Is this Suspense Really Helpful?

[kennetha]

Wouldn't a more low key, less gut wrenching roll out of the VP selection be better. As it is, doesn't this set people up for really high expectations? Aren't some of those expectations bound to be dashed?

Sure Obama is dominating the news right now. And he's got everybody on edge. But unless the pick causes a great roar of collective joy among Dems and a great cry of fear and trepidation among Repugs, what really is the point of all this suspense?

[jakem]

1. its a bit late to debate this point...

[book_worm]

2. and to think in the past we would have had to wait all the way to the third day of the convention

to find out who the VP is! How did people control themselves. With the exception of Kerry four years ago the VP has been chosen only a few days before the convention or at the convention. This is really not new.

[elkston]

3. Its only helpful if the pick is big, HAPPY surprise.

If he does all this and it turns out to be Kaine, Bayh, or Sibellius -- eehhh.

Biden, while a solid pick, wouldn't give that "WOW" factor either.

He needs to have us jumping for joy with somebody like Hillary, Clark, or even Al Gore.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

4. Seemed smart, but wasn't. It was an error to stall so long the HRC speculation would cut in

Since it won't be Hillary it was foolish to drag it out in a way that would inevitably lead to the media spending the last two days hyping Clinton.

[MannyGoldstein]

5. Blame McCain

I suspect that Obama's announcement would have come today or yesterday, if not for HowManyHousesGate. McCain twisting in the wind, over the one issue that he was getting traction on, is too good to stop with other big news.

[leftynyc]

6. Does nothing good for my blood pressure

That's for sure. Whether it's a good political strategy remains to be seen. Still praying for Clark, Biden or Richardson.

[blogslut]

7. How about we wait and see?

I haven't had this much excitement in a long time. Indulge me.

[kennetha]

14. I'm finding it very distracting, myself.

I wish he would just announce and get it over with!

[polichick]

8. I really think it was meant more as a way to collect numbers to use for GOTV, but it grew into this!

[Lucinda]

9. Depends on the VP pick. If it's someone boring it's risky.

[tokenlib]

10. Should have issued warnings for those with heart conditions to stay with the Olympics n/t

[highplainsdem]

11. It's helpful it it's Clinton (or Gore, though I don't think he'd accept). With anyone else

including Biden, the announcement will seem anticlimactic after all the drama and suspense.

[Renew Deal]

15. Maybe for you

But it will be very exciting for many others.

[The Night Owl]

12. I'm with you. I don't like this at all. {EOM}

[Renew Deal]

13. OK Debbie Downer

It's not about expectations, it's about excitement. It's almost impossible for Obama to f*** it up.

[kennetha]

16. But just think of how disappointing and deflating it will be

for the avid supporters of x y or z when it's not x y or z. Think particularly of how deflating it will be for the Clinton folks -- like me - -who really want to see HRC on the ticket. THis is kind of a teaser that it might possibly be her. Just say who and get it over with already.

I can live with whomever, in the end, since I'm not a dead-ender like some others. But a lot of HRC supporters have gotten their lingering hopes up.

[flamingdem]

17. We'll all forget about this in a week nt

[demokatgurrl]

18. I think it's getting to be a bit too much.

And too much anticipation could make for a real anti-climax. I mean, after all this.... Chet Edwards? I don't even know who the hell he is, so it's kind of hard to be excited, IF it's him.

[Fleshdancer]

19. If it gets people who don't normally follow politics excited, then I think it's worth it

I can't say that my expectations are really high over this since I honestly don't care who gets the VP position (assuming it's not Lieberman of course) but I'm enjoying the excitement...especially so close to the Convention.

Obama knew all eyes would be on him next week, but he managed to take the spotlight this week too. So what we have is positive press, a pissed off republican candidate, and a general sense of excitement. People will be disappointed by the choice with or without the added suspense, so overall, I think it's a good thing.

[redqueen]

20. My thoughts exactly.

Well... except I do care about the VP pick... but still... I think drawing otherwise uninterested people in while also dominating the news cycle is brilliant! :)

[kennetha]

21. I'm closing my browser, turning off my phone and burying my head in my work

for the rest of the day.

IF it's today, I'll find out about it either after work or tomorrow.

Bye all. Hope your BP survives the drama!