Just thinking about VP's for the Dems

[poughies]

In 2004, John Kerry decided to pick John Edwards as his vice presidential candidate. In retrospect, I would argue (as I think most others would) that decision was a mistake. Not only did John Edwards fail to deliver one state in the south, he also failed in my opinion to be a good ambassador for the ticket as evidence by a lack luster performance in the debate with Dick Cheney.
In 2000, Al gore decided to pick Joe Lieberman as his vice presidential candidate. Though not as self-evident in my opinion as Edwards, this decision was also a mistake. Lieberman failed to deliver the one state he was supposed to (Florida, or maybe he did that argument for another time). At the same time, he also (surprisingly to some) did not deliver a great debate performance.

Hindsight tells us that Al Gore was a great choice for the ticket (did fairly in the debates, especially against Quayle). He also reinforced the southern image, and he did experience in DC, while at the same time seeming young.


NOW with that out of the way......
I've been thinking who the best VP would be. IMHO, it isn't one size fits all.

With Obama, you probably want someone who has experience. Obama is a very energetic figure who will have a lot limelight on him. You probably want a nice quiet person. I would think you would probably want a liberal. I really think Dodd might be an option. HOWEVER, I might think that you might want to reinforce that young image. Someone with Washington experience. This next candidate would definitely reinforce young while reinforcing minority (well in the political world anyway) status: Blanche Lincoln. 10 years in the senate with 4 years in the house. If you want a "young" centrist, Bayh certainly has experience.

I really don't think either would a "liability" on the ticket.

As for Hillary, I think Richardson would be best. Gives the ticket a more likable ring. Most Democrats want her for experience, he reinforces (and for those who don't think she is experienced enough, he certainly is).

I don't know this is all speculation.........

What do u guys think?

[poughies]

I think it was AB Stoddard (i honestly cannot remember) mentioned Dodd for Hillary as well as Vilsack....

I keep thinking she wants someone hip or youthful (an intelligent Dan Quayle).... if u want the governor angle then why not Schweitzer.... something new...

[poughies]

i always thought Richardson (though debate performances awful)... If nothing else his campaign has managed to create a sense of momentum as noted by Chuck Todd and Marc Ambinder.....

and bayh might not give the GOP a senate seat (governor is up for re-election and the state is known to elect dems to the senate (well not known, but not like Kansas or something)).

I like O'Malley.... truthfully... experience might be a problem, but I like him.