Obama's Potential Running Mates
It's been a little while since I've posted, but here are some thoughts about Obama's potential running mates. This, of course assumes that he does pick up the nomination that is being projected by the wide range of pundits in the last couple of days. These are my top six potential picks for VP. With my luck it will probably be someone out of left field, but this is my best assessment.
6. Evan Bayh - The Senator from Indiana has considerable appeal with voters, and would nicely complement Obama's platform of change. He has been mentioned as a potential Presidential candidate in Democratic circles before, bringing a Jack Kennedy-esque persona. He has endorsed Hillary Clinton, which could be a potential issue. He was one of the most popular governors in the history of Indiana, and created the largest taxcut in the state's history while continuing to reap budget surplusses. He has also dabbled with the idea of running for office, forming a presidential exploratory committee in 2006.
5. Joe Biden - Delaware Senator and current chairman of the Foreign Relations committee. He has considerable foreign policy experience, and taking the VP seat would help bolster a future bid for the Presidency himself. As experience goes, there are few that match his credentials. He was heavily involved in the Balkan conflicts during the Clinton presidency (Bosnia, Serbia, etc.). He isn't perhaps the most dynamic of candidates personality wise, but then again... is Dick Cheney?
4. Bill Richardson - Current New Mexico governor, former US Representative, UN Ambassador and Secretary of Energy. He has strong foreign policy experience and is perhaps the most knowledgable in diplomatic relations with North Korea. He is well liked, multi-lingual and was rated by the Cato Institute as "one of the most fiscally responsible governors in the nation". Perhaps has a unique perspective on NAFTA and other free trade agreements. He is Hispanic, which could help energize the vote of the US's largest ethinic minority.
3. John Edwards - NC State graduate (before UNC law). A one term senator from North Carolina and lawyer. Optimistic, populist message and general likability mesh with the Obama campaign. His "trial lawyer" tag has been a point of contention in his own campaigns. He has previously been the Vice Presidential nominee, running with John Kerry in 2004. He has not currently endorsed either of the remaining candidates. I would speculate that in doing so he has kept himself in position to earn the VP nod or to be appointed Attorney General in either candidate's administration.
2. Jim Webb - This current Virginia Senator and former Reagan-era Secretary of the Navy has strong DOD ties, which could be an asset to help assuage the fears of potential cross-over voters who favor McCain's security platform. He is a Vietnam Veteran (Marine) and his son has served in Iraq. He also delivered the Democratic response to the 2007 State of the Union address, showing that he does have a high degree of visibility within the party's hierarchy. There's probably no-one better in either party for providing national security credentials during a wartime election.
1. Hillary Clinton - They don't call it the "dream ticket" for nothing. The Senator from NY certainly has a broad base of support to offer. Potential switch voters who find her polarizing can be relieved that she could be contained in the office of the Vice President. Hillary can be glad that she is back in the White House, as being the VP would be more advantageous than simply being "just another Senator". It could be a springboard to another run of her own in the future. She could also bring in the support of women and less educated whites that have been lacking in the Obama campaign.
6. Evan Bayh - The Senator from Indiana has considerable appeal with voters, and would nicely complement Obama's platform of change. He has been mentioned as a potential Presidential candidate in Democratic circles before, bringing a Jack Kennedy-esque persona. He has endorsed Hillary Clinton, which could be a potential issue. He was one of the most popular governors in the history of Indiana, and created the largest taxcut in the state's history while continuing to reap budget surplusses. He has also dabbled with the idea of running for office, forming a presidential exploratory committee in 2006.
5. Joe Biden - Delaware Senator and current chairman of the Foreign Relations committee. He has considerable foreign policy experience, and taking the VP seat would help bolster a future bid for the Presidency himself. As experience goes, there are few that match his credentials. He was heavily involved in the Balkan conflicts during the Clinton presidency (Bosnia, Serbia, etc.). He isn't perhaps the most dynamic of candidates personality wise, but then again... is Dick Cheney?
4. Bill Richardson - Current New Mexico governor, former US Representative, UN Ambassador and Secretary of Energy. He has strong foreign policy experience and is perhaps the most knowledgable in diplomatic relations with North Korea. He is well liked, multi-lingual and was rated by the Cato Institute as "one of the most fiscally responsible governors in the nation". Perhaps has a unique perspective on NAFTA and other free trade agreements. He is Hispanic, which could help energize the vote of the US's largest ethinic minority.
3. John Edwards - NC State graduate (before UNC law). A one term senator from North Carolina and lawyer. Optimistic, populist message and general likability mesh with the Obama campaign. His "trial lawyer" tag has been a point of contention in his own campaigns. He has previously been the Vice Presidential nominee, running with John Kerry in 2004. He has not currently endorsed either of the remaining candidates. I would speculate that in doing so he has kept himself in position to earn the VP nod or to be appointed Attorney General in either candidate's administration.
2. Jim Webb - This current Virginia Senator and former Reagan-era Secretary of the Navy has strong DOD ties, which could be an asset to help assuage the fears of potential cross-over voters who favor McCain's security platform. He is a Vietnam Veteran (Marine) and his son has served in Iraq. He also delivered the Democratic response to the 2007 State of the Union address, showing that he does have a high degree of visibility within the party's hierarchy. There's probably no-one better in either party for providing national security credentials during a wartime election.
1. Hillary Clinton - They don't call it the "dream ticket" for nothing. The Senator from NY certainly has a broad base of support to offer. Potential switch voters who find her polarizing can be relieved that she could be contained in the office of the Vice President. Hillary can be glad that she is back in the White House, as being the VP would be more advantageous than simply being "just another Senator". It could be a springboard to another run of her own in the future. She could also bring in the support of women and less educated whites that have been lacking in the Obama campaign.