Possible Running Mate Rips Bush in D.C. (Vilsack)

[Khephra]

WASHINGTON -- It's not every day that the governor of Iowa comes to the nation's capital to deliver a scathing economic speech against the current administration.

But it's not every year that the chief executive of a Midwestern state is considered a possible running mate for the Democratic ticket.

From a podium in a small auditorium at Georgetown University on Friday, Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack noted that he was in the same place in which then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton first proposed his economic plan for the country. As chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, Vilsack fills a position that at least two others have used to gain national prominence -- President Clinton and Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean.

But despite the appearance of auditioning for the No. 2 spot, Vilsack dismissed questions about his interest in the job. "That's not what this is about," he said. "What this is about is holding an administration accountable for policies that are hurting people."

more.............
http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-democrats-vilsack,0,7755651.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

[JoFerret]

1. Richardson is my current pick

.

[Imalittleteapot]

2. Richardson is my pick also. n/t

[duhneece]

3. I adore Richardson, but conflict conflict

As our governor, he recently signed an Executive Order in an attempt to protect an extraordinary desert (Otero Mesa) and then he took on the pharmaceutical industry. Taking on the most powerful and most profitable industries takes courage and shows he has not been 'bought out.' So my conflict is selfish: I really love him as New Mexico's governor, but (sigh) recognize how wonderful he would be for our nation.
Richardson rocks.

[graelent]

4. Richardson has said repeatedly he will not take a VP spot

He is gaining experience for his own run down the line.

[0rganism]

10. Bummer, I hear he's fucking up New Mexico real good

Running for Veep would get him out of Santa Fe for a while, at least.

My brother, a pretty solid ABB Democrat, is actually nostalgic for Gary Johnson.

[earthside]

5. Best Kerry Pick

Hey, you're all wrong ... the best VP choice for Kerry is Louisiana US Senator Mary Landrieu. You read it here first

[colorado_ufo]

6. Mary would be fantastic, as would all suggested.

Dems have an embarrassment of riches, when it comes to selecting the #2 spot on the ticket!

[jsw_81]

7. I'm sure that Vilsack is a fine governor

But I'd really prefer someone like Richardson, Clark, Graham or Bayh for Kerry's VP.

[BayCityProgressive]

8. Bayh?

he makes Lieberman look like a communist.

[jsw_81]

9. Nonsense

Senator Bayh received a 70 percent rating from the progressive group Americans for Democratic Action; Senators Edwards and Landrieu also got 70 percent ratings.

The only people who think that Bayh is "conservative" are disgruntled Dean/Kucinich supporters who don't understand American politics. The fact is that Bayh -- a young, charismatic, former two-term governor of a Republican state -- would be an extremely formidable vice presidential candidate and would help us win Indiana and maybe even Ohio. Bush CANNOT win this election without those two states.

[tedoll78]

11. Oh my god - someone here actually gets it!

YES!

YES YES YES!

And for those would-be whiners, keep in mind that the top of the ticket would be the one making appointments, signing/vetoing bills, etc. The VP would be a mere figurehead.. it'd just be his/her job to possibly help with a state or two in the general election, and yes, "have a pulse".

On edit: BTW, I say this as a Deanie..

[jsw_81]

14. This is true

Vice Presidents keep their mouths shut if they disagree with the president's policies, because if he/she drops them from the ticket, their career will be over. Even if Kerry were to choose a real conservative Democrat like (heaven forbid) Zell Miller, Miller would keep quiet and do the president's bidding. Remember, Vice Presidents have no real power, so don't freak out if you're unhappy with Kerry's choice.

[leQ]

12. and you thought iowa was full of pigs?

tommy may have his faults, but he'd be a fine VP imho. of course, being from iowa probably makes me biased. :)

[tedoll78]

13. Actually,

since you'd know him better than most of us here, your opinion could be weighed more heavily than non-Iowa residents. :)

I think tommy would be a great VP nominee. It helps us keep MN and IA in our column, and semi-bolsters us in Missouri and Illinois.