VP News vs VP Blues

[H2O Man]

{1} VP News

The good news is that Barack Obama is in a position to select any one of a dozen good choices for vice president. There are party elders and insightful people giving Obama their opinions, and this is surely helpful. But Obama is able to decide for himself which candidate he wants. Money isn't a big deal; he can select a candidate who owes money, if he wants. The different VP possibilities each offer a variety of positive qualities that can strengthen the ticket, and who will be fully capable of contributing to the Obama administration. And, after 8 years, the VP may be in a position to become our next candidate for president.

{2} VP Blues

The other good news for democrats is that John McCain is being forced to select the least terrible of a half-dozen weak choices for VP. There are indications that at least two people that his campaign approached have declined to be considered for the position. The republican machine is attempting to put Willard Romney on the ticket, because they believe that it would put Mitt in a better position to run against Obama in 2012. The religious right wants McCain to pick a delusional character. He needs to consider how much money a VP might bring to his campaign. Anyone he picks is going to make McCain seem old, tired, and confused.

{3} Conclusion

This is a good year to be a democrat. Spend at least a few hours per week working on the democratic party's campaigns for November, 2008. Work for a local candidate, state officials, and/or the national elections. Be a part of history.

[countingbluecars]

1. Your posts always make me feel better.

K&R

[Marrah_G]

2. I hope your optimism is contagious!

We could use some of it around here, my friend.

[H2O Man]

5. "Say you just cant live that negative way,

If you know what I mean;
Make way for the positive day,
cause its news (new day) - news and days -
New time (new time), and if its a new feelin (new feelin), yeah! -
Said its a new sign (new sign):
Oh, what a new day!"

--Bob Marley; Positive Vibrations

[eshfemme]

3. Hehe

That is an awesome comparison of the situation. Thanks! K&R

[bulldogge]

4. Is it

just me or does it seem as though there is a real effort not to bring the VP candidates to light? It seems as though both parties are willing to let their Presidential candidates slug it out until the last minute, which seems like an obvious advantage for Obama....by the way has everyone gotten their tire pressure gage from McCain yet? On one of the PBS stations this past weekend they had a fellow from one of the NY newspapers supporting McCains view on energy, nuclear , off shore drilling etc. The "gentleman" actually made the statement "It would be one thing if we could find a miracle energy source that does not pollute but as things stand drilling is our only option." At that point the credits ran and the show was over. No one pointed out what a ridiculous statement that was, I sat there stunned thinking to myself this guy has never heard of solar, wind, or water power?

[H2O Man]

6. Good point.

It is certainly not unusual for a candidate to wait until their party's convention to announce their choice for VP. The McCain camp felt pressured during the week that Obama was in Europe, to announce their VP to try to take focus off of Obama's being on the world stage. They manipulated the rabid gnome Bob Novak, in order to see if they could take attention away from Obama. It didn't pan out.

A VP candidate usually serves as the campaign pit bull. Rather than pick a Bob Dole clone, the McCainites had their candidate take the low road, and snarl at Obama's heels. Despite some sincere concerns, and some attempts to plant doubts by some insincere folks, it really hasn't worked. When Paris Hilton can put John McCain in check, one can assume that the post-convention campaign will not be kind to the wrinkly guy with grey hair.

I expect that Obama will announce his VP choice either just before or at the Democratic National Convention.