. Love Boxer

but her replacement would be appointed by Schwarzenegger, and would probably be... Schwarzenegger. No thanks.

[Irreverend IX]

22. What's with all the Clinton picks?

Choosing Clinton is one of the few things that could lead to Obama losing.

[saltpoint]

24. Folks get to choose in a forum poll.

You could start your own poll if you wanted exluding either Clinton as a choice, or refusing to acknowledge people who cast votes for her in the poll, even as a write-in pick.

I don't care much for HClinton but I see no grounds to assert she might not be on Obama's short list.

Sam Nunn is on it too, by some counts. I don't like him either.

[MonkeyFunk]

49. Just your opinion

I think she'd do more to guarantee a win than any other candidate.

[Metric System]

66. I agree. Sometimes I think I'm in the Twilight Zone here.

[Maddy McCall]

76. Yeah, 'cuz nothing says "loser" like half the party voting for you.

[Irreverend IX]

80. A Clinton pick will do nothing to reach out to southern and western states...

And she had the highest negatives of any presidential contender in the primaries. The fundies and dittoheads who can't get fired up for McCain would go to the polls to prevent Hillary from returning to the WH. The main function of Obama's running mate will be to improve his connections to the south and west and to reinforce his platform in areas like foreign relations where he lacks experience; Bill Richardson or someone similar would be perfect for this. Clinton as a running mate wouldn't encourage anyone to vote for Obama who wasn't already going to vote for him, and would make it harder to attract independents and frustrated Republicans to his side.

[POAS]

25. Schweitzer, Sebelius, Napolitano, McCaskill

[gateley]

26. Biden, Schweitzer, Clark, Reed

I chose those who I felt could bring votes. It was a tough choice because I LIKE so many of those listed, but strategically, this is who I went with.

[saltpoint]

32. If you hadn't included Biden, given your bone-deep respect for the

man and your posts on these boards for so long in his defense, I would have had to move to Bolivia.

I like all 4 of your picks, gateley.

[gateley]

42. Ha! We have a lot of good ones from which to choose, OC.

How cool would it be if Obama really solicited our opinions like this? This was fun!

[saltpoint]

46. I'm tellin' ya, the Obama team is all over these boards.

Whatever we post, they send it back to HQ as gospel truth!

[slick8790]

28. Bayh, Biden, Clark, Kaine. n/t

[PatSeg]

30. Biden, Webb, Clark, & Schweitzer

Though I still can't picture Schweitzer in DC. I just really like him.

[Muttocracy]

112. heck, do we even know Cheney is in D.C. much of the time?

when was the last time he showed up to preside over the Senate?

Maybe Schweitzer could open up a real western White House. His dog would be happier

[tabatha]

33. Howard Dean, Brian Schweitzer, Wes Clark, Jack Reed

[nsd]

36. Bayh, Clark, Kaine, Reed. (nt)

[az chela]

37. Wes Clarke,John Edwards,Janet Napolitano

In that order

[Hippo_Tron]

38. No order because I don't have access to their polling data, but here's my four

Clinton, Napolitano, Biden, Schweitzer

I can give you positives and negatives of each but without Obama's internal polling data (which won't be released until after the election) I can't make a truly educated decision on what the best pick is.

[saltpoint]

43. I disagree. On your not being able to make a truly educated decision.

You don't post unless you know what you're talking about, which is lucky for the rest of us because you know what you're talking about all of the time.

We are the chief beneficiaries of that arrangement, IMO.

Solid, real-world picks on your list, too.

[Hippo_Tron]

60. I appreciate that Old Crusoe but I wouldn't say I know what I'm talking about all of the time

Just 99.99% of the time

But in all seriousness this gets to the point where I do feel that I don't have enough information to make a truly informed decision as to who the best is, particularly with Hillary's pro's and con's.

I don't believe that Hillary really helps Obama with working class men in the midwest and rust belt areas despite her winning primaries there. And I do know that Hillary has the potential to let McCain fill the news cycles with Clinton era bullshit which won't really hurt Obama directly as much as it will provide a distraction from his message.

What I don't know about Hillary is whether or not she can deliver a substantial amount of white women for Obama. If there's good evidence that she can do this then I'd say screw the negatives and pick her. McCain absolutely needs white women to win and there's no getting around that.

BTW if I could pick anybody for the job it would be Ann Richards. She would help with women and she would be the perfect attack dog. Not only that, but even though she would be older than McCain she was just so much more youthful than he is. Obama's youth and Richards' youth at heart would've made McCain look like even more of a fossil than he actually is.

Napolitano is on my list partly because I think she's the closest we have to Ann Richards. But she's definitely not quite the same thing and so I can't say with certainty she'd be better than my other picks.

[TwilightGardener]

45. Jack Reed, Evan Bayh, Jim Webb, Joe Biden,

[Buck Rabbit]

50. Who knows how they vett? But I'll play

1) Senator Ron Wyden (Oregon) + Obama = best 2 on 2 B-Ball team in world politics. All future disputes to be settled on the playground, winners outs.

2) Paris Hilton, That's hot. Her energy plan has one key mistake but is still better than McCrash's.

3) Nance Greggs, That's Hot too, best attack dog and a sure thing winner in the VP debates.

4) Howard Dean, cause he deserves mad props even if it's just a post on a tubes board.

[saltpoint]

52. I'm wobbly on your #2 but love the rest of your picks.

[mcctatas]

53. Richardson, Biden, Webb, Schweitzer....

in that order....

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

54. Biden, Rendell, Clinton, Dean (All Scrappers)

PS: Rendell is Jewish. I mention that only because it's not universally known, and such things are factor in VP picks. Biden is Catholic, whch is even more important this year.

[Frank Booth]

55. Brian Schweitzer, Hillary Clinton, Wes Clark, Joe Biden

[Alexander]

56. Feingold, Feingold, Feingold and Feingold.

[saltpoint]

87. Russ Feingold is one of the champion public servants.

[Muttocracy]

114. He's in my top 4 too! nt

[Lucky 13]

116. He's in my top 4.

One of the few champions our constitution has left.

[undeterred]

177. It will cost more for Feingold than for Favre.

Wisconsin will not give him up easily.

[Alexander]

186. The country needs him to help kick McCain's ass.

Feingold could be the perfect attack dog against McCain.

[XemaSab]

57. In no order:

Joe Biden
Bill Richardson
Brian Schweitzer
Jim Webb

[windbreeze]

58. Clark, Schweitzer, Sebelius, Biden n/t

[ashling]

59. Richardson,

Clark,
Sebelius,
Schweitzer

[saltpoint]

167. The media never got Bill Richardson. I hope they have no choice but

to get him, because I think he'd be an excellent choice for Obama.

Bill Richardson is a good man.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

61. Much as I love 'em

Howard Dean and Jim Webb are probably out - they've made it a point to say they're happy where they are. Besides, we need Dean as DNC chair for a few more election cycles.

That said:

Obama/Schweitzer
Obama/Clark
Obama/Biden and Obama/Richardson are tied!

[kerry-is-my-prez]

62. clark, clinton, biden, boxer

n/t

[snowbear]

64. Warner, Rendell, Manchin, Richardson, Strickland, & Schweitzer (chose all Governors)

..Then, since Ruggerson broke the rules.. I'll continue to break them and add:

Clark, Webb, Bayh, and Roemer..

Ruggerson and I have always agreed on one thing. Mark Warner is a winner and I'd love it if he surprised everyone and jumped in.

[Eurobabe]

65. Biden, Richardson, Clark, Kaine

[cliffordu]

67. Clark, Webb, Richardson, Sebelius

[snowbear]

68. Oh.. and if VP Gore agreed to it, that would be awesome!

But he's enjoying his life outside of D.C. politics ~~

[question everything]

69. Clark, Biden, Schweitzer, Bayh

I thought that Jim Webb said he does not want to and Edwards...

[mvd]

71. Here would be my 4

Hillary Clinton (could help sure up Democratic base)
Wes Clark (foreign policy experience)
Brian Schweitzer (unknown, but sounds like a good fit for a change team)
Joe Biden (attack dog possibilities that Obama might need)

Cool thread, BTW.

[mvd]

74. Here are 4 that I'd really like, but..

couldn't recommend because they are very risky:

Dennis Kucinich
Barbara Boxer
Russ Feingold
Mark Warner (because he'd likely say no)

[saltpoint]

164. Thanks, but it's the responses that are making it interesting --

including yours.

Like your choices a lot.

[goodgd_yall]

72. Schweitzer, Kaine, Biden, Clark n/t

[FrenchieCat]

73. Any of them will do just fine. Whomever Obama decides

will be the best choice. I can wait. I am too busy attacking the fucked up media. I don't have time to speculate.

[TheDonkey]

75. Webb, Biden, Bayh, Kaine

[aaroh]

78. schweitzer, clark, kaine, sebelius

[saltpoint]

184. You give 4 very convincing choices.

I could be quite happy with any of them.

I like Schweitzer best of your bunch, but Sebelius is very good too. Clark enhances an Obama administration's international profile and Kaine underscores the imperative of service to others.

All would help us in red states, IMO.

[aaroh]

79. did obama's team actually requested this?

or are you making this up?

[Hope And Change]

81. I don`t think the Obama team requested this.We are just speculating.Having a little fun.

[aaroh]

93. Hope and Change,

You're on the real Obama Team aren't you?

[saltpoint]

183. Hi, aaroh. I've been accused of being 100% delusional at all times. I

Veep speculation is very popular because it's the biggest game in town right now.

The Olympics are just getting cranked up in China but political addicts are tossing veep nom options across power breakfast tables as we speak.

This thread's intended to give those of us who aren't inside the Beltway a little chance to blow off some steam and have some fun.

[bklyncowgirl]

82. Hart, Schweitzer, Richardson, Clark with Dean as the joker

Hart: He's forgotten more than most people know about International terrorism most importantly, knows how to attack. Downside: His sexual indiscretions were long ago, in a more innocent time, but anyone who allowed himself to get photographed on the good ship Monkey Business with a woman not his wife on his lap could be trouble.

Schweitzer: I love a cowboy, especially one with a cute dog. Seriously, Schweitzer is sharp and more importantly an expert both on energy independence and the Middle East. He'd be capable of tearing McCain's energy policies to shreds. Downside: May be a bit of a loose cannon and it's hard to see him in the number two spot.

Richardson: Western governor ahead of the curve on energy independance. Plenty of foreign policy heft. Downside: During his presidential run he did not exactly light up the room but he's been quite effective as an Obama surrogate--go figure.

Clark: The General knows how to put the hammer down on all matters military. Downside: The media was aghast at his questioning McCain's military credentials--considered a loose cannon.

Dean: I'd love it. Obama needs an attack dog, Dean's one of the best. When the Doctor gets out the flamethrower, watch out. Downside: The Clintons and their supporters are in enough of a tiff over the DNCs actions during the primary season. If Obama were to choose Dean the fecal matter would hit the fan.

[GoForTheJugular]

83. Colin Powell

the election would end the moment that's announced.... he'd wipe the floor with mccain

fukk his republican ties and UN presentation... he came out of that whole fiasco relatively unstained due to how mislead even he was... and no one can question his patriotism or his military knowledge...

plus the thought of 2 black men running the country makes me salivate and would drive the repugs crazy...

im still thinking his choice is going to be someone no one has thought of...

[Bluenorthwest]

99. It has been thought of, and rejected

Pukes need not apply. Powell on the ticket will lose you millions of Democratic votes.

[lojasmo]

84. Dean, Richardson, Clark, Webb.

[MagickMuffin]

85. Alright Team Obama, here's my list, although I don't have a 4th one listed

1) Brian Schweitzer

2) Wes Clark

3) John Edwards

4) ?????

I think having a Senator on the ticket wouldn't necessarily be a good idea. We need them to keep their seats in the Senate.

I would have to do more research on the other candidates to determine who I thought would my fourth place slot.

[saltpoint]

86. Good start with those 3, no matter what.

[southern_belle]

88. Clark, Biden

That's it!

[NorthCarolina]

89. Sherrod Brown, Wes Clark, Kathleen Sebelius, Joe Biden

eom

[styersc]

90. Hillary, Hillary, Hillary, Hillary

and Hillary as a back-up.

[jules1962]

92. Biden, Edwards, Kaine, Clark

I do have to say that I think that Biden would also be a great Secretary of State, and Edwards would be great as either Secretary of Labor (unions) of Attorney General. Wes Clark for Secretary of Defense and Richardson for Homeland Security. I would get rid of Pelosi and replace her with Clinton.

[elana i am]

91. ok

dean
clark
biden
schweitzer

[RichardRay]

94. Wes, Bill, Howard and John

I leave Clinton out only because it's my understanding that the Clinton's have indicated that Bill can't currently withstand a full court press on his financial dealings. Note that this is not to say that he's done something perfidious, just that the incredible BS that goes into vetting a candidates spouse (especially one named Clinton) is daunting and would be for just about anybody.

[bullwinkle428]

95. Clark, Schweitzer, Biden, Clinton

[barack the house]

96. Mine are..

Clark
Clinton
Sebelius
Dean

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

98. I can recite my A.B.C.'s: Anybody.But.Clinton!!

Wes Clark
Brian Schweitzer
Tim Kaine
Jim Webb

[JoFerret]

180. The words of a

democrat weakling. Afraid to win.

[Rowdyboy]

100. Clark, Graham, Richardson, Sebeluius and Schweitzer.....okay, so I can't pick just four

But 5 isn't so bad is it?

[kitfalbo]

101. Clark, sebelius schweitzer clinton

[DFW]

102. My 4

Wes Clark
Howard Dean
Jim Webb
Joe Biden

I suspect Obama's own short list is a little different LOL!!

[Tommy_Carcetti]

104. Okay....

In order of preference:

1. Wes Clark
2. Tim Kaine
3. Joe Biden
4. Hillary Clinton

[catgirl]

105. Schweitzer, Dean, Clark, Richardson

[DFW]

106. Interesting how often Wes Clark's name appears

I think people are finally examining what he really said to Bob Schieffer,
and figuring out that his "slight" on McCain's military career was a non-event.
Clark said no such thing, and no such thing occurred. Bringing it back and
replaying it will only serve to emphasize the point.

Schieffer asked if being shot down and being a POW weren't qualifications enough
for the Presidency, and Clark said no. That's all there was. No slight, no dissing.
That's not Wes Clark's style anyway, especially of another former serviceman. If
Clark were nominated as VP and the Republicans tried to play it up, it would just
backfire in their faces. Hundreds of former pilots and thousands of former POWs
would get the chance to say in front of a lot of inquiring cameras that they were
proud of their service but in no way did they think it gave them the qualifications
to be POTUS. Then compare Clark's military experience (and intellectual capabilities!)
to McCain, and the Republicans will want to shrink from that discussion faster than
a mouse runs from a hungry rattlesnake.

[liberalmike27]

125. Completely Agree

That is exactly what I was thinking, and I might add, I'm admiring the DUer's resistance to media-mind-manipulation. I'm sure the media thought they'd eliminated that threat. I think they know Obama with Clark to assuage Obama's lack of Pentagon, foreign experience, would be a devastating ticket, and we're talking landslide.

Sebellius, though portrayed as appeasement for Hillary voters, I think would just piss people off.

I loved Dean, but got rid of him, as he's been thoroughly demonized, and I think has found his place, judging from the 2006 election, and our strength in many states, due to the 50 state thing.

A lot of the guys I threw out, like Biden, Dodd, and a few others, just because they seemed kind of boring, old, and didn't really fit with the zeal and energy of Obama. Biden, one of the media darlings, is liable to shoot off his mouth, and sink the ship, which I suspect, is why the media like him.

[saltpoint]

185. I'm not seeing any reason at all why General Clark should not

be on the short list of demonstrably qualified souls.

I acknowledge that there's been some chatter in cyberspace but hells bells, there are people in cyberspace ranging from refined, laboratory clinicians all the way to people who claim to see the face of Jesus in a PopTart.

Wes Clark is a formidable guy in many areas and it seems to me anyway that he remains a contender for the job.

[scheming daemons]

107. Schweitzer, Richardson, Reed, Dean

[WeDidIt]

108. Kaine, Sebelius, Richardson, Clark

[Meshuga]

109. Schweitzer #1

1- Brian Schweitzer
2- Jim Webb
3- Bill Richardson
4- John Kerry <= who was excluded from your list

[Skwmom]

110. Schweitzer, Webb, Bob Graham, love Clark but to beholden to the Clintons.

[harun]

111. Brian Schweitzer,Bill Richardson,Chet Edwards,Howard Dean

Any non DLC, non-sitting Senator Obama picks is fine by me.

[BklynChick]

113. Kaine, Biden, Rendell, Edwards

[Lucky 13]

115. John Edwards, Howard Dean, Russ Feingold, Brian Schweitzer... provided that...

This John Edwards affair/love-child bullshit doesn't have legs. If it does, his career in politics is probably done.

Most important to me, NO DLC!!! No Hillary, no Bayh, no shills.

[TheKentuckian]

119. Biden, Clark, Feingold, and

I'll take Bayh just because I think he'd lock up Indiana and that would bloody McCain's nose.

[endthewar]

118. Sebelius, Clark, Biden, Sebelius

Yeah I put her on my list twice, so what?

[liberalmike27]

120. Mine are

Wes Clark
Evan Bayh
Jim Webb
Hillary Clinton
Bill Richardson

OK, I got it down to five.

I still like the fact that Wes Clark didn't back down when those media assholes and Republicans tried to inveigh against him for saying something he didn't. We need more of that kind of strength.

I also think that it completely trumps McCain's plane-flying, prisoner-of-war experience in Vietnam. Also, picking someone whose qualities are deeply steeped in defense, should assuage Hillary's hurt feelings, since that would've been a weak-point for either of them.

I should point out, I was not a Clark fan for president, preferring Dean, but I'd take him in the number two slot, and I think he's smooth like Obama, and look good together, and could win.

[Phoonzang]

121. Schweitzer, Bayh, Biden, Kaine. nt

[Ediacara]

122. Kaine, Sebelius, Clark, and McCaskill

[On the Road]

123. Here are My Four:

Joe Biden
Howard Dean
Kathleen Sebelius
Jim Webb

[ObamaIL]

124. McCaskill, Webb, Clark, Biden n/t

[Sparkly]

126. Clark, Dodd, Reed, Clinton

Clark way way way out ahead, though. Plenty of weaknesses with any of the politicians on the list.

[MasonJar]

127. Is this actually being sent to him? If so, it is a good idea for him to get input from

his supporters as well as his team!!!!! Good for Obama!!!! My first choice would be Hillary Clinton since I believe that an Obama/Clinton ticket is unbeatable. My second choice is Wes Clark, since he is one of the smartest and most eloquent men alive, and one who would draw in Clinton supporters, have experience in foreign affairs and one who never takes guff from anyone. Thirdly and fourthly Napolitano/Sebelius or Biden

[David Zephyr]

128. Two answers to your good question.

My personal preferences for VP would be, at this late stage either John Kerry, Barbara Boxer or Wes Clark.

To win the general election, my choices would be: Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Wes Clark.

[SteppingRazor]

129. In no particular order: Richardson, Clark, Webb, Sebelius

I think it comes down to whether you want that military figure to give you some foreign-policy cred (Clark or Webb) or a governor to give you some domestic-policy cred and put some executive experience on the ticket (Richardson, Sebelius). Richardson is noteworthy because he brings both to the table, and NM is definitely in play. Of course, if Webb could bring in VA, that's something to think about too.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

130. Not Daschle (the man who can't take his own side in a fight)

Not Bayh (no DLCers, please! Haven't they done enough damage?)
Not Sam Nunn, definitely not. (A founding member of the DLC, a hardcore militarist, and an anti-gay bigot.)

How about someone who actually believes in standing up for the powerless?

[saltpoint]

168. Gimme your list of 4.

I hear you on the reasons for your frustration, but in Daschle's defense, he was for Obama strong, clear, and early -- long before most other Democrats.

[truebrit71]

131. Wes Clark, Wes Clark, Wes Clark and Wes Clark...

...and if Wes Clark is not available I'll take Bill Richardson. (But I would prefer Wes Clark)

[Hamlette]

132. Biden, Clark, Schweitzer, Kaine

There are other names on that list I LOVE but I'm not sure will help him or might hurt him.

(Kaine only cause I needed 4, I'm not sure I know enough about him to say.)

[CampDem]

133. OK here are my picks

Clinton
Clark
Rendell
Biden

[tokenlib]

134. Schweitzer, Clark, Richardson, and Kerry...Yes Kerry!

These guys get no respect, yet are awesome candidates. Kerry has been one of the MOST effective surrogates for Obama. I think after 2004 Kerry is to the point where he isn't going to put up with any crap anymore---as a VP candidate, with his experience he could be McCains worst nightmare. For him it could be payback time.

I think the elitism attacks would be expected, could be met with "bring it on" and could be turned against the republicans and burn them bad!!

[DarthDem]

135. Clinton, Biden, Richardson, Clark

. . . and to be honest, I support all four of them about equally, so that's not really in order. I am a Hillary fan - - although I think the world of Barack and always have, and love having him as the nominee - - and I think she seals the win, particularly by sealing up Ohio and putting some of the rest of the map in play, forcing poor McSame to play more defense with his dwindling funds. Biden brings the foreign policy (and judiciary) cred without what many perceive as Clinton's baggage, although that news about the suit against (or was it an indictment of?) his sons yesterday was very troubling. Biden would also be an outstanding attack dog. Richardson seals up NM (probably already done) and probably CO, and perhaps NV as well for insurance, and should play well elsewhere - - I don't think he has much downside. Clark is just a fantastic, brilliant scholar with impeccable military credentials; I'm not sure what he does electorally, which is not a knock against him, really; I mean just haven't analyzed it. Perhaps he puts AR in play?

Others I would be very happy with: Dodd (the "elder statesman" pick - - I'm assuming we could get the Senate seat back at the first opportunity), Schweitzer (turns MT and maybe helps just as much as Richardson in CO?), and many others mentioned here. I am NOT a fan of Kaine or Bayh as the choice, and the thought of Nunn - - assuredly nowhere near being the actual pick - - is unspeakable.

Great thread, OC! Thanks.

[ram2008]

136. Clark, Schweitzer, Sebelius, Biden

The first three would in my opinion be the only good matches for Obama.

Biden was mostly a filler because I can't really see the others as VP except maybe Kaine. Clinton would've been fourth but after her recent remarks, and the new McCain ad I see why she cant be VP. It's sad because I was beginning to warm up to her.

[CitizenLeft]

137. Schweitzer, Sebelius, Bayh, Clinton

(...I think...)

[Mass]

138. Biden, Kerry, Schweitzer, and Patty Murray.

[progressive_realist]

139. Clark, Biden, Graham, Sebelius

Definitely not Bayh, Clinton, Dodd, or Nunn.

[jillan]

140. Webb, Biden, Clark, McCaskill.

[rosesaylavee]

141. Late to the show but here are mine

1.) Bobby Kennedy
2.) Howard Dean
3.) Gore
4.) Feingold

[tblue37]

142. Wes Clark, Joe Biden, Wes ClarK, Wes Clark. n/t

[HowHasItComeToThis]

144. O.K. Wes Clark, Bill Richardson, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton

[Motown_Johnny]

145. Richardson, Sebelius, Clark, Kaine (staying away from 2 senator ticket)

[Qutzupalotl]

146. Biden, Clark, Dean, Schweitzer.

No Bayh, no way.

[ChiciB1]

147. Biden, Biden, Bob Graham & Edwards (Who Has Said NOT) But I Still

support him COMPLETELY!!!

Bob Graham was a GREAT Governor of my state and a FANTASTIC SENATOR & I miss him so very much!!!

[janet118]

148. My list

Ed Rendell
Brian Schweitzer
Gary Hart
Bill Richardson

I think Obama needs a fighter with a sense of humor who can appeal to macho white guys.

[formercia]

149. My picks for what it's worth:

Kathleen Sebelius
Howard Dean
John Edwards
Chris Dodd

[seafan]

150. Obama's VP: Bob Graham, followed by Richardson, Biden, McCaskill

For his gubernatorial and senatorial experience, intellectual prowess, temperament, trustworthiness and ability to guide Florida into a progressive direction at long last, Graham has long been my top pick.


Richardson's experience and temperament rate highly as well. Biden, I think, would actually be a better choice as Secretary of State with his broad foreign policy experience, but would serve well as VP. McCaskill is also a good choice, as she has consistently supported Obama throughout.




Now HERE's a great VP pick for Obama. Florida's all time most beloved politician: Bob Graham


FL Sun-Sentinel: For Obama's vice president: What about Bob? Graham, that is




I also think the announcement should be at the convention, for maximum anticipation and effectiveness.

[saltpoint]

166. I can think of quite a few positives to Obama's choosing

Bob Graham.

For all the reasons you gave, for instance, plus some real electoral clout in Florida.

Graham could walk into a room of elder voters and erase the defict of support for Obama in that demographic.

Plus he's smart as a tack.

[wolverinez]

151. ...........

1. Dean
2. Clark
3. Rendell
4. Webb

(Schweitzer would top my list but he's too valuable in Montana right now).

[FraDon]

154. Dean, Clark, Bill Moyers, Richardson

Wildcard: Drew Gilpin Faust (new, first female President of Harvard)

[yowzayowzayowza]

156. Richardson, Clark, Biden, Dean. n/t

[JerseygirlCT]

157. Hmm... Biden, Sebelius, Rendell, Dodd...

But there are others I could certainly switch in.

I would not be excited about Webb or Clark. And Nunn is a horrible, horrible idea. I'd be utterly opposed to including that man at all.

I can see arguments for most of the others, though I'd fear Gary Hart would have no traction and no following anymore. (Though I still have my Hart for president pins).

[faithfulcitizen]

158. Clark, Biden, McCaskill, Sebelious

Maybe not likely, but those are my favs.

[DangerousRhythm]

159. Schweitzer, Clark, Richardson, Napolitano

I could also go for Kaine or Sebelius. I like McCaskill too.

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

160. Webb, Schweitzer, Clark, Biden

[Blondiegrrl]

161. Schweitzer, Webb, Richardson, Biden

Note: I adore Howard Dean, but I like him best as head of the DNC.

[TornadoTN]

162. Schweitzer, Kaine, Sebelius, Bredesen

I like governors and any of them would shore up important states and the middle class.

[saltpoint]

169. You picked 4 darn good ones, too, governors all.

Phil Bredesen is kind of the forgotten Democrat but he's done quite well for himself in that job.

[TornadoTN]

174. Thanks - I'm very high on Phil

Sure, he's more centrist than myself, but the man has a knack for communicating with everyone and negotiating in tough spots. He's done wonders for this state and helped restore a lot of faith back into our state government in the face of overwhelming odds. He appeals to business and environmental interests equally, which goes a long way. He'd be my pick, but of course I'm biased.

Beyond that, Schweitzer would be the best. He's a natural leader and his plain-spoken manner comes across as accessible and eloquent at the same time. The others are also strong.

I really would love to see Obama pick someone from outside of Washington. A governor would give him someone with management experience as well someone not completely jaded by Washington and give the people someone new to get to know and be excited about.

[saltpoint]

175. Obama's team has been excellent so far on moving with strength and

poise in the political world.

I'm very impressed.

It could be that "we won't be suprised" with his choice, or we might be.

Schweitzer? I love him. I love his dog, too.

[Tektonik]

163. Evan Bayh, I'd spit on my ballot if Bayh was on it

[Willo]

165. Clark, Biden, Webb, Bayh

[LWolf]

170. McKinney, Sanders, La Riva, Nader. nt

[saltpoint]

173. No cookies for you, LWolf. I took indies out of my OP on

purpose.

If you held me at gunpoint and forced me to choose one of those four you listed of course I'd take Bernie.

[LWolf]

191. I have those there for a reason.

Any one of them might be able to bring the left disenfranchised by the Democratic Party leaders, and by Obama and his campaign, into the fold long enough to vote in November and give the new administration a chance.

Another right-centrist for VP won't do that.

I didn't suggest any of the possible Democratic left for a reason (although Sanders, while nominally an independent, caucuses with the Democrats.)

There aren't enough of them. There aren't ANY as governors, they are rare in the Senate, and few and far between in the house. If we want Congress to move left, we need every left-leaning member of Congress to stay in Congress. And I do want Congress, and the WH, to move LEFT.

I put McKinney first, because I am ashamed and disgusted by her treatment by the Democratic Party. I think bringing her back into the fold might heal some of the gangrene that took off when her own party fed her to the dogs. It would also bring the Greens to the ballot in November. And, imo, it's one way to put the ugly inner-party race/gender wars we saw this primary season, that are still bubbling just under the surface, and erupting in little hot spots all over, to rest.

I put Sanders next, although I really think we need him in Congress. I put him there because he's more likely to be acceptable to party purists than the rest. Although I've seen some of those party purists discussing the possibility of a republican VP here on DU as if it were acceptable, when a non-Democrat from the left would not be. I find that inexcusably repugnant. I also recognize that a larger number of people care more about the "D" than the actual person it's attached to, so I offered up a great independent as close to that "D" as I could get.

La Riva as another to unify race/gender wars, with positions on issues that can bring in the left.

Nader because of his position on the issues, his ability to bring in the left, and to point out to those that still erroneously blame him for 2000: if he's on the ticket, he's not a spoiler. There will then be no one left to blame but the party, the candidate, and the campaign.

The party first, because they haven't effectively dealt with possible election fraud, despite having 8 years to do so. And because it is the party who nominated a candidate that I don't believe will unify the party. His "change" is all about "bringing people together." Not his own party, and not the left; he's bringing the centrist dems and centrist republicans together.

The hard reality is that Obama, and the party, cannot take the vote from the left for granted. Obama, and the party, seem to be willing to trade those votes for centrist/right independent and republican votes. Which is, of course, their right. If that's what the party, and the nominee, chooses, then the typical blame game, blaming the left for losses when you chose not to value their participation, doesn't cut it. At least, not with me.

I've offered an answer to your question that acknowledges a few realities:

1. There IS a left-wing of the Democratic Party, and 3rd parties and independents on the left, that should be natural allies of the Democratic Party.

2. The centrist majority is currently working hard to purge that left from the party. The assumption that they will vote for the Democrat, because they have no other choice, so they don't need a place at the table, is false.

3. The election will be hard to win if you've lost the traditional supports on the left in your zeal to "bring together" the centrists and the right.

Not that I expect any reaching out to the left; it's quite transparent that the whole nomination and election is about moving to the right, not the left. I expect Obama to nominate another centrist-right Democrat. I'll be surprised if he goes so far to nominate a republican, but...not THAT surprised.

The left is not likely to gain anything from this election other than another unwanted opportunity to say, "I told you so." Still, let it not be said that the left didn't go down fighting.

[blue_onyx]

171. I'm not completely set on who should be VP...

but if I have to pick now, I guess:

1. Hillary Clinton
2. Wes Clark
3. Joe Biden
4. Kathleen Sebelius

[HooptieWagon]

172. Bob Graham, Bob Graham, Bob Graham, Bob Graham

Obama has more than enough charisma for the ticket... Graham can not only deliver Fla, but he is literally an expert on government and how it works. A true policy wonk that knows government inside and out, his expertise will be crucial to reassemble the functioning government agancies that the fucking neocons dismantled. FEMA, DoJ, DoD, FDA, OSHA, etc - Graham can fix them all. Plus, he's had a great deal of experience as Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Not to mention that of all the VP candidates being discussed, he would be the most capable steady hand to assume the presidency should the unthinkable occur.

[saltpoint]

181. For many Graham's name doesn't immediately pop to mind

but he is as smart, reliable, experienced, steady, and effective as you suggest he is.

Plus older voters like him very much and shoring up that demographic would be a boost for Obama in places like Florida and other states where every group we compete for might help build a huge win for our ticket.

[undeterred]

176. Biden, Clark, Dodd, Edwards

in alphabetical order

[tulip]

178. Bayh, Clinton, Biden, Webb

[trayfoot]

179. Name from favorite to least favorite:

1. Hillary
2. Joe Biden
3. Wes Clark
4. John Kerry

[Kaylee]

182. Clark, Schweitzer, Webb, Kaine

[rateyes]

189. Clark, Biden, Richardson, Dodd.

[windoe]

190. Edwards, Clark, Biden and Richardson nt

[Arnold Judas Rimmer]

192. First name on the list: Arnold Judas Rimmer!! Obama/Rimmer 2008!!!

Alternative choices:

Al Gore
Brian Schweitzer
Bill Richardson
Wes Clark
Howard Dean

OK, so that's 5. Or actually 6. So sue me.