Obama's VP pick - Tom Daschle?

[Michael Z]

Assuming Obama wins the nomination, how likely is it that he'll pick Tom Daschle as his running mate?

I must admit that I'm not a huge fan of Daschle, especially over his total lack of courage in failing to take on Bush over Iraq, but there are some good reasons for picking him.

Daschle was among the first prominent Democrats to endorse Obama, back in Feb 07, and provided him with staff and fundraising lists that no doubt helped his campaign. Furthermore, he would provide Obama would plenty of experience and policy knowledge.

I've been thinking about this for a while, and virtually all of the other potential candidates have a negative. John Edwards would be more suited as Attn General, Richardson and Biden are more suited to the state dept, Mark Warner (previously my top choice) is running for Senate, Evan Bayh and Bill Nelson have endorsed Clinton (not a major no-no, but still...), Webb is too inexperienced (relatively speaking), Sebelius and Vilsack would add nothing to the ticket, and Breaux is probably too conservative for the Dem base.

I'm yet to be convinced that Daschle wouldn't be the best pick for Obama, but try to sway me.

[WalterMitty]

unlikely.  very unlikely.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

The fact that he lost his seat counts against him rather a lot.

[Democratic Hawk]

Unlikely. Obama should pick either 1) a female; 2) an Hispanic or 3) somebody his senior (early 50s to early 60s)

Anybody out there fits all 3 !

Dave

[8 out of 11 is not deserved]

Joe Biden.  Needs somebody strong on foreign policy on his team

[JohnnyLongtorso]

Unlikely. Obama should pick either 1) a female; 2) an Hispanic or 3) somebody his senior (early 50s to early 60s)

Anybody out there fits all 3 !

Dave

Hilda Solis?

[Flying Dog]

Bill Nelson would be a good choice.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Unlikely. Obama should pick either 1) a female; 2) an Hispanic or 3) somebody his senior (early 50s to early 60s)

Anybody out there fits all 3 !

Dave

Janet Napolitano.

[JohnnyLongtorso]

Unlikely. Obama should pick either 1) a female; 2) an Hispanic or 3) somebody his senior (early 50s to early 60s)

Anybody out there fits all 3 !

Dave

Janet Napolitano.

She's Italian, not hispanic.

Also, to the idea of Daschle as VP: Bwahahahahahahaaaa!

[Democratic Hawk]

Unlikely. Obama should pick either 1) a female; 2) an Hispanic or 3) somebody his senior (early 50s to early 60s)

Anybody out there fits all 3 !

Dave

Hilda Solis?

A California congresswoman of 7 years and, furthermore, a stock liberal

Bearing in mind the foreign policy angle, it's a shame Bill Richardson isn't a women. Nevermind

Dave

[Lincoln Republican]

Tom Daschle picked by Obama, not a chance.  He does not want to have a defeated candidate on the ticket.  Bad PR.  Other than experience, Daschle brings nothing to the ticket.

My pick as best running mate for Obama, Governor Mike Easley of North Carolina.

A capable and respected reform minded chief executive, a DC outsider, fits in well with Obama's message of change.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

He's been out of office 4 years after losing reelection; he cannot help swing his state--he's totally useless as a VP.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Highly Unlikely.

[Person Man]

If he wants to lose.

[MarkWarner08]

Exceptionally unlikely.

Daschle's downsides:
1. His wife is a lobbyist. Remember, Obama is running  against "Washington Lobbyists."
2. He lost his last campaign.
3. He backed the war and had zero backbone on most issues.
4. He's not well-liked by party activists.
5. He won't help with independents.
6. He won't help Obama in the Midwest
7. He has no executive experience.

[Person Man]

Exceptionally unlikely.

Daschle's downsides:
1. His wife is a lobbyist. Remember, Obama is running  against "Washington Lobbyists."
2. He lost his last campaign.
3. He backed the war and had zero backbone on most issues.
4. He's not well-liked by party activists.
5. He won't help with independents.
6. He won't help Obama in the Midwest
7. His has no executive experience.

....and don't forget his alleged corruption. He also may be a lobbyist now. I know Burns is.

[TheGlobalizer]

Joe Biden.  Needs somebody strong on foreign policy on his team

I could live with Obama as prez, and I could live with Biden as VP.

[Platypus]

Beyond Biden being the STARK, RAVINGLY OBVIOUS choice, maybe Sebelius, Schwartzer or Bredesen?

[RJEvans]

If he chooses Daschle, I will not vote for him. If McCain if the GOP nominee, I will vote for McCain.

[Spaghetti Cat]

How about Jim Webb or.... Ted Kennedy (no this is not a joke)

[Know Your Rights!]

The fact that he lost his seat counts against him rather a lot.

Agreed; choosing a losing candidate for VP would not help Obama's case. Easley seems like a good choice, as does Biden.

But Jim Webb or Ted Kennedy? :-P

[perdedor]

Extremely unlikely. Not only did Tom Dalschle complete ween out on his principles by letting Bush and the Republican party completely run him over on the Iraq debate, but he also failed to hold his senate seat. I would like to see Obama pick an experienced and likable candidate for Vice-President, such as Kathleen Sebelius. Not only is she a workable moderate, but she also has sky high approval ratings in one of the redest states in America.

[ShadowRocket]

Nah. Obama would probably go for a young Southern/Midwestern Governor as his VP. I'm thinking Tim Kaine.

[big bad fab]

And what about Kathleen Sebelius ?

A woman. With a governor's experience (i.e. executive experience). A moderate which can appela in possible swing states, like Colorado, Nevada, Missouri.

[TomC]

No to Daschle. Biden is the best pick mentioned here. I still like Bloomberg.

As far as names for the ticket...I like Lincoln. Obama?Lincoln has a nice ring and could assuage some Hillary supporters to jump on board. Don't know if it makes Ark Lean Dem.