How important do you think the Dem VP nominee will be to the

[Raven]

outcome in November? I've very disappointed that Edwards did so poorly yesterday and it's beginning to look like Hillary will win the Nomination. With her negatives and up against a Repub candidate like McCain, doesn't the choice of her VP become very important? I guess what I'm wondering is whether a really popular VP candidate would help offset her negatives in the General Election? If so, who would fit the bill?

[Dob Bole]

1. Very important...Obama and Clinton bring nothing "red" to the table.

Clinton will probably win in Arkansas, after some campaigning, but that is only 6 electoral votes (maybe 9.) Strategy this year will probably need to focus on Ohio and Virginia. Either candidate will also be able to benefit from North Carolina's split electoral votes, but my estimation is that Obama would do better there than Clinton.

[sunonmars]

2. Its difficult

For Hillary, Obama couldnt be, theres too much anger between them i think.

Same for Obama, Clinton, no chance.

I think they must choose a strong respected all rounder, another fighter.

Definitely has to be a southern or western stater.

[THUNDER HANDS]

3. not important

unelss we pick someone insanely popular in a state that we didn't win in 2004.

[RichGirl]

8. That would be Jim Webb...in Virginia.

[polichick]

4. If she's smart (and we all know she is) she'll pick Richardson...

She needs Western states ~ he can deliver those. Plus he's Hispanic and well-liked by everyone.

[Rock_Garden]

6. Excellent reasons, Polichick.

There are all pluses and no minuses with Richardson.

[RichGirl]

10. I disagree....

Richardson was part of the Clinton Administration. If she's the nom, she needs a clean slate.

[H2O Man]

5. It is very important,

not only in terms of the election, but also because of the concentration of power that has become centered in the OVP.

I believe that there are two people at the top of her list. One is best known for his experience as a governor, the other for being General Clark.

[Tom Rinaldo]

7. More important than usual

Both Clinton and Obama break the standard mold. McCain IS the standard mold.

[Ravy]

9. I think the VP choice for Obama (if he wins) will be more critical.

One of the draws of a VP on a ticket is to fill up perceived "holes" in the presidental candidate's resume/experience.

With Hillary, people know that they will also get Bill. For better or worse, this fills up any perceived hole in her resume. I would look for her to choose someone closely aligned with her politics because a) it would be more of a help to get her agenda passed if the VP was firmly in her camp, and b) her VP would be likely to run as her successor.

With Obama, I think the choice is more critical. He may well have to choose someone who knows the Washington system very well in order to get his agenda passed. This, in my opinion, would mean that Obama would need to choose more of an statesman/insider. It may be hard decision to pull someone else from the Senate, so I wouldn't count on him choosing Biden or Dodd, but he needs someone like that.

That is how I see it, anyway.

[Catch22Dem]

11. Democratic governor in a VERY red state - Brad Henry - Okla. (n/t)

[cobalt1999]

12. Please let them pick a govenor or ex-govenor of a southern state

My fear is a Senator-Senator ticket.

[jody]

13. VP candidate very important. IMO Obama would not help Hillary. Edwards might but he's attacked HC.

[MethuenProgressive]

14. After the Edwards disaster, I hope we've learned that the VP spot can't just be thrown away again.

But we're Democrats. So anything's possible.

[stravu9]

15. If Edwards is NOT Our Party'sNominee IT Won't Matter!

It will just be a matter of wondering who the next Republican President will be!
Because I don't believe the others can carry a National election.
IMO.

[Iceburg]

16. Very Important -- Not just the VP, but selection of SoS, SoD and AG will be critical

to pull the country out of the mess it is in. America has lost much in the past 7 years, much damage to its econonmy, security and social health have been done. It's going to take more than the shoulders of the president and vp alone can bear to get America back on track. If I were running this year, I would broaden the usual Pres/VP sloganeering to include the above important positions. I would pick a VP with strong domestic/economic experience from one of the red states (Richardson, perhaps??). I would even consider asking one of the more progressive and respected Republican members such as John Warner to serve on the team.