OK Time to Make a List of Possible DEM VP Running Mates(No DEM Candidates for Pres, Please)...

[Blackhatjack]

After talking with friends I find there are few VP choices conjuring up interest this election cycle if you eliminate the present slate of candidates from filling that slot once the Nominee is chosen.

There are few Democratic Governors who would fill the bill IMHO.

Many DEM Members of Congress are unlikely to leave their post now that DEMs are likely to have a large majority in the new Congress, and power to get things done will finally be in their hands.

I hear Clark and Webb of Virginia mentioned.

So who is on your shortlist to fill the VP slot if it is not one of the DEM candidates presently running for President?

[bonito]

1. My #1 choice is Wes

and I know where this might lead, but I trust him I liked Powell as well before they used, abused and dumped him, could happen to Wes as well :shrug:

[DaveinMD]

2. Gov. Strickland

of Ohio. I saw a poll where him on the ticket would basically guarantee us Ohio. We win Ohio and its over.

[karynnj]

10. don't we win Ohio - just because Blackwell is not there?

[DaveinMD]

20. Blackwell

hasn't always been there and we haven't always won there.

[terrya]

3. I'd like to see Clark or Richardson.

I don't think Richardson has a great chance of winning the Presidential nomination. Would make an excellent VP choice.

[0007]

4. Bill Richardson would make a good hamburger runner for 'William the First Man'

[TransitJohn]

5. My obscure pick

My Wyoming Democratic Gov Dave Freudenthal. Some may roar DINO!, but I really respect the guy's ability here in Wyoming.

[Blackhatjack]

8. Thanks for your addition. That's why I started the OP. n/t

[JohnLocke]

6. Sen. Bob Graham, even though he's 71.

[TechBear_Seattle]

7. Pat Robertson

Gotta appeal to faith-based "middle of the road" Americans, after all. :sarcasm:

[Blackhatjack]

9. Pat Roberson NEVER appealed to 'faith-based middle of road Americans' n/t

[TechBear_Seattle]

12. You might want to tell the GOP (and Obama) n/t

[La Lioness Priyanka]

23. ...

:rofl:

[Blackhatjack]

11. Any possibilities from the Midwest or West?

Richardson is the only name I ever hear.

But a VP from the Midwest or West might help balance the DEM ticket, if one can be found.

[blogslut]

13. Why no candidates for prez included?

It's been done before you know.

[Blackhatjack]

15. The purpose of the OP is to help identify possible VP running mates not running for Pres because...

We already know about the DEM candidates running for President, and their qualification as the VP running mate to the DEM Nominee.

This OP is designed to help us identify 'other possibilities' who might get little attention, but would make an excellent VP running mate. Having an OP overrun with Pres candidate endorsements for the VP slot if they do not win would not assist us in the meeting the OP goal.

[blogslut]

18. Okay

As long as you are not completely ruling out the possibility that whoever our Presidential candidate is, he or she could possibly choose one of the also-rans as a running mate.

[Blackhatjack]

21. Correct.

[Ravy]

14. I think it depends on who gets the nomination, seriously.

Geographic balance is somewhat important, and also to fill in "holes" perceived to be in the presidential nominee's resume. A sitting Senator is less appealing for VP if the nominee is from the Senate, as well.

[Blackhatjack]

16. That would certainly be true once a Nominee is selected...

... but here let's not limit our list of possibilities since a Nominee has yet to be selected.

[dmallind]

17. Depends who the nom is of course

But there area several good candidates who could round out regional or issue weaknesses.

Clinton? Clark gets a bunch of the bets here, but could also look to Webb (a great bet to fill the attack dog VP role and let Hillary rise above the votriol in the GE but who else to take the VA senate seat?) or reliable DLCer Evan Bayh

Obama? A bit tougher to call but I could see a Sebelius or Napolitano being good fits - shore up the female vote and get some cred with centrists and the southwestern voters. Anyone who wouldn't vote for a woman isn't going to vote for a black guy anyway, so he's got a good chance to do a "minority" twofer.

Edwards? He needs some northern balance IMO and would also benefit from a perception of a tough guy backstop. Clark fills the latter, but is tied closely to Clinton so unlikely. He may do well to consider Strickland or Rendell or (don't laugh - think about it!) Spitzer. I wonder if Kennedy would be a too polarizing choice? Probably wouldn't do it anyway.

Anybody else is so unlikely but what the hell I'll throw out some possibles while I'm thinking about this..

Richardson? Deval Patrick would kick ass with this guy, and Claire McCaskill could be interesting too.

Biden? How about Jay Rockefeller or Jim Doyle?

Dodd? Heck the same names work for him too!

Kucinich? Boy tempting thgough it is to say Ron Paul I'll buck the trend and assume he remembers what party he's in. How about Barney Frank or Carl Levin?

Gravel? God who knows - could be Winnie the Pooh or Mike Tyson with this guy... OK OK cheapshot stay with vague relaity and go with Barbara Jordan or Pete Stark

[Mz Pip]

19. Brian Schweitzer

the governor of Montana.

I'd love to see Wes Clark on the ticket. He's wipe the floor during the VP debates with whoever the Repugs run.

I also keep hearing Evan Bayh's name tossed around.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[CK_John]

22. Gov K Sebelius should be at the top of list. n/t