Veepstakes: Obama's 5 options

Posted: Friday, May 16, 2008 2:05 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
In the latest issue of National Journal, Kirk Victor breaks down Obama's possible veep choices -- assuming he becomes the nominee, of course -- into five categories and lists names for each one:

-- The Dream Ticket: Hillary Clinton
-- The Targeted Pick: Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine
-- Reinforce the Message (regarding change): Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
-- Balancing the Ticket (with Washington experience): Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, former Georgia Sen. Sam Nunn
-- Out of the Box: GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel

First Readers, what are your thoughts?

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Comments

CHUCK HAGEL!!!

Liz in SD (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:10 PM)

I vote for JIM WEBB!!!!

GO OBAMA '08

Andrea, New York City (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:10 PM)

I really like the idea of Chuck Hagel. Chuck is a tough guy. This would truly demonstrate Barack's desire to bridge the partisan divide.

Enrique, Chicago (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:11 PM)

It doesn't matter who he picks. Obama is doomed.

There are several groups that won't vote for Obama

Latinos
Bitter white Americans
Hillary supporters

what does he have left?

Blacks & College kids.

When was the last time college kids showed up on election day?

patty,sd,ca (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:12 PM)

I think Hagel would be an excellent choice. Aside from the fact he would draw some moderate Republicans from McCain, he would be a good, experienced addition to the cause.

Mark R., South Montrose, PA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:12 PM)

I like Sellibus because he captures the experience of a governor that echos his own messsage. I like Hegel for the Independent streak and the way it is a nod to social conservatives and allows them to feel more comfortable. I think that was something Kerry was thinking about with McCain in 2004 and had he done it I think he would have won the election.

There is a lot to also be said for picking Richardson, despite the fact he's not great on the stump. He brings resume and an ease to the ticket and could potentially be parked in the southwest and west and Florida to shore up the Hispanic vote and Independents who will love his resume.

He gets a foreign policy czar and governor in one with Richardson which is why he has to be up there on the list for consideration.

I think over all, the reaction to HRC exit is going to go a long way towards determining the ticket.

Rhoda (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:13 PM)

ANYone who suggests Clinton is part of the ticket is politically naive.

Dan Salsibury CT (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:13 PM)

Sen. Joe Biden is my #1 pick. He is old school and a tough S.O.B!

Abe MI (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:13 PM)

Seriously, can people in the media stop propogating this absolutely absurd notion of an Obama-Clinton "dream ticket"? "Dream ticket", more like a nightmare.

Sure, if Barack Obama wants to sink his political venture for the presidency, it makes sense. But on whole, it's political suicide and frankly asinine. Yet the media keeps on spewing. I love you guys (Chuck Todd is my hero) but come on, you gotta get off this Clinton-Obama crack.

Gavin (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:13 PM)

Bob Casey

Catholic white politician that covers the "Reagan Democrats" especially in PA.

TEH, Gibsonia, PA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:13 PM)

The Obama message is "Change"

If that is going to decide this election the choice is the Lady from Kansas, KS for short.

Mark, Burlington VT (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:14 PM)

Tim Kaine, possibly Richardson. Otherwise, none of the above.

CC, Sedona, AZ (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:14 PM)

The out-of-the-park home run would be Al Gore. On the surface, implausible. On the other hand, might there be a synergy of interests in a powerful VP role centered on transforming our energy industry, fighting climate change, fostering a green economy, and negotiating global energy/climate alliances?

Obama would gain:
- party unity
- a seasoned ally in "fixing Washington"
- a signature champion on a knotty set of top priority issues
- instant international respect and cooperation

...Obama seems confident enough to share power. His "new politics" are going to need lots of experienced allies.

Gore would gain:
- leverage to save the planet (he has the knowledge, vision, and network already...)
- the executive authority to make the US the energy/climate leader
- the backing of a transformational president and partner

...Gore seems confident enough to work under a younger, less-experienced person. Gore's potential legacy is now beyond domestic politics.

Dave Lash, Hamilton, MA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:14 PM)

*** BILL RICHARDSON IS A JUDAS !!!
Shameful and spineless fraction of a man!!

Dem "sweetie' NO MORE (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:14 PM)

I would love love LOVE to see him pick Joe Biden or Kathleen Sebelius. I think either of those choices would appeal to Clinton supporters. Biden is obviously experienced, intelligent and wise. And Sebelius is another woman with lots of experience and who's pretty brilliant herself. Also, a VP from a good ol' midwestern state such as Kansas might appeal to a lot of white working class voters who associate the midwest with traditional American values.

K., Seattle, Wash. (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:14 PM)

Nancy Pelosi is the best VP candidate for soon to be nominee Obama

Paul, Seattle WA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:15 PM)

i'd heard the idea of hagel earlier this week. interesting....

john doe, seattle, wash (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:15 PM)

Sebelius, Sebelius, Sebelius. Reinforce change, strengthen your midwest creds, park her out in Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin, Colorado.

Don't go for the old Washington hand, bring in an outsider. She's a great governor and she will speak to the fact that Americans' number 1 concern will be kitchen table issues.

Politically: gets a lot of women who were enthusiastic about Hillary still voting to make history.

Dan, New York, NY (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:15 PM)

Hagel!

dan (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:15 PM)

I think Jim Webb or Chuck Hagel would be excellent options from the choices you presented. Joe Biden would be a good campaigner, but I think he's probably better suited for a Sec. State cabinet position.

Of all the options you presented, I think Ted Strickland makes the most sense politically.

Gavin (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:15 PM)

Where is Ed Rendell on this list? Can anyone explain why this guy is either at the bottom or completely absent from most people's projected short lists for Obama. I can think of at least 5 individual reasons why Rendell should be strongly considered: (1) He virtually guarantees PA goes blue, an absolute necessity in November; (2) He brings experience -- and executive experience at that -- to the table; (3) He is Jewish, which helps Obama with that much needed demographic, and puts FL strongly back in play; (4) He's a big Clinton surrogate, which hopefully allows Obama to bring in Clinton supporters without actaully putting Hillary on the ticket; and (5) Rendell is a guy who is a Washington outsider, and is known to speak his mind -- which means he would be consistent with Obama's "change" message. So what's the rub on why Rendell is so notably absent?

Jon, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:16 PM)

I want a woman as VP period. Either Clinton or my home girl Sebelius. I would even accept my other home girl McCaskill from Missouri.

Tanya L. Lee's Summit, MO (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:16 PM)

LOL, I'm entirely undecided on this right now, truthfully it just gives me a headache.

This campaign has been run so great, I totally have confidence in their VP judgment (although truthfully I'm a Sam Nunn fan, have been for awhile).

Will feel free to read any and all speculations though!

Lisa in New Britain, CT Inspired by Obama! (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:16 PM)

Has to be Hagel.

YES WE CAN!!!!

obama Supporter, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:16 PM)

It's an easy pick - check the electoral map - HE NEEDS THE OHIO GOV!!! Withit he doesn't need CO, or MO or FLA or any southern state. Its an easy map for him. ABCNEWS.COM has an interactive delgate map. First Readers run it. Obama doesn't need southern states or NV. Just old standby Blue States and OH. The OH Governor can deliver OH and the race is over.

Obama 08 (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:16 PM)

Well, that doesn't say much at all, when you think about it. Basically, he wrote an article outlining common sense. If anything, I'd add a 6th category, that being the "Conciliatory Pick" which would be a prominant Hillary supporter.

That said, I like Richardson as a pick. I think he hits three of the 5 categories.

Patrick Schoettmer, Bloomington, Indiana (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:17 PM)

If MSNBC is on Air and nobody is watching does it make noise?

patty,sd,ca (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:17 PM)

Morning Jack (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:17 PM)

Practically and politically speaking, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius would make the smartest, strategic choice for the following reasons:
1) Female Vote -- consistent voters, key to the election
2) Helps with the blue-collar voters in the midsouth-southeast areas of the country (he does fine in the midwest and pacnorwest -- you guys are spinning this a little to much by making a generic assessment that somehow includes all blue collar workers -- that's not true.
3) She embraces his vision yet brings her own gifts to the table -- very talented woman based upon my research.
4) Will energize his base even more and bring in even more new voters.
5) Helps minimize defectors of HRC

George Taylor, Memphis, TN (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:17 PM)

TEH, Gibsonia, PA: Maybe he gets a few Catholic votes, but let's not kid ourselves: However the Democratic nominee is, PA is clearly in the Dem column this election. Not even close.

Gavin (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:17 PM)

Another note:

Obama CANNOT pick someone who voted for or supported the Iraq War.

Chuck Hagel is not a Democrat - he just is a Republican who is upset with the war. But he will not turn out the Dem base.

Dan, New York, NY (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:17 PM)

Hagel or Webb!!!

Cate (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:18 PM)

Jim Webb #1 (similarities between his message from response to state of Union and Obama's message are uncanny) Sam Nunn #2 and Strickland #3

PD, Boston (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:18 PM)

There are probably good options none of us have thought of. I'd say Obama has a gift for selecting a support team. He's been one to be innovative, and follow the road less traveled. I trust he will choose the best fit. Stop trying to shove people down his throat.

If it ain't broke.......

Terry, IN (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:18 PM)

where's ed rendell? look i am huge for obama and while i beleive that bill clinton sucks the air out of the room the minute he enters , i still don't know how we ignore hillary, she brings 17 milvotes and 1500 delegates, i know she doesn't share the message, but can you think of a better team of campaigner and attack dog than bill and hillary. besides i don't think the rep attack machine has the teeth it did back in the day,and 16 mil votes covers a lot of negatives

ken, motown wv (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:18 PM)

Jim Webb would be a good VP for change and to reach conservative Democrats and people on the Hill, add Bill Richardson as Sec of State for the Good Cop, Sam Nunn or Colin Powell as the Bad Cop for Sec of Defense, John Edward as AG to make sure justice is enforced equally

Shel (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:19 PM)

Choosing Clinton would be the dream ticket for the RNC.

Where's Gov Napolitano (AZ)?
Where's Gov Ritter (CO)?
Where's Gov Henry (OK)?

All re-elected Governors from West/Southwest states.

The Dead Guy (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:19 PM)

I think it's great that Obama is considering a cross-party ticket, but the problem with Chuck Hagel is that he's not pro-choice. In the aftermath of a bruising primary, Obama needs to bring women back under his tent. Right now, he can easily do that by contrasting himself against McCain's pro-life agenda, but if Obama brings in a pro-lifer, he will only further aggravate an absolutely essential portion of the Democratic base.

Jon, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:19 PM)

I would have to think long and hard about voting at all if Clinton were on the ticket, sorry, and I do not think they would complement each other well.

My preference would be for Sebelius: She's tough, from a great state, and choosing a woman as his running mate would be a salve to Clinton supporters who wanted to see a woman in the White House. I'd like to see Janet Napolitano on the list, too, though. A Southwestern state, and a chance to make immigration a better issue for Democrats.

Chris, MI (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:19 PM)

Chuck Hagel by far -- what a great way to unify the country!

sara, mesa, az (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:19 PM)

Joe Biden showed yesterday what an effective, forceful and knowledgable partner he would be, esp in foreign policy areas (a perceived weakness). And he has the in-depth knowledge of how things work and who can be depended upon in Washington, knowledge that is absolutely essential if someone wants to change the system. And while he's been in Washington 'forever' in his own way he has exemplified the politics of straight talk, cooperative work with many different people and interests, and responsible statesmanship. ---- Plus they are both very intelligent and I believe there is genuine respect between them.

Elizabeth (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:19 PM)

I like Sebelius and I would also add Janet Napolitano. That would force Hillary supporters to accept the fact that we do not oppose her based on her gender: we oppose her because of her corruption, her race baiting, her pathological lying, and her pandering.

Also, if Obama picks Hillary Clinton, he will have to sleep with one eye open for the next eight years. He would be the one person standing between Hillary Clinton and the White House.

Obama in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none.

Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:19 PM)

By the way, any Dem who says he/she will vote for McCain in November if their candidate does not get the nomination, is no Democrat.

Cate (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:19 PM)

Chuck Hagel on the ticket would assure victory. Independents and disaffected Republicans, who may want military expertise, would pull the Obama lever with Hagel as VP. Plus, I think Barack would really get along well with Hagel. They seem sympatico.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:19 PM)

to the OTHER patty,sd,ca- are you back again... didn't you flunk school you biggot...

which klansman are you supporting this fall?

patty,sd,ca.... stop using my name (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:20 PM)

I'd go for JIM WEBB, second choice JOE BIDEN!

Sandra, TN (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:20 PM)

I'm all about Biden. I believe Biden would echo Obama's message with a contrasting tone that would enhance the ticket. For example, Obama's eloquent lash back at Bush was good, but is completely enhanced by Biden's "This is bullsh*t" response. Bad cop, worse cop. Great results.

Kevin, SF, CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:20 PM)

RICHARDSON, POSSIBLY HAGEL, STRETCH FOR BIDEN!

TOM TYSKIEWICZ, FOREST HILLS, PA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:20 PM)

Chelsea Clinton

Let's see if the Clinton supporters vote against her!!

save the inheritance (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:20 PM)

Fast Eddie Rendell. Delivers PA plus Billary supporters.

Mark, Norfolk MA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:20 PM)

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