Campaign 2008

Veepstakes Update

By J. Wesley ⋅ May 11, 2008 ⋅ Email This Post Email This Post ⋅ Print This Post Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Obama’s Vice-Presidential Pick:

    Bob Novak writes today that Michelle Obama is implacably set against Hillary for VP. He also claims that Ohio Gov. Strickland is gaining support among Dems as a VP choice.
    Larry Sabato’s guest writer declares for VA Sen. Jim Webb.
    Obama refuses to discuss the possibility of a HillBama “dream ticket”, calling it “premature.”
    Chris Cillizza over at WaPo lists the Dem Top 5 from most to least likely: KS Gov. Kathleen Sebelius; OH Gov. Ted Strickland; Hillary Clinton; VA Gov. Tim Kaine; and Sen. Sam Nunn.
    Over at BetUS.com, the smart money seems to be on Hillary, Sebelius, Bill Richardson, and Jim Webb, in that order.

McCain’s Vice-Presidential Pick:

    The big news this week was 36 year old LA Gov. Bobby Jindal. Barely out of short-pants, politically speaking, he’s nevertheless wildly popular among conservatives and respected by both sides of the aisle. Bill Kristol is the biggest name to boost Jindal for VP, devoting a NYT column to the cause.
    Chris Cillizza on the Republican Top 5 from most to least likely: MN Gov. Tim Pawlenty; SD Sen. John Thune; former OMB Dir. Rob Portman; FL Gov. Charlie Crist (say it ain’t so!); Mitt Romney.
    NRO’s Jim Geraghty also brought RI Gov. Don Carcieri into the mix. According to Geraghty, Carcieri’s a “Two term governor, pro-life Catholic, tough on illegal immigration and corruption in his home state.” I saw at least two other major conservatives float his name this week.
    McCain himself gave some insight into his thought process on VP selection in an interview: “McCain answered that history shows that people generally vote for the person at the top of the ticket and the criteria should be someone who is best qualified by sharing similar principals and values.” That’s a strike against Romney. . .
    . . .On the other hand, BetUS.com has Romney on top, followed by Tim Pawlenty, Lindsay Graham (No!), and a tie between Chris Cox and Charlie Crist.
    Stuart Rothenberg does his best to sabotage the McCain campaign, calling Joe Lieberman the “perfect candidate” for VP. Yeah, if by perfect you mean “guaranteed to cause a Republican Party rebellion/meltdown and elect Obama.” Otherwise, not so perfect.
    K-Lo declares for Mitt Romney. Wow, no one saw that one coming. /snark
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Discussion

8 comments for “Veepstakes Update”

  1. I heard Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin mentioned much earlier during the primaries as an attractive choice for VP. While I like her and her politics, I’m relieved that she hasn’t been mentioned lately. After all, she has a newborn (breastfeeding and bringing to work with her–good for her!) But I think it would be a bit much to be mother to five AND be VP. . .

    If you hadn’t seen it, this is the statement Gov. Palin and her family issued after her son’s birth, “Trig is beautiful and already adored by us. We knew through early testing he would face special challenges [Down Syndrome], and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives. We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed.”

    Posted by TulipGirl | May 11, 2008, 5:54 am

  2. I think Wes Clark would be a good choice for Obama’s VP. A Clinton-friendly person (endorsed Hillary), smart guy, military experience to offset Obama’s perceived weakness, from Arkansas so he can maybe get some “bitter” votes.

    Posted by Adrian | May 11, 2008, 5:57 am

  3. McCain / Lieberman would be the final nail in the coffin for me with the Republican party. I’m already only supporting McCain out of a strong hatred for the visions and ideals of Obama, but even I might throw my vote for Ron Paul if Lieberman sticks his ugly head in the race.

    Posted by Joe | May 11, 2008, 6:04 am

  4. TG-

    That baby is darned inconvenient. I really was hoping for Palin this year. Anyone who eats bear meat, snowmobiles AND belongs to Feminists for Life has my vote. :)

    Adrian-

    I think Clark might be a good choice. The Netroots adore him, while at the same time his “General” status would appeal to moderates.

    Webb is another choice which scares me a bit — hard for Rs to win without VA. Same for Strickland in OH.

    Joe-

    I actually really like Lieberman. He’s one of the last of the old-time principled Libs which combined ardent liberalism with genuine patriotism and hawkishness. But his politics are too liberal for me to ever accept him as a VP. I probably would stay home this election.

    Posted by J. Wesley | May 11, 2008, 6:21 am

  5. TG-

    Just to clarify, I have no evidence that Sarah Palin eats snowmobiles. My best guess is that she rides them.

    Posted by J. Wesley | May 11, 2008, 6:32 am

  6. please, please, please, please let Adrian pick Obama’s Veep candidate. PLEASE! I can think of no more solid way to win it for the Republicans than to put that maniac Clark on the ticket. PLEASE do that. PLEASE. I can’t beg enough.

    And I totally agree with TG & J re: Palin. Her family’s gain is her nation’s loss, but good on her for having priorities!!!

    K-Lo needs to get over her heat for Romney. It’s embarrassing. icky.

    Posted by pgepps | May 11, 2008, 6:34 am

  7. :-) thanks for catching that eating snowmobiles, thing. I was gonna let it go, but . . . that was tough. :-)

    Posted by pgepps | May 11, 2008, 6:35 am

  8. Here’s news that should make Adrian chortle: Huckaveep?

    Ugh.
    PGE

    Posted by pgepps | May 12, 2008, 5:16 pm

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