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todd_t -> RE: VP predictions (7/2/2008 4:44:40 PM)

This is interesting. This Yahoo News piece suggests Dick Gephardt might be on Obama's very short list for veep.

CLICK HERE

Being from the Midwest, Gephardt could provide Obama regional "oomph"among Midwestern voters, and is a well-known name with experience.

Given my druthers, I'd still probably go with Ed Rendell or Jim Webb though (were I Obama).

Suggestions that Colin Powell might be in the mix for Obama's veep, I think, are just pie in the sky. But were that to happen somehow, it would be a very strong pick.



Jhud -> RE: VP predictions (7/2/2008 4:52:12 PM)

quote:

This is interesting. This Yahoo News piece suggests Dick Gephardt might be on Obama's very short list for veep.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnews/20080702/ts_usnews/gopenvisionsgephardtaspossibleobamarunningmate

Being from the Midwest, Gephardt could provide Obama regional "oomph"among Midwestern voters, and is a well-known name with experience.


There is a blast from the past. Since Dick is just over four years younger than McCain, it would seem Barak is trying to counter the lack of experience charge - though he has minimal military experience.



todd_t -> RE: VP predictions (7/2/2008 4:57:02 PM)

quote:

Since Dick is just over four years younger than McCain, it would sem Barak is trying to counter the lack of experience charge - though he has minimal military experience


Well, there's little doubt that Obama's veep will be older than he is (a la LBJ and Kennedy) - but I do agree that a person with more military experience (than Gephardt) would be preferable.



cow451 -> RE: VP predictions (7/7/2008 5:52:32 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: davemiller7

Yeah, and if at the end of his 4 year term, he decided to run again, all the Dems could bash him for going back on his word.


And he could argue that he did not remember making such a pledge.[:)]



CT23 -> RE: VP predictions (7/7/2008 10:15:07 PM)

I heard on the news Webb has turned down being Obama's VP.



todd_t -> RE: VP predictions (7/13/2008 6:48:17 PM)

Yeah, Webb is out. He wants to finish out his first term in the Senate.

The VP field for both candidates is growing shorter week by week.

Although most feel Mitt Romney will be McCain's guy (especially Romney himself), I'm not so sure. I still have a hunch McCain will go with Charlie Crist; McCain and Romney fought like cats and dogs during the primaries, and I think that negative baggage would stick in many voters' minds.

Two guys don't go after each other as fiercely as McCain and Romney did, and act as if those conflicts never happened six months later.

As for Obama, Hillary is definitely still a no, but I've heard VA Governor Tim Kaine recently suggested as a front-runner. Bill Richardson is also being vetted by Obama's ppl, but IMO, he's not exactly an inspiring choice.



Rufas2000 -> RE: VP predictions (7/13/2008 7:13:46 PM)

quote:

Well, there's little doubt that Obama's veep will be older than he is (a la LBJ and Kennedy) - but I do agree that a person with more military experience (than Gephardt) would be preferable.


John Kerry is available. Fits the criteria. But its one of those things that might make sense looking at the bare facts but just doesn't work in a reality based world for a number of reasons.

I really like the Colin Powell choice. It'll be a huge help with moderates. It definitely is not a "politics as usual" choice.

The possible downside is that his far left base still blames powell for his presentation at the UN that they see as legitimizing the war in Iraq (even if it didn't lead to the UN approving it). The far left already has grievences with the Senator for his moves to the middle, this is one thing that may lead to a small but signficant rebellion against Obama by these elements. They will probably not be big in number but they are some of the people that will do the grunt work for Obama. Moderates may vote for Obama but they won't work to get other people to vote for him.

But I really like the choice.

I'm not a Romney fan but he would be a good choice for McCain. I think Liebermen would be great for him. Another non politics as usual choice. Although many political observers see Lieberman as a middle of the road to even middle-right currently the moderates (in philosophy and in interest) probably see him as middle-left or simply a Democrat. It would reestablish McCain's rep as a maverick and I think the far right will accept it (although he's not their first choice) but there is the risk they won't. McCain's base with conservatives has become stronger but it is still a bit iffy so he must tread carefully (again these are the people who comprise his campaign's "ground workers"). But where McCain is gravitating toward his base Obama is moving away from it a bit.



saved9201 -> RE: VP predictions (7/13/2008 8:40:58 PM)

Two others mentioned for Obama are Chris Dodd and Chuck Hagel. Dodd acknowledged recently he was asked to submit information to Obama's VP search committee, and Hagel, a pro-life republican and good friend and supporter of Obama, said he would consider the VP spot and is one of the people going to Iraq with Obama.

If Obama picks Hagel, it will prove maybe Obama isn't as radical as some people make him out to be.

- Julius



Jhud -> RE: VP predictions (7/13/2008 10:40:33 PM)

quote:

If Obama picks Hagel, it will prove maybe Obama isn't as radical as some people make him out to be.


Actually, what he seems to prove repeatedly is that he is a man wholly willing to say and do whatever is neccesary to win. I don't think his political beliefs have changed one bit (or if they have, they have conveniently done so in the last few weeks).

And I am still betting on Jindal for McCains VP.



csl7037 -> RE: VP predictions (7/13/2008 10:43:48 PM)

I like Charlie Crist well enough but I don't think he'd be much of a compliment to McCain. Plus he just got engaged. Something about Bobby Jindal creeps me out.



saved9201 -> RE: VP predictions (7/13/2008 11:14:47 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jhud

quote:

If Obama picks Hagel, it will prove maybe Obama isn't as radical as some people make him out to be.


Actually, what he seems to prove repeatedly is that he is a man wholly willing to say and do whatever is neccesary to win. I don't think his political beliefs have changed one bit (or if they have, they have conveniently done so in the last few weeks).

And I am still betting on Jindal for McCains VP.


I don't disagree with your assessment of Obama that he's willing to say or do whatever is necessary to win. That being the case, regarding your second statement, how do we really know what his real political beliefs are, given his relatively short time in congress?

Regarding Jindal, I heard one of the guys on one of the political talk shows say that Jindal would be a mistake because he would take away from McCain the voters that are voting for him because Obama isn't white, he isn't (in their estimation) an American, and those who believe Obama is a Muslim (Jindal is a former Hindu). Romney's the safest pick and probably someone who can add some stability to a teetering campaign.

- Julius



Rufas2000 -> RE: VP predictions (7/14/2008 2:28:16 AM)

quote:

That being the case, regarding your second statement, how do we really know what his real political beliefs are, given his relatively short time in congress?


Well he does have a book ...

FWIW.

You make a really good point. Maybe the changes are Obama becoming himself. But that in itself makes me not want to vote for him, even if his opinions become closer to mine.

Romney is the safest bet for McCain. Jindal just looks too young. He'll get the "Quayle" treatment. He appears to be an accomplished politician but its style over substance.

Hagal would be a nice choice for Obama. I think Dodd's little loan mess will take him out of consideration, fair or not (and until we know for sure he didn't do anything illegal or unethical I think its perfectly fair game to question this).



Jhud -> RE: VP predictions (7/14/2008 1:59:22 PM)

quote:

Romney is the safest bet for McCain. Jindal just looks too young. He'll get the "Quayle" treatment. He appears to be an accomplished politician but its style over substance.


I am not sure how Jindal's supposed youth and inexperience could be brought up by Obama without casting a spotlight on Obama's own youth and inexperience; particularly when Jindal has something both are lacking; executive experience.



Jhud -> RE: VP predictions (7/14/2008 2:14:51 PM)

quote:

I don't disagree with your assessment of Obama that he's willing to say or do whatever is necessary to win. That being the case, regarding your second statement, how do we really know what his real political beliefs are, given his relatively short time in congress?


Well, he was a state senator, 'community organizer' and author before that, so we have some body of work with which to evaluate his new values - that being said, if we truly can't know his core values because of his short experience, that would seem to be a strike against him - electing an unkown is a rather risky venture.

quote:

Regarding Jindal, I heard one of the guys on one of the political talk shows say that Jindal would be a mistake because he would take away from McCain the voters that are voting for him because Obama isn't white, he isn't (in their estimation) an American, and those who believe Obama is a Muslim (Jindal is a former Hindu). Romney's the safest pick and probably someone who can add some stability to a teetering campaign.


Well, if Jindal is anywhere near McCain, McCain's overpowering whiteness will probably drain Jindal of all color, which would be unfortunate - because I really don't think being extremely white is helpful this time around. And were McCain to add Romney to the ticket, the whiteness would be so overpowering that the Whitehouse would have to be re-named the 'Dull Grey House' because of the contrast.

I think rather than stabilizing the campaign, Romney would probably push McCain into an abyss of utter whiteness from which he will never escape. Better to have at least a smidgeon of color so as to keep McCain being mistaken for an emanation of the ghost of elections past.



todd_t -> RE: VP predictions (7/14/2008 2:43:10 PM)

quote:

And I am still betting on Jindal for McCains VP.


Politically, Jindal would be a disastrous choice for McCain, especially if he wants women to vote for his ticket this fall. Jindal staunchly opposes abortion in all circumstances including doing so to save a mother's life.

quote:

I think rather than stabilizing the [Mac] campaign, Romney would probably push McCain into an abyss of utter whiteness from which he will never escape.


I don't see that at all.

I'm not a Romney fan by any means--IMO, he comes across in interviews like the ultimate used car salesman--but he does lend McCain's ticket cred on economic issues, something it is currently lacking very badly.



Rufas2000 -> RE: VP predictions (7/14/2008 4:00:24 PM)

quote:

I am not sure how Jindal's supposed youth and inexperience could be brought up by Obama without casting a spotlight on Obama's own youth and inexperience; particularly when Jindal has something both are lacking; executive experience.


That is a good point. I think everybody knows that Obama is young and inexperienced though (and those that don't know probably don't care) so other than the hypocrisy if Obama brought it up I'm not thinking it'll hurt Obama much.

But how much will the youthfulness of Jindal negate the obvious upside he brings to the ticket. For starters: will Jindal being right next to McCain make McCain seem even older by comparison?

Jindal's inexperience is definitely "supposed" as you put it but he is young. He barely meets the age requirement to become president (we will hear that very soundbite from liberals and Obama will say he disavows it or doesn't think it is an issue) and is 10 years younger than Obama. I can just see the Democratic handwringing about the possibility that McCain dies or is incapacitated (and people see that as a greater possibility than usual due to McCain's age) and this wide eyed "boy" barely old enough to be president has to assume that mantle of responsibility. And we'll get to see the return of the 3 AM phone call gambit.

All the choices have an up and down side. Jindal's upside is executive experience in a very tough situation (post Katrina Louisiana) and youth. He also is an Indian American, that will disrupt the old liberal standby that Republicans are racist and xenophobic (if I had a dollar for every time I saw "KKKarl Rove" or other like nonsense on a liberal message board). But there is a downside though. I personally think he would be an awesome choice from the governing side (i.e. he'll be great at the job) but very iffy from the political side.



Jhud -> RE: VP predictions (7/14/2008 6:06:35 PM)

quote:

Politically, Jindal would be a disastrous choice for McCain, especially if he wants women to vote for his ticket this fall. Jindal staunchly opposes abortion in all circumstances including doing so to save a mother's life.


Well, I think Obama has the pro-abortion women vote pretty much wrapped up, but this will be offset by the Indians with a southern nickname vote.

quote:

I'm not a Romney fan by any means--IMO, he comes across in interviews like the ultimate used car salesman--but he does lend McCain's ticket cred on economic issues, something it is currently lacking very badly.


I don't know about you, but when I am dealing with used cars salesmen, I rarely think, "Ya know, he's slimey and I can't stand him, but boy do I feel better about my economic situation."

*apologies to any used car salesmen who might be reading this*

As for Jindal, one of his claims to fame was making the Medicare system solvent in Louisiana. If you can make anything solvent in Louisiana, then a little national recession would be a cake walk.



GroupW -> RE: VP predictions (7/14/2008 6:13:57 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jhud
As for Jindal, one of his claims to fame was making the Medicare system solvent in Louisiana. If you can make anything solvent in Louisiana, then a little national recession would be a cake walk.


You know, there's enough truth in that to sound logical to me.



todd_t -> RE: VP predictions (7/15/2008 9:48:55 PM)

quote:

Well, I think Obama has the pro-abortion women vote pretty much wrapped up


With Jindal's staunch position on abortion, I think more than a few moderate Christian voters would be swayed to Obama's side as well were McCain to pick him as VP.

I'll bet you 10 hot pockets that Jindal does not get the nod.



rcjames -> RE: VP predictions (7/16/2008 3:06:51 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: todd_t
With Jindal's staunch position on abortion, I think more than a few moderate Christian voters would be swayed to Obama's side as well were McCain to pick him as VP.

I'll bet you 10 hot pockets that Jindal does not get the nod.


Do I understand your position to be that "Moderate Christians" are pro abortion?

Surely you jest.

Thanks
RC



todd_t -> RE: VP predictions (7/16/2008 6:13:08 PM)

quote:

Do I understand your position to be that "Moderate Christians" are pro abortion?


I don't know how to break this to you, but yes, there are Christians who are pro-choice. They do exist. I have spoken with them. One of them gave birth to me, in fact.

On the same tenor for truth-telling, blizzards are not (I repeat, not) caused by God and an angel having pillow fights.

You may already know that, but just thought I'd remind you as a courtesy.



Jhud -> RE: VP predictions (7/22/2008 3:03:44 AM)

quote:

With Jindal's staunch position on abortion, I think more than a few moderate Christian voters would be swayed to Obama's side as well were McCain to pick him as VP.

I'll bet you 10 hot pockets that Jindal does not get the nod.


Mmmmmm...I can taste those hot pockets now...



henny -> RE: VP predictions (7/22/2008 4:16:02 AM)

He might pick Jindal, but Jindal is extreme enough on certain issues that I personally don't worry too much about him getting picked as he could always be painted in that light. I think Sarah Palin would be a much more formidable VP opponent, and I still say she would be the smartest pick for McCain strategically speaking.

If he does pick Jindal, though, I think he'll be forced to shift his own strategy of playing to the middle. Picking someone as conservative as Jindal will be a signal that he's trying to win, like Bush, merely by playing to the core of the GOP. And I don't think that's a strategy that will succeed this year.



Jhud -> RE: VP predictions (7/22/2008 10:18:07 AM)

quote:

He might pick Jindal, but Jindal is extreme enough on certain issues that I personally don't worry too much about him getting picked as he could always be painted in that light. I think Sarah Palin would be a much more formidable VP opponent, and I still say she would be the smartest pick for McCain strategically speaking.

If he does pick Jindal, though, I think he'll be forced to shift his own strategy of playing to the middle. Picking someone as conservative as Jindal will be a signal that he's trying to win, like Bush, merely by playing to the core of the GOP. And I don't think that's a strategy that will succeed this year.


This isn't about who he should pick, but predicting who he will pick. There are hot pockets on the table, so the question is, what is your prediction and are you in?



rcjames -> RE: VP predictions (7/22/2008 10:19:07 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: todd_t

quote:

Do I understand your position to be that "Moderate Christians" are pro abortion?


I don't know how to break this to you, but yes, there are Christians who are pro-choice. They do exist. I have spoken with them. One of them gave birth to me, in fact.

On the same tenor for truth-telling, blizzards are not (I repeat, not) caused by God and an angel having pillow fights.

You may already know that, but just thought I'd remind you as a courtesy.


You did not answer the question would you like to try again?

Do you consider moderate Christians to be pro-abortion?


Thanks
RC



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