Possible Democratic VP candidates

Re: Possible Democrat VP candidates

One big problem with that analysis (which otherwise I thought was good) Fly:

You assume that most registered independents are ideological moderates. After watching this election cycle, I really don't think so.

There are a lot of reasons people register independent, but I don't think being in the middle of the two parties is the main one, or even one of the top ones.

I'd say disaffectation with the American political process is number one. And I think Obama wins with those people.

Also, frankly, people are really, really underinformed about what party affiliation means and how it works. There are a lot of American voters who self-identify with one thing but are not, in fact, that thing in the voting rolls. That's an interesting phenomenon for another time, though.

 

Re: Possible Democrat VP candidates

Ooh...how 'bout Kucinich?

 

Re: Possible Democrat VP candidates

Yeah, Kucinuts and the Obama/Clinton survivor on the same ticket would create such a combustion of fanatical joy among extremist liberals that those places in this country would collapse in an earthquake.

 

Re: Possible Democrat VP candidates

Dragon, I too liked your analysis, but I don't think there's much chance Hillary chooses someone to appease the extreme left wing. You'd think they would vote for the party anyway, especially given the hatred of Bush.
If she wins the nomination, she needs to go regionally, demographically or charismatically.

 

Re: Possible Democrat VP candidates

I belive that Obama/Edwards is unbeatable.
Would Edwards take VP again?

 

Re: Possible Democrat VP candidates

That is a damn fine ticket. I'll bet Edwards would take it. What else is he going to do, start campaigning for the White House for at least five more years?

 

Re: Possible Democrat VP candidates

In my mind, there are two unbeatable tickets:

Clinton/Obama
or
Obama/Edwards

Unfortunately, I don't know if either is realistic. Edwards might take the veep spot, but he'd actually have more power as AG. And for that matter, I think Obama can win with a different veep.

Clinton, I think needs Obama big time. Clinton's people are cool with Obama, but the reverse isnt true. Obama's people don't like Clinton. Like you say Zeke, they are people disillusioned with the process and have come to Obama because they see him as a somethign different.

If Hillary wins the nomination, I bet a lot are disillusioned and stay home. Obama's constituency is more idealistic and impassioned. Hillary's people are more pragmatic and moderate. If she loses, they'll get over it and get behind Obama.

It'll be interesting how it shakes out. Personally, I'm worried that each of them could have trouble with McCain.

Obama, I think, could look too liberal and too inexperienced next to McCain.

Hillary, too similar.

I was really thinking about this the other day, before I voted. I wanted to vote for whoever would have a better chance against him. At first I thought Obama, because of Hillary's negatives.

But then I watched the Republican debate, and realized McCain isn't all that likeable either. He comes off really old and crochety. So I don't think she looks all that bad next to him. If you actually watch her, she's gotten a lot less shrill.

Obama would kill him in terms of charisma. But, my big question with Obama is whether he can come off ``tough enough'' to stand next to the war hero.

So basically, I've concluded that current events will determine who wins the general. If anything terrorist related happens, if Iraq goes to shit, if Iran goes nuts, if Russia starts flexing its nukes: I'd rather have Hillary go against McCain. But if all stays quiet, and it's really about the economy, I'd rather have Obama.

At this point, I don't think there's any way to know.

The veep choices matter, but I actually think current events will be a lot more important.

 

Re: Possible Democrat VP candidates

NO SENATORS!
Not even Camilo Pascual.
I'm serious.

 

Re: Possible Democrat VP candidates

I dunno, Obama is plenty young enough (46) he could use a VP slot to position himself as the odds-on heir-apparent in four or eight years.

If Obama takes the VP slot and Hillary wins, presuming a reelection in 2012, Obama is the default nominee in '16. If he takes the slot and she loses, he's already got a huge leg up for 2012. Either way, he's in prime position for the next two go-rounds, failing some unforeseen gaffe or public-relations disaster.

 

Re: Possible Democrat VP candidates

First off there is no way Gore would run as a VP again. The man is too proud for that.

Secondly: "Hillary is actually very moderate."
ARE YOU F'n OUT OF YOUR MIND?

Just wondering what makes people actually believe that. Compared to Obama, yeah I guess whe is closer to the center, but is it because she actually played the role of a Hawk in the beginning of the war that she is now this moderate?

The women is a socialist pig, handouts for all, and if her dumb-ass Christmas - excuse me, Holiday - Commercial of Universal everything didn't prove that point I don't know what will. Enough trying to pass her off as a moderate. People can see right through that bullshit of a lie.

 

Re: Possible Democrat VP candidates

Inches from actual English. (Sorry, F_B, beat you to it.)

 

Re: Possible Democrat VP candidates

God bless you Zeke! You and Fen sure know how to cheer up a guy on a stress-filled day.

Rock on brother!