The case for Graham as VP

[MGKrebs]

(Perhaps been discussed. Sorry if I missed it.)

I have been reluctant to support Bob Graham as a VP candidate (assuming we get a non-Southern nominee), mostly because of his health- heart surgery earlier this year. However, consider this...

Graham as VP this time, but doesn't run again for re-election. This opens the door for someone like Clark, Edwards, or Hillary, any of whom would likely make a formidable candidate in '12. Or perhaps a minority running mate (Lee Brown? Shirley Franklin? John Street?).

I dislike saying it, but my intuition is that a minority or woman running mate this time would be too risky. I don't know why I believe that a woman or minority could weaken the ticket with many voters (not with me), but that is my perception. But running with an incumbant who has hopefully been successful might give us enough strength to make it happen.

[arewethereyet]

1. great choice

a statesman through and through

[LTR]

2. And from Florida, to boot!

Also senate experience. Important for a VP.

It's too obvious a choice!

[LuCifer]

3. Graham is the OBVIOUS choice!!!

It'd be nice to see SOMETHING GOOD come out of my home state JUST ONCE!!!

Lu Cifer, and Jeb...you still SUCK...talk about obvious!

[Frances]

4. I don't know

How popular is Graham in Florida?

I remember how excited I was when we had a woman vice-presidential candidate (I am female), but I agree with you that it's better to have macho males this time.

That's why I think Dean has a chance. Everyone says that he comes across as angry. Well, that may just win the votes of some angry white males.

I also think that Clark is a strong candidate because of his military background.

Kerry is a good man with a good military background, but I just don't think he will play well in the South. I would rather see him as Secretary of Defense.

[LuCifer]

13. very!

Graham is VERY popular here. Whatever he's ran for (gov., senate) he's won overwhelmingly. He balanced this state's budget...SOMETHING OUR CURRENT ASSHOLE GOVENOR JEBBYPOO HAS NO CLUE ABOUT...LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON, LIKE BROTHER! At any rate, one thing that no one else has pointed out: there is no dirt on him! Squeeky clean baby. So you repukes can put that in yer crackpipe and smoke it.

Lu Cifer, glad to see I wasn't the only one who had Graham as my first choice for the nomination!!!!!!!!! Hey, nothing wrong with 2nd place...ok, other than the fact that isn't NOT FIRST, but I digress...

[caledesi]

14. I love Graham, but he's not really that popular here in Florida.

I hope we can change that. I am so sick of Jeb! :puke:

[SheilaT]

5. Dean himself

has spoken highly of Graham.

I was at a fund raiser here in Kansas City back in May, and someone thre asked him which of the other candidates he most liked, and he said Graham, and ticked off various points where he and Graham were alike or similar.

[many a good man]

6. Pros, Cons

Pros:
* Clark best suited as Secy of State
* insider legislative experience
* FL electoral votes
* no fear of BFEE, Cheney in debate
* man of the people
* southerner
* WaPo run by his kin

Cons:
* ticker troubles
* lack presidential bearing
* may not help enough to win FL
* ?

He's the best man I can think of. Clark would have more appeal, but I think the country needs him more as top diplomat and strategist...Edwards doesn't have the experience or contacts yet.

I really like your "opens the door" idea, too.

[ringmastery]

7. It's a no brainer

The heart stuff is BS. He's healthier now than he's been in years. And much better shape than Cheney's ever been in.

FLORIDA. FLORIDA. FLORIDA. Need I say more?

He brings to the table 26 years of experience as a governor and senator. He voted NO on the IWR and took a stand before it was fashionable to do so.

Clark can't be Dean's VP. Dean needs an "insider" to give him gravitas and help him work with the congress. Clark doesn't do that.

[arewethereyet]

10. heart stuff... um, lets see, how many heart attacks did Cheney have ?

I thnk he'll be OK

[Mattforclark]

8. Clark/Graham

is absolutely fine with me.

[Rowdyboy]

9. Graham was my first choice for president

so, obviously, I'd love to see him as VP.

[Kathleen04]

11. I do like the strategy..

of running with Graham as VP this time and then choose a female running mate during re-election.

At the same time though, I'd like to see the nominee pick someone like Edwards who would be a strong candidate in '12 and possibly have more of the South behind him now than just Florida alone. He would bring a fresh-faced quality to the campaign, which we wouldn't exactly get with Graham. IMO, Graham's oratory skills aren't that compelling and he lacks some important campaign skills.

[Cocoa]

12. Graham said Bush should be impeached

he gets points in my book for that sensible statement.