Would Va. Gov. Kaine as VP

[floridablue]

Shore up the vote in West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, or Virginia.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. No.

Historically, no running mate has actually ever "delivered" a state, except possibly LBJ back in 1960. People vote for the top of the ticket, and the running mate has little real influence except as a spokesperson for the campaign. A good VP choice does not win elections, and a bad one doesn't lose them. Just think about Dan Quayle -- as dumb as a box of hammers, no credentials or experience worth mentioning, but Poppy won that election anyhow.

[floridablue]

3. Quale had his campaign stops

pretty much limited to the back woods where he got little National press, if I recall correctly.

[chimpymustgo]

2. Not a chance. Bad choice.

[floridablue]

4. Who would be a better choice to carry the message.

[tekisui]

5. Virginia only, which Obama could win without him.

No Veep will bring WV or Kentucky. Ohio is Obama's also, without Kaine.

[Stop Cornyn]

6. We lose West Virginia and Kentucky no matter who the VP is. Kaine increases our chances in Virginia

and Missouri (where he's from and where he went to college). He would also help with Spanish speakers, Catholics, and Evangelicals. That would assist in Ohio.

[grantcart]

7. It is likely that Catholic Governor Kaine would assist

in PA/OH/IN/TX/FL (not just a proforma Catholic he took time out to work as volunteer in a Jesuit Mission in S. America)

Spanish speaking Governor Kaine would have a dramitic impact giving speeches in Spanish in FL and Tx

Native Missourian Governor Kaine would help in Missouri

Governor Kaine would help in VA.

[Milo_Bloom]

8. No doubt on VA. Probably add to competitiveness in the region as well.