Bill Nelson says Tim Kaine would be 'steady hand' as VP

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: Tampa Bay Times

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson said Friday that Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine would be an "absolutely outstanding choice" as Hillary Clinton's vice presidential running mate.

Speaking to reporters in Orlando, where Clinton scheduled a roundtable meeting with community leaders, Nelson said: "He is a steady hand. There is no question about Tim Kaine's ethics, his morality, nor about his competence, if that's who she chooses."

Nelson described Kaine as "one of my best friends in the Senate."

Told that some liberals in the Democratic Party don't think Kaine is liberal enough, Nelson said: "That is a statement that you'll hear right up to the announcement, and once the announcement is made -- whoever it is -- all of that contrary (talk) will dissipate."

Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/bill-nelson-says-tim-kaine-would-be-steady-hand-as--vp/2286475

[rateyes]

1. Coming from Nelson, this isn't saying much.

[kacekwl]

2. Bill Nelson , really ?

[csziggy]

18. While Bill Nelson is not liberal or progressive he is a solid Democrat

And votes consistently for Democratic and progressive bills. I would love to have a more liberal senator represent me but when it is a choice between Bill Nelson or a Marco Rubio crony I will take Bill Nelson every single time.

That is the thing about Tim Kaine from what I am reading. He may not be as liberal or progressive as we would like, but he is a solid Democrat who does not cross the aisle to vote for Republican measures. If going to someone like Kaine helps ensure that Donald Trump will not get into office, then I am all for him.

Sure, I'd rather see Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders or some other more liberal choice for VP but I am not the one making the selection. We know that Hillary Clinton has talked to both Warren and Sanders - if they want the job I am sure Clinton has them on her list.

[malthaussen]

3. As if she needed one.

One might accuse Mrs Clinton of many things, but radicalism is not one of them.

And am I the only one who hears the unspoken "but" there? No question about Kaine's ethics, morality...

-- Mal

[bjobotts]

6. Look at all the posts here trying to sell him to us and he's not even been picked yet.

[malthaussen]

9. Might just be flavor-of-the-week stuff, though.

I'm always content to wait on events in these cases. The rationale is what interests me.

-- Mal

[forest444]

11. Sad, but true.

While I don't doubt Kaine would be a steady hand and more than competent and prepared enough for the presidency should, God forbid, it be necessary, his being on the ticket isn't exactly going to promote party unity.

[msongs]

13. oh sure like people who want hillary will stay home because...kaine lol the stay home crowd is

inclined to do so no matter what, any excuse will do

[forest444]

14. Yes, some will be displeased no matter what. It's crucial that Hillary minimize that risk.

It's all about the numbers, and who can (or is likely to) get the biggest number of Democrats out ot the polls on Election Day.

The polls will probably be close up to the last minute. Kaine wouldn't hurt very much, I'm sure; but would he help elect this ticket?

We can't afford to experiment too much - not this year.

[red dog 1]

25. + 1

[bucolic_frolic]

5. There is no perfect candidate

All we need is one who will listen to progressives for a change,
and let our voices work on Congress

What is important is to defeat TRUMP!

[bjobotts]

7. Others don't need justification articles telling us they really are progressive..Warren, Merkley,

Sherrod Brown.

[red dog 1]

26. Good point!

While Warren would lose her Senate seat if she is chosen, and a Clinton-Warren ticket wins,
that would be better than a Clinton-Kaine ticket that loses.

Warren is the only one who would "energize" the millions of Dems who voted for Sanders,imo

[YOHABLO]

8. Establishment Nelson, moderate Republican, says Kaine's okay. HA ! What a joke.

[eissa]

10. Jesus, is this really happening?!

Is she really going to give 45% of the Democratic base the finger and choose this shit? My God, it's Lieberman all over again. Fuck.

[penndragon69]

19. It's the end

of the Democratic party forever. They are just Regan
republiecons now.

[LoverOfLiberty]

23. Pure hyperbole

Are you just spouting what you've read? Do a little research!

http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Tim_Kaine.htm

[Freddie Stubbs]

30. Better than giving the finger to the 55% of the Democratic base who wanted a moderate

[avaistheone1]

12. Tim Kaine wouldn’t do much to help Clinton win the election

http://fivethirtyeight.com/politics/

[WhiteTara]

15. Of course, the "little lady" needs the steadying hand of a man

she is not capable on her own.

[dicksmc3]

16. I seriously doubt it!!

Told that some liberals in the Democratic Party don't think Kaine is liberal enough, Nelson said: "That is a statement that you'll hear right up to the announcement, and once the announcement is made -- whoever it is -- all of that contrary (talk) will dissipate."

Wanna bet Bill???

[LoverOfLiberty]

24. Wrong

wrong wrong.

Educate yourself

The senators asked regulators to reconsider aspects of two sets of rules designed to ensure that large banks have enough financial resources to withstand another crisis. Kaine did not endorse dramatic de-regulatory measures, but asked for changes for "regional banks that do not share the same risk profile or complexity as their larger, systemically important brethren."

and

Kaine was one of 70 senators who signed a one-page letter asking Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray to try to "prevent any unintended consequences that negatively impact community banks and credit unions or unnecessarily limit their ability to serve consumers," although the letter did not call for the rollback of any specific regulation.

[NBachers]

22. Many on DU are laughing that Kaine non-supporters are concern trolls, and it's Clinton or Trump:

"Who's side are you on? Support Kaine and like it, or you're promoting Trump. Thank you for your concern!"

[red dog 1]

27. The question is, does Hillary want to "unify" the now-divided Democratic Party?

If she does, she will choose the one person who can unify the Party -- Elizabeth Warren.

Choosing Kaine would be a slap in the face to the millions of Dems who voted for Bernie.
and would likely result in President Trump & Vice President Pence.

IMO, a divided Democratic Party will not not prevail in November....period!

[Ford_Prefect]

28. How many times are we going to be told this is a good deal? They doth protest wayyyyy too much.

I feel like I'm being told this used car is perfect when the flaws are glaringly obvious.

There are good reasonable alternatives to Kaine if the purpose is uniting the party to any degree. Kaine's credentials on so many issues are far from desirable whether on immigration, LBGT rights, TPP passage, Fracking, environmental protections, war and weapons purchasing, or banking regulation.

This is indeed a Lieberman mkII and I'm not going to buy it. The shiny paint hides a lot of corrosion, an unreliable engine and brakes that don't work.

[oasis]

29. Trump provides sufficient motivation to drive all TRUE Democrats

to the polls. Kaine is pretty good choice.