Huffington Post: "Obama Vice President Picks: Who Are The Frontrunners?"

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Jim Webb
Hillary Clinton
Bill Richardson
Joe Biden
Brian Schwietzer
Janet Napolitano
Sherrod Brown
Chuck Hagel
Wesley Clark
Kathleen Sebelius
Tom Daschle
Mike Bloomberg

Full article HERE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/09/obama-vice-president-pick_n_100869.html

[BlooInBloo]

1. Woot! My top 3 are there!

[Boz]

My top IS 3 GRIN

[Leopolds Ghost]

44. More anti-liberal bias in the media, this time from HuffPost --

First Chris Cilizza saying Sam Nunn would be "attacked by liberals for being too moderate" to be Veep, and now this:

"Post-partisan record: If you're running to overcome the divided state of politics, you probably won't inspire confidence by picking Sen. Russ Feingold as your running mate. Sen. Jim Webb (a former Republican) or Gov. Schweitzer (picked a Republican as his Lieutenant General) are good examples."

Got that, people?

[Honeycombe8]

53. It's an analysis, not bias. You either wanna "make a pt." or you wanna win.

Choose.

[MindMatter]

97. That's a false dichotomy, I believe

You are echoing the conventional "wisdom" in politics. At some point, we have to accept the fact that Obama's campaign is throwing out 100 years of conventional wisdom, and it is about damn time, as far as I'm concerned. His campaign is a whole series of things that "the experts" would tell us can't possibly work in politics. How can one may be right and a how industry of pundits and gurus be wrong?

Well, because they are all idiots who are only capable of parroting what everybody else says.

I believe he should AND WILL name a running-mate who is totally in tune with his progressive thinking. If there were such a person in the GOP, I think Obama would consider him or her. But I don't think that person exists.

I don't expect he will choose a VP of convenience, or one to "carry" a particular demographic or geography. The "experts" always say that is the way it should be done, but when was the last time that worked? Maybe with JFK and LBJ.

As a practical matter, it also doesn't make any sense to pick somebody would would have to give up a Senate seat. We need every Senate seat we can hold.

SO given all of that, here's how I would read that list:

Not considered under any circumstances because they don't solidify the message of change, especially generational change: Hillary Clinton, Tom Daschle, Chuck Hagel (*)

Not considered because we can't risk those seats: Jim Webb, Joe Biden

The ones on the list that make some sense to me are: Bill Richardson and Wesley Clark

Clark is older than Obama, but he doesn't have the baggage of having been a Washington insider for 30 years. Clark has campaigned on populist themes. His close connections with Hillary offer an extra opportunity for reconciliation in the party. Clark also insulates Obama somewhat from the inevitable "terr-ists are gonna get us" attack from McCain.

Bloomberg is an interesting one. It would be a strong statement of bipartisanship, or post-partisan politics. I wouldn't be surprised to see this at all.

* Hagel is a wild card. This would be like matching McCain's crazy factor. I don't think this will happen because Obama needs to subtly carry the message that McCain is unacceptably old, and of the generation that has really screwed up America.

[roguevalley]

78. wes clark or jim webb. i could die then. without fear for the country,

the Constitution or my family.

[cliffordu]

2. My top three are there, too...!!

:headbang:

[Labors of Hercules]

71. Comon Cliff, don't keep us in suspense!!

Which ones are they??? :popcorn:

[DerekJ]

3. It's a nice summary.. I was going to post it.

[cyclezealot]

4. Jim Webb or Wesley Clark

is who Obama needs to buttress his southern/ military/ Clinton problem.

[Wetzelbill]

9. yeah I'd like to keep Webb in the Senate

That's a vital seat. Clark would be perfect. Richardson has lots of FP experience too. Biden is great, but like Webb, I'd hate to risk a Senate seat like that.

[cyclezealot]

75. I read Biden has his son

Biden, Jr in the wings as his replacement. I don't think Biden would help Obama throughout the south to the extent Clark or Webb would . One thing the governors of Delaware and Virginia are both Democrats. Still, Webb will do the Democratic party more good as a senator. I think?

[roguevalley]

79. I have serious problems with his credit card stuff. I can't forgive him

leading the charge to put debt slavery firmly in place. Joe is not my man anymore. I used to love him and Harken. No more Joe. Harken? You betcha. But not as vp however. they do fine in their current jobs. webb or clark. yes. clark. definitely.

[Warren DeMontague]

85. I have serious problems with his asinine RAVE act.

I'd much prefer Clark or Richardson over Biden, frankly.

[Honeycombe8]

54. I like them both, but I don't think either has the gravitas to bring to the ticket....

Webb is relatively inexperienced as a politician; Obama will be attacked for inexperience, so it would be helpful if the VP helped counter that attack w/his/her experience.

Clark is also inexperienced as a politician, and what experience he had showed he wasn't very good at "politicking." He would be a great SOD, though.

Still, I like them both lots and would vote for 'em in a heartbeat. But I'm not so sure that a lot of others would.

[jefferson_dem]

59. Absolutely.

To me, it's a slam dunk with Webb or Clark.

[Wetzelbill]

5. Governor Schweitzer is one of the coolest dudes on the planet

That beimg said I think it'll be Richardson or Clark.

[BlooInBloo]

10. Schweitzer has the added backhanded-benefit of being an Obama critic...

Which could help those admirable Clinton supporters stfu.

[cyclezealot]

76. I think you could be right

Schweitzer should be among the top five to be in the finalists ring being considered by Obama. .

[TwilightGardener]

6. Some good picks there. Funny how Edwards is not mentioned.

[LTR]

37. Edwards has said he doesn't want it

He has said that he won't be a candidate for VP.

[Blondiegrrl]

7. My pick is Jim Webb, but I'd be happy with most of those picks.

NOT happy about Hillary, but I'd still vote for the ticket.

Not sure if Hagel would be the wisest choice, given that Obama already is winning over a lot of Independents and a few moderate Republicans.

I like Bloomberg, but I can already hear the "elitist" label being thrown around again by the opponents.

The rest sound pretty good.

[PM7nj]

8. I like all of them except....

Hillary, Hagel, and Bloomberg. I think Napolitano or Clark would be best.

[jgraz]

11. Hagel? You gotta be kidding me.

[mmonk]

52. If you read his latest book, it would help allay your fears

of that possibilty.

[Honeycombe8]

55. I like Hagel. I'd vote for that ticket in a heartbeat. nt

[IsItJustMe]

66. I think Hagel would be a very natural choice for Obama, When Obama talks about a tranformative type

politics, I think he means it. It would not surprise me at all. Obama supporters better wake up. Obama wants change and he means it.

[Hawkeye-X]

12. I am rejecting all Senators for VP for a very good reason.

So that leaves the following:

Bill Richardson
Brian Schwietzer
Janet Napolitano
Chuck Hagel
Wesley Clark
Kathleen Sebelius
Tom Daschle
Mike Bloomberg

Furthermore, I am also rejecting wannabes and fake Republicans which leaves the following -

Bill Richardson
Brian Schwietzer
Janet Napolitano
Kathleen Sebelius

All four are from the West, which is very, very swing and could easily go blue. (I know, I live in Colorado, home of the 2008 DNC convention) - all of them have been excellent governors. We should seriously consider these four as strong and viable candidates - I especially like Bill Richardson because he has top creds of all the remaining candidates, experience as diplomat which is VERY important for this key administration for Barack Obama, who will need to unite the world with America once again after 8 disastrous years of Chimp. Barack Obama could easily pick any of them and win over 300+ EV's.

Hawkeye-X

[Leopolds Ghost]

40. 1. Obama can't win relying on the west alone. 2. Napolitano and Sebelius are to the right of Clark.

3. Napolitano is from McCain's home state and if elected (she would bring
nothing to the ticket, being from McCain's home state) the governorship
of AZ would revert to its traditional red color, so that is flat out.

Webb is out for similar reasons -- VA is less conservative than Arizona,
and Virginians will NOT vote for three Democratic senators in three years.

Not to mention Webb and Clark are REAL progressive populists not Blue Dogs
who happen to be Democrats and would be considered moderate Republicans in
the northeast.

Kaine is much more likely than Webb because he is term-limited and
represents a state Obama might actually win in the fall. (Kaine or
Strickland.)

Clark makes more sense from a nationwide perspective.

Richardson would guarantee New Mexico and probably Colorado, but he might
hurt Obama with racist "Clinton/Reagan Dems" back east where they are not
used to voting for native-born Hispanics like they are in the southwest.

[Creideiki]

70. A Senator is all right if and only if the governor is Democratic

Since the replacement will be picked by the governor.

That doesn't exactly eliminate all Senators, but it does mean we need to keep an eye on the governor map also.

[roguevalley]

81. I am tired of senators and governors. I want clark. :)

[BlooInBloo]

13. Your momma is so ugly, they renamed Halloween "Yomommaween"!!!

BWAAHHAHA!!

:rofl:

Ya, I know it's relevant to anything - I just saw it on commercial, and had to share.

[chknltl]

14. I would like to see Sen. Patty Murray as VP

http://murray.senate.gov/about/

We will need to take better care of our returning veterans and rebuild our decimated military. Her hard work for veterans has endeared her to folks in our area, she is no stranger with military appropriations either making her a pretty good choice for rebuilding our injured military. Our transportation infrastructure needs working on, Senator Murray would be great for rebuilding our transportation infrastructure as that is one of her strengths! Throw in a nice background in environmentalism, education, womens rights and a calm but firm CAN-DO attitude and we would have a damned fine Vice President indeed!

My only objection would be the loss of one of the behind the scene superstars of the Senate but the overall benefits to our nation would be well worth the trade-off. Once the nation has a chance to get to know her out on the campaign trail, they will come to love her and respect her just as we in Washington State do. She is a pit-bull in a fight and will stand up easily to anything mCcain and co will throw at her. Given the chance, she would do our nation proud.

[Diane R]

19. Patty Murray is a good senator (I'm in Washington), but our state will go blue, anyway.

[chknltl]

27. Yes but barely

Eastern Wa is very red and I don't have to remind you how close our Governor's race was. Patty Murray did well early on over in Eastern Wa when she first started her career, (the Senator in Tennis Shoes was her nickname if memory serves). I have no evidence outside of anecdotal but I hear that she is well loved by the Army Corps of Engineers...(all our dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, the land reclamation projects and all that water for irrigation-THOSE Army Corps of Engineers).

I understand the notion that a VP is selected because he will enhance the Presidential hopeful's chances of getting elected but in this case, I feel that Senator Obama will win by a landslide ANYWAY. I believe he is in a unique position where he can pick whoever he wants for VP without the need to find someone to increase his electability. IMO he can choose the best person to 'get-'er-done' when it comes to repairing the damage to our nation that bushco caused these past eight years. IMO Senator Murray is a pretty good choice here.

[Leopolds Ghost]

42. If she is loved by the ACE that worries me.

The Army Corps is a broken organization whose mission and funding structure makes no sense from the perspective of modern economics or environmental engineering. Maintaining inefficient dams that kill off natural fish habitats in favor of artificially stocked recreation areas; insisting on barge traffic on rivers that can't support it (most of which traffic consists of garbage or scrap metal); prescribing concrete or rip-rap riverbeds as a solution to runoff erosion generated by impermeable surfaces such as government-mandated Christmas-size parking lots; diverting the natural flow of wetlands habitats killing off entire economies downriver and flooding New Orleans. They've done to America's riverine wetlands (over which they have nationwide jurisdiction) what the USDOT has done to America's scenic by-ways.

[chknltl]

46. I had not considered that...you are quite right of course...

I once worked for the US Army Corps Of Engineers in Pasco Wa. It was a short term thing before entering a term in a local college and this was in the early to mid '70s. I always felt that the citizens of Eastern Wa. to be somewhat fond of the Corps of Engineers back then...I figured that they still were because agriculture is sooooo important to Eastern Wa. I had not given it much thought though, because your assessment is quite accurate. I suspect that the cons have had a hand in damaging the Corps of Engineers in order to switch to privatization but truth be told, many of their problems where there when I worked for them...I just wasn't aware of them at the time.

I worked out of Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River, I thought it to be a thing of beauty, bringing recreation and life to it's surrounds. I was quite proud of my little job of aiding in land reclamation and the creation/maintenance of the few up-river parks between Ice Harbor and Lower Monumental dams. (Again, this was back in the early '70s!) I thought back then that much of Eastern Wa.s agriculture moved down the Snake and the Columbia...didn't know about that scrap metal.

As to Patty Murray's involvement with the USCOE, I heard from a friend from Eastern Wa that she was the ONLY Dem worth a damn because she helped them. What aid this may have been, I have utterly no clue! The fact that someone, (a republican), from Eastern Wa, (a republican stronghold in Wa), could speak well of Senator Murray made quite the impression on me.

[Diane R]

102. I know Eastern Wa....lived in Spokane my entire life. Spokane, Walla 2 & Pullman are more liberal.

[cyclezealot]

95. Sorry to say it . Please prove me wrong.

I think Hillary is right. The country is more racist than we imagine. Obama will need all the imagined good old boy types to potentially bring in the Reagan Democrats. Clark's military background would be our best hope. But, then I think the country is more sexist too. So Hillary or Murray would not help with the good old boy vote.

[sampsonblk]

15. Needed: distinguished white male non-senator with military/foreign policy exp

Who can that be?

[dansolo]

48. Bob Graham

He is the ex-governor and ex-senator of FL, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee who voted AGAINST the Iraq War. He could even put FL into play, as I believe he is still popular there. He is my top choice.

[roguevalley]

82. hmmm who could that be?

:evilgrin:

[AtomicKitten]

16. I'm partial to Jim Webb.

[dorktv]

17. I would not mind a unity ticket.

Flame away!

[Radio_Lady]

33. No flames here. I still think it's the best way to go.

[candice]

18. Didn't he promise it to Pelosi and Richardson?

[Douglas Carpenter]

20. I'm for Brian Schweitzer

Obama's weakest points in a general election is among white males and in small towns/mid size cities. In the state by state counting that Obama would need in order to win a general election this would play out very differently than exclusive Democratic Party caucuses and primaries in places like Wyoming or North Carolina. For Sen. Obama to win I cannot see how he can do it without broadening his appeal in the West, the South and borderstates. And I do not see how Hillary would be anything but a hindrance. So from my point of view, the V.P. candidate needs to be a populist Southerner or Westerner or border stater who appeals to white males and who would have appeal in small towns and mid size cities.

My personal favorite would be Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana. He is a populist rancher from Montana who is generally populist and progressive on most issues - except gun control where he is strongly supported by the NRA. That speaks for his region. And frankly that would remove a huge electorial liability in the South, the West and in rural and small town America. However he is a strong environmentalist and was vehement vocal opponent of the Iraq War even calling for withdrawing the Montana National Guard from Iraq.

--- And get this he lived and worked in Riyahd for seven years and speaks perfect fluent Arabic. Just imagine what it would do for the world and for the interest of peace in the Middle East if the President of the United States had the name Barak Hussein Obama and the Vice President spoke perfect fluent Arabic!

And take a look at the image that he portrays that helped him sweep Republican Montana with 70% of the vote -- would this sell in small town American and among white working class males and in the West and the South and border states?





From the actblue website: "Brian Schweitzer is a different brand of politician who has earned our support based on his willingness to speak truth, and let the chips fall where they may.
A businessman first, he understands Main Street issues at his core, fighting for lower taxes, better healthcare and education, and the creation good-paying jobs.
A soil scientist by education, Brian lived in Saudi Arabia for seven years, speaks Arabic, and created the largest dairy farm in the Middle East.
As Governor, he has become the nation’s strongest voice for sensible energy policies in an effort to reduce our dependence on foreign oil while protecting the environment from the dangers of global warming.
Brian understands that energy security will create new jobs and technology for export, expanding our tax-base, reducing our trade deficit, and saving our
environment.
An opponent of the Iraq invasion from the start, he further understands that you can’t win a war when you’re funding both sides of it."

[TexanDem]

25. Very interesting - and impressive. No wonder he's on the short list!

[Douglas Carpenter]

28. frankly, I think he's the perfect V.P. candidate!

I can think of only one drawback. He is up for reelection this year in Montana - which he is expected to coast threw almost effortlessly.

But in the bigger picture. His role as both the Vice Presidential candidate and as the actual Vice President would be so enormous.

I happen to spend a lot of time in the Middle East. I cannot even begin to describe how much it would mean if the Vice President of United States could speak with the Arab world in their own language. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this would have almost revolutionary potential for the cause of peace.

[TexanDem]

30. You sure are a good advocate for him -- I"m sold. :) ..>

I certainly agree about what an asset his language skills would be for us. I've even thought that Obama was an advantage for his specific reasons, i.e., his name and his familiarity with Islam, at least to me are a big huge plus! Of course, there are the lamebrains who might think he's a terrorist if he speaks the language. Lol. (joking) I guess you saw in the article that this list was put together by the folks at Huffington; this is not Obama's official short list. I was thinking it was smart for him to put out a list now, but it's just their speculation.
I'll be watching for Schweitzer. :)

[bklyncowgirl]

47. Schweitzer would be a cool choice--I could see that dog of his campaigning

The only negative thing I could see is him lacking is foreign policy or military experience. On the plus side he's a colorful character with his bolo tie and border collie. Add that dog to the Obama kids and you've got the cute market covered.

I'd also like to see someone with some military experience Wes Clark or extensive foreign policy experience like Bill Richardson.

[Wetzelbill]

92. Jag!

That dog is awesome. :)

[mikekohr]

51. Governor Schweitzer Is A Rising Star In National Politics

Populist, no bullshit, does not suffer fools (upon his election he went to the White House, met with Bush and called him out for the fool he is to the national press), small town, rural balance to Senator Obama's Chicago roots. His presense on the ticket would open up the entire New West for us during the GE and help in the south and the rust belt.

mike kohr

[mmonk]

64. Thank you for the information on him.

I know him without the detail you have given. You fill in the picture well.

[KoKo]

96. He sounds good....but what was he doing in Saudi Arabia for 7 years?

:shrug:

[Douglas Carpenter]

101. he was a soil scientist working in dairy farming. He returned to Montana 22 years ago

"A soil scientist by education, Brian lived in Saudi Arabia for seven years, speaks Arabic, and created the largest dairy farm in the Middle East." http://actblue.com/page/brianschweitzer

This is from Wiki:

"Upon finishing school, he worked as an irrigation developer on projects in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, spending much of his time in Saudi Arabia before returning to Montana in 1986 to launch a ranching and irrigation business in Whitefish. "
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Schweitzer

Right off hand I would consider having lived a number years in the developing world along with his language skills would be quite an asset.

[mcctatas]

21. But where's Feingold...

:(
Michael fucking bloomberg? Seriously?

[bluetrain]

22. Huffington doesn't seem to have much of a knack for Democracy.

[TexanDem]

23. Interesting piece of info abt Napolitano in Wikipedia ...>

In February 2006, Napolitano was named by The White House Project as one of "8 in '08", a group of eight female politicians who could possibly run and/or be elected president in 2008.<2> Her placement on this list and her geographic location have also generated whispers of placement on a vice presidential ticket.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Napolitano

[dorktv]

24. She has a teensy problem.

She happens to um...bat for one side.

And this country is not ready for it.

[TexanDem]

26. I'm not pulling for her, just thought it was interesting ->

Okay -- I'm old and sometimes dense and out of the loop, but are you saying what it sounds like you're saying -- "bat for one side"? I don't know much, if anything about her, except when I see her occasionally on TV. Thanks for the info. Going to have to familiarize myself with some of these.
Reading the article on Huffington, it appears that this is a list they put together, not Obama's official short list. So, I guess we shouldn't get too carried away with any of these options.

[dorktv]

29. We adore her out here, she has a very high rating and she is very good

at governing but certain Americans are jerks about things.

So she can be a cabinet or a Senator but not a Veep.

[TexanDem]

32. I hear what you're saying, and agree... >

One thing this election cycle has proven is that this country hasn't come nearly as far we think she has on predjudices and biases. I personally don't think Obama should put another minority of any kind on his ticket. I feel like the tensions now are sort of like a fully stretched rubber band and another minority on the ticket would make it just snap.

[Radio_Lady]

35. Are you saying we need an OLDER, WHITE MALE from a S/SW state?

By the way, I believe that women are in the majority -- not sure about voting majority, but more females than males in the US.

Correct me if I'm wrong...

Thanks,

Radio Lady Ellen

[TexanDem]

39. :) Maybe we aren't a minority anymore :)) ...>

Well, I don't know about necessarily S/SW or even Older, but I think white male is probably prudent for now. I'm so thrilled with Obama, that I'm about to burst, and I don't want him to diminish his chances by pushing for too much change. I know it's certainly a thought for debate, though, and being a Libra, I could very well see it differently tomorrow. lol

[Radio_Lady]

41. I can't help but think that he's only touched the racial nerves in this country.

I'm in the "You ain't seen nothin' yet!" category, unfortunately.
I think the Republicans will try to slice and dice the Democrats in the next several months.

Let's hope I'm wrong... but it is tending to fulfill a prophecy I made in 1972.

I predicted that a black male would be elected president BEFORE a female of any color.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cordially,

Radio Lady in Oregon

[hulklogan]

63. I don't understand. Are you saying she's a lesbian?

It's not a dirty word you know. She also doesn't wear a flag pin, so I guess she's completely unqualified for being VP.

[dorktv]

103. well since she has not come out of the closet, we kind of keep it quiet.

but everyone knows.

[Alia]

31. I still like Richardson

I know it's just a pipe dream, but he could make Texas interesting.

[Creideiki]

67. I think Richardson has it.

And I think that's the clear message from the Democratic party that there's a bus, but it's full now and the gay people need to just walk.

[roguevalley]

83. I think Richardson nullified himself when he came out for Obama

and there was such controversy. Putting him at VP would be a bulldozer over the Hillarites. They would feel they were being kicked in the shins again. Such is the state of things now. the biggest phony issue they have to counter with McCain is his military service. Some will feel it trumps even Obama voting against this war. Clark would do that and appease the Hillarites at the same time. He also puts country, people and party ahead of entanglements like his friendship with the Clintons and with his skills, huge benefits.

[TexanDem]

34. Y'all do realize this is Huffington's list, not Obama's official short list.

"We've identified 10 possible VP choices for Obama, as well as the general criteria that might guide his decision."

I do think, however, that it would be a good thing if he would start throwing out some names. This is a great list, and I'll be willing to bet that some of these will be on his final list.

[Zachstar]

36. Clark, Richardson, or Webb

My top 3

[Arrowhead2k1]

38. Anyone but Clinton.

They're not worthy.

[mystieus]

43. Obama-Sebelius 08

Now that's a "DREAM TICKET"... Make-it happen Barack you won't regret the decision...

[Hope And Change]

45. I agree.That would be a great ticket!

[Honeycombe8]

57. An unknown woman? Who is she? Was she a governor? If not, I don't think so....nt

[Gore1FL]

62. She is known

a Popular Blue governor in a Red mid-western state who blasted Bush over the lack of National Guard and equipment left in KS to address natural disasters.

She'd help with the Woman vote, the Rural Vote, and help put the midwest in play. I think that teamed with Obama, she could keep CO and MO in play, pull 2/5 of NE's electors, make the GOP spend money in SD, and ND as well.

When looking at a McCain v Obama map, many red states are hanging by a thread. Sebelius could cut a lot of those loose. IMO, she fits perfectly with the Obama and a 50-state strategy. The time has come to redraw the map, and she could be a huge part in that.

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

49. That's a solid list n/t

[mmonk]

50. Interesting they have Hagel.

After reading his book, "America The Next Chapter", I came to the conclusion he would be a good choice for the country where before, I was concerned about the courts.

[Inuca]

60. I am half-way through the book

I liked him before, I like (and trust) him even more now.

[cascadiance]

80. I still have a problem with Hagel's old voting machine company ES&S...

He's since left ownership of that company, but its very possible that he originally got elected with its help too. I want some real election machine reform after this election, and that would be another strike against Hagel in my book, in addition to his being a Republican.

[Inuca]

100. I really, really doubt it

I have never truly researched this, but based on what I gleaned from here and there, the only thing he may be really guilty of is not beig careful enough in his financial disclosures. Also I remember reading that the machines used, at least for his first election, were scanners, so the results could have been easily checked. Ben Nelson (his opponent at the time) never asked for a recount or contested the election results in any way.

I think that cheating in an election would be 180 degrees opposite of what Hagel seems to be all about. I obviously do not know him personally so I cannot be 100% sure, but he seems principled, honorable, and with a high regard for the notion of service to one's country. If that's indeed the case, such a man does not cheat to get elected, not in his DNA. Having been involved with the company (I don't think he owned it) before he got into politics should not disqualify him from anything, nor be held against him.

[cascadiance]

104. You should research this more... He actually was involved WHEN he got elected...

... and some people question the results which went against a number of polling results at the time.

Now, I don't think that there's any proof out there that has him involved in election fraud, but there's enough stuff with this company that I'd like to keep my distance from him as having him second in line for the presidency, especially on a Democratic ticket. Another incentive for an assassin's bullet too (ala JFK).

http://onlisareinsradar.com/archives/000896.php

Hagel certainly has been helpful on occasions in fighting with Dems on this war, so I give him that much, and perhaps even a cabinet position of some sort, but not the vice presidency. I want someone with a bit cleaner record, especially if it's a Republican.

[Honeycombe8]

56. Which ones did NOT vote for the Iraq War? That is a #1 qualification. nt

[Creideiki]

68. Which ones haven't continued to vote for funding the Iraq War?

Our two remaining choices for top of the ticket aren't clean there.

[jefferson_dem]

58. Given these choices, my order of preference would be ...

Jim Webb
Wesley Clark
Mike Bloomberg
Brian Schwietzer
Sherrod Brown
Kathleen Sebelius
Bill Richardson
Janet Napolitano
Joe Biden
Chuck Hagel
Tom Daschle
Hillary Clinton

[Colobo]

61. Very good list!

[dave29]

65. Webb or Schweitzer

Webb for the experience and beating the establishment factor, Schweitzer for the real cowboy from Montana (who is also a great Democrat that speaks fluent Arabic) factor

[Creideiki]

69. Is there a liberal in there at all?

I don't know all the regional figures, but this is looking like the continued slide of the Democratic Party toward being the center-right party is continuing. Where can the liberals go?

[roguevalley]

84. Clark is liberal. google him or go to wespac.

[Wetzelbill]

93. Schweitzer is liberal

except on regional stuff, like with guns. He's the governor of MT, my home state, if you aren't pro-gun in MT you're an alien. He's pragmatic too, his LT Gov is a Republican, but he had the State GOP on the run from day one. He wanted to pass a bill one time when he first got into office, so he called up all the Republican legislators who were against it, one by one to his office and told them if they didn't vote for it he would personally go into their districts and campaign against them. The bill passed. But the funny thing is that all the Republicans whined so hard to the press in MT that Schweitzer strong-armed them that they got made fun of. One writer said they cried so much you would have thought that Schweitzer was delivering out "knuckle sandwiches" to every one of them when they walked in his office, lol.

[Douglas Carpenter]

72. kick

[Kablooie]

73. What about Tom Delay? Must keep things balanced, eh?

or maybe

Dick Cheney? He's a wonderful VP!

and he has experience!

[Bullet1987]

74. I disagree with Webb being in the top tier (posted first ahead of everyone else)...

I think this is likely more of the author's high view of Webb. I don't think you can call a guy that's been in office for 18 months "top tier."

[immoderate]

89. Former Secretary of the Navy gives Webb some creds.

--IMM

[bain_sidhe]

94. A Webb pick would probably be seen as a giant 'FUCK YOU'

to women by some women. Probably not the message Obama would want to send (although I suspect some of his supporters might like to send that message). His 1979 article "Women Can't Fight" still rankles in a lot of feminist quarters.

Finally, after much google-fu, I found a link to it:

Women Can't Fight
By James Webb
From the November 1979 Washingtonian
http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/mediapolitics/2182.html

It's impossible to pick a decent excerpt, because it's a long piece that builds arguments over many paragraphs. Read it for youself, if you've a mind to. My point isn't about the pros and cons of his article or his argument, just that picking him would send the wrong signal to a party that needs to unite.

[Joanne98]

77. Joe Biden Sherrod Brown!!!!

[frickaline]

86. I wonder why Sam Nunn didn't make the list nt

[Rosa Luxemburg]

87. need an older southerner

like Gore

[MindMatter]

98. I don't think Jimmy Carter wants to go through this again.

[Warren DeMontague]

88. I think Richardson makes the most sense, I like Clark. I'd like to see Feingold up there.

Sebelius or Napolitano would both be good calls.

Biden? No thanks.

[cascadiance]

105. Richardson makes sense to me.. I also like Feingold too

But only take Feingold if he can be replaced quickly with a decent Dem appointment. I seem to recall that Wisconsin has some special rules to have a special election to replace a sitting Senator. He'd be too big a loss in the Senate if he gets replaced by a Republican. Personally I'd like to see Feingold be new Senate Majority Leader to replace Reid. I think he could do great things in that position.

Richardson would help with hispanic votes, and might help with western states against McCain (with perhaps the exception of AZ).

Even Edwards would be good in my book. If you don't take him as VP, I think one HAS to make him AG. He's too good to sit on the sideline (and isn't a loss to Dems in Congress either if hired).

Biden also is too corporate for me. We need someone to lead the charge to take AWAY power from the credit card companies, not give them more power.

[george_maniakes]

90. Wheres tim kaine?

He could help virginia and missouri go blue.

[Chulanowa]

91. Richardson or Clark

Both clean, solid guys with more sense than ego.

[applegrove]

99. That is quite the list!

[Seabiscuit]

106. #11. Monica Lewinsky.

Does Michelle know?