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

Rhoda, Sibelius is a woman.

Cate in somerset (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:21 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)
______-----------------------------------

YEAH!!!!

we saw how much Bob Casey helped Obama in PA. LOL

patty,sd,ca (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:21 PM)

I personally feel that it comes down to three people:
Gov. Strickland, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, or Chuck Hagel. All three of them would make great VPs for Obama, and it's such a hard choice for him to make because of political considerations for working-class voters, women/change voters and bringing Republicans into the change fold/unity. I can't choose because all three are too good!

John Brooklyn NY (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:21 PM)

wes clark! he won OK primary in '04 - he's a hillary supporter, army general, negotiated with milosevic to end the balkan action, he has jewish ancestry, but is i think a baptist, and he's from arkansas

paulf, brooklyn, ny (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:21 PM)

Women will never allow McCain to criminalize Birth Control - That is what happens if he gets to pick next Supreme Court Justice. That is what "Strict Construcionist" means- No right to privacy in the marital bedroom - because the Constitution does not say the word privacy or birth control - therefore there is no right to these things, that is strict construction and that is what Roberts and Alito and Thomas etc.. believe. PS so do the state legislatures in 38 states (see OH, IN and PA). They will criminalize all forms of birth control. Case is Griswald v. Connecticut. Look it up.

No birth control for YOU (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:21 PM)

Hillary will be asked out of Fomality; but she will not Accept.
Bill Richardson more foreign or Chuck Hagel crossover appeal.Chuck Hagel most definitely crossover appeal.

Surely Hillary’ get a more VP nod IF...
Once Hillary’s 3 new economically-focused ads come out in Kentucky and in Oregon.
Their scripts should really read change would be if she wants the nod...

"What's Right" should emphasize instead of...

Who’s up and who's down, but in Oregon we care about what's right and what's wrong."?
We-e-e-e-e-l-l, since Hillary factored in the cultural paranoia; an African American leading the nation is scary to some uneducated whites. How about saying we‘re moving up because no longer will we put down the Black guy. That’s why we care about what's right!
Partner's script should emphasize...
Edwards—unions, and poor working class
Obama--change, inclusion of grassroots people which has generated enthusiasm, participation and huge voter registration is why...These two men’s models is now what is going to be emulated by me your candidate(me Your Girl, Hillary)because that's what a true leader does for UNITY of the party and the nation.

Right Track's script should emphasize...

"It is wrong that a Wall Street money manager making $50 million dollars a year pays a lower percentage of his income in taxes than a nurse or a teacher or a truck driver or an auto worker making $50, 000," Clinton says.

We-e-e-e-e-l-l, since Hillary sent jobs across the sea; she has made the people of the United States of America the stock exchanged. She should say ...

I will no longer allow the people of the United States of America to be THE STOCK EXCHANGED.

Beverly, Chicago (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:21 PM)

I was originally thinking that Webb was a no-brainer but after a closer look there might be a problem there: He has a woman problem and also I don't think that the Democrats would be able to hold onto his Senate seat. Strickland would be a solid possibility because he did an exemplary job for Hillary in OH and I think he could get the job done. Rendell should also be included in this list for the same reasons as Strickland but he does tend to get off message sometimes. That Hagel ticket would be explosive but I worry that they might not agree on enough issues. Richardson's presence could help to blow up the electoral map and immediately place FL, NM, CO, NV, and very likely AZ into the win column. For me it's a toss-up between Hagel and Richardson.

First Read, I think you should also calculate for the negative effect of a McCain veep choice as well. The inclusion of Huckabee would immediately put Utah into play (they abhor the Huckster there) and he would probably lose every state north of NC immediately. Romney's addition could place some of the South in jeopardy but he would do better out West. Crist would alienate some of McCain's conservative base but he would deliver FL.

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:22 PM)

Anyone but Clinton. Hagel is an interesting choice. I like Biden better for Sec. of State (except for that foot in mouth problem he sometimes has). Edwards for Atty.General?

LENI,WESTLAND,MICHIGAN (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:22 PM)

Joe Biden... He's tough, doesn't mince words, and has more foreign policy knowledge and experience in his little toe than both Bush & McCain do put together. He would make an execellent VP!

Lo in OR (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:22 PM)

Chuck Hagel is out of the question due to the inability to reconcile his social conservative record with Obama's platform.

The targeted picks would be considered pandering to many people like myself and rub them the wrong way.

Hillary as a running mate would be a disaster.

I think Biden: he has the experience (most notably foreign policy wise) that Obama needs to balance the ticket without the gravitas of a Hillary or Edwards.

Scott Freeman, Tampa, FL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:22 PM)

Hagel would be a great pick but wont happen.

The VP is a spring board to the presidency and Obama is too smart to put a Republican in that position, even if its Hagel.

Reality, NY (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:22 PM)

JIM "No-Nonsense Pragmatist with a progressive streak" WEBB!!

Nuff Said!

Wally (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:22 PM)

Webb - good choice, but we need to keep his Senate seat blue.

Sebelius - Good choice, would bring in the old, white lady vote. But she is not exactly the most vibrant public speaker.

Richardson - Good choice, all around.

Hagel - Good guy, but would most likely not accept the offer.

Mike, Albany (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:23 PM)

Hey, patty. How's it feel to have a bumpersticker for a head?

Fast Eddie, NYC (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:23 PM)

Patty sd ca, Do not speak about who Latinos and Caucasians are voting for. I am a Latina voting for Obama and so is my family. My Caucasian friends are also voting for Obama. By the way, we are middle class. If you have no plans to vote for Obama, than speak for yourself. Do not speak about other racial and ethnic groups and who they will vote for.

To return to the topic, I like them all. Good choices.

voter (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:23 PM)

Oh patty,sd,ca give it a rest already. Is this the only form that you have to try and get negative attention? Go play in traffic or something and leave the politicking to adults!

Bev (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:23 PM)

Everyone ignore patty,sd,ca
He or she is just playing games

Zoolie (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:24 PM)

I'd love for him to pick either Chuck Hagel or Governor Katheleen Sebelius. I'm for drastic change adn a total break from the past, and both would be groundbreaking choices. Sebelious brings the midwest and women, Hagel negates any attacks from McCain. If he picks Hagel, then the repub's should concede outwright, b/c they wouldn't be able to win at all...

Jamar DC (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:24 PM)

Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of NYC

David Matthews (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:24 PM)

OBAMA & HAGEL vs MR MAGOO & ELMER FUDD (Lieberman)

jim (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:24 PM)

I always thought Sibelius would be an excellent choice--goes directly to the GOP swing states, brings in an experienced governor, speaks to change.

As for those who feel Obama is doomed--you are soooooooooo wrong. And frankly your prejudiced views are getting tiresome.

mh, San Francisco, CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:24 PM)

Please, NO Clinton on the Obama Ticket!! Anyone but Clinton.

Debbie, Columbia, SC (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:25 PM)

Getting Ohio in the General would put a dagger in the Republican party.

If Strickland can deliver, there should be NO DOUBT he should get it.

Obama can get the nomination without Ohio but winning that would put Dems strong for the Midwest.

Ohio will break McCains Back (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:25 PM)

Sebelius all the way...also good for that female vote. I think Biden would go against his change from the old washington ways. I dont see how the chemistry between him and Strickland would work (remember seeing him in that "Shame on you BO.." clip). Webb isnt bad but then a female candidate is necessary. I was thinking McCaskill. She could ensure he takes MO and she has been his attack dog passionately lately.

TY (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:25 PM)

oh, patty. aren't you late for your town hall meeting in Oregon?
This white 35 year old woman doesn't fit into your neat little boxes of the 2 groups that will vote for Obama. Don't worry, he'll be a good president for even you.

DVS, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:25 PM)

You can't say someone is unqualified to be president, endorse the Republican for commander in cheif over him, and work overtime to convince your supporters that his nomination would be illegitimate cheating, and then hope to serve as his VP.

This is what everyone tried to warn her about. This is what everyone meant when they said she was being too negative. This was a contest between two dems. There are some things you just don't do, because if you lose, you'll have to eat your words.

The mere act of becoming his VP choice would be hailed by the Republicans as a the biggest flip-flop in political history. Like what they did to John Kerry times 10.

As someone who actually still likes her somewhat, it was painful to watch her disqualify herself like this.

Fontapa, Portland, Maine (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:26 PM)

Webb would be great - but, you can't take Webb away from his newly won seat and trust that it would remain in the democrats column.

I love Joe Biden.

But, it's got to be Hagel - he's the total package.

Hillary is no one's dream ticket. Her negatives are extremely high and NOT coming down. She would energize the base on the right. And, Barack would need a food taster around her and Bill.

Kate in Atlanta (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:26 PM)

Webb, or Hagel. Webb is a relatively young vet who knows how to stand his ground, and Hagel is the experienced bipartisan.

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:26 PM)

Anybody but Senator Clinton. She does not represent change and this campaign has been all about change. Do we really want President Clinton anywhere near the White House.

Dottie, Swarthmore, PA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:27 PM)

I think Hilary would be best as a majority senate leader. She'll make a ton of difference and will serve the country well. Her attendance is exemplary - even as she's campaigning. She's tough as nails yet able to cross the aisle.

This is better for her than a sitting duck VP who will simply attend funerals and stuff.

Let's not waste her expertise on such non sense.

Dan (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:27 PM)

Wesley Clark. It brings instant national security cred to the ticket and a Southerner. Richardson or Biden for Sec'y of State. Edwards for Se'y of Labor or HHS.

Dave, AZ (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:27 PM)

1st choice: Sellibus
2nd choice: Biden (His name is too "normal" though--LOL!)

Beth, Denton, TX (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:27 PM)

Women - especially Catholics in OH and PA will NEVER allow McCain to win once they realize that McCain will make abortion a CRIME even in the case of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother (he voted that way last year) and will criminalize sale or possession of birth control (see Griswald v. CT). NARAL and EMILY's LIST and all women's groups will make that abundantly clear. Obama has only one choice - HE MUST WIN OH. 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.

KLAHSDL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:27 PM)

I might bother to vote if McCain picks Tom Coburn for his VP otherwise I'm going to sit this one out and watch democrats get what they deserve. Which of course is what they think they want right now.

Dave, Tn (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:27 PM)

Hagel!!!!!

Katie Buford (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:28 PM)

I'm thinking Richardson. This will go a long way in shoring up the hispanic vote (the fastest growing segment of the voting population if I remember correctly), not to mention his pro 2nd amendment stance will likely speak to many of the Reagan dems. Lump that all together with his foreign policy experience and his record as the Gov of NM, and he seems to cover all of the bases that Obama is percieved week on. Oh, just for kicks, this is the only way to put Texas in play.

Kodiak, Austin (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:28 PM)

patty,sd,ca- Underestimating Obama and his supporters is partially what has gottn him so far in this race. So, thank you and please conitinue to sit by obliviously and watch as we make Barack Obama the next President of the United States of America. Enjoy :-)

OBAMA '08!!!

Kayla, Houston, TX (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:28 PM)

My politically savvy favorite, Chuck Hagel would be great, reinforcing his change message, and get A LOT of positive press. To have "one of them" reinforcing Obamas message? Wo!! But my personal favorite, more traditional, but covers Obama's perceived weaknesses, and a great attack dog...Jim Webb

Micah (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:28 PM)

John Edwards will take it if asked. My pick from the beginning.

Obama Delegate to Texas State Democratic Convention

TDP, Houston TX (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:28 PM)

Please, not Clinton. Anyone but Clinton. She does not align with the spirit of Obama's way,or his vision for change. Also, he can not afford the energy it would take to watch his back and deal with her (and Bill's) personal agenda. The Clintons have shown us who they are throughout this campaign; and have clearly demonstrated what they are capable of doing to further their own interests.

Integrity matters, and the Clintons don't even wish to pretend to have any.

Doug Crawford Whitefish, MT (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:30 PM)

I noticed that Mayor Bloomberg was not on the list. I think he'd be a good choice as well.

Texan for Obama (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:30 PM)

Janet Napalitano would be a good choice, too.

She knows Arizona history. Speaks her mind. Gone up
against Joe Arpaio and McCain many times....

Obama '08

Kim M--AZ (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:30 PM)

Sellibus will bring the hillary supporters to the ticket as well as moderate republicans,my wife has had her on the radar for a long time, also she worked really hard to help him win kansas.

jeff D evanston IL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:31 PM)

#1. Biden
#2. Webb
#3. Strickland

Hagel is a Republican - I'd have to see where he stands on other issues fbefore deciding if he was a good choice or not...

Sebelius seem's good, but I remember when she gave the Democratic response to the State of the Union Address -- she was pretty boring...

Richardsdon is not so good in debates - remember how often he embarrassed himself?

Colleen, NY (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:31 PM)

It'll be Strickland, though Richardson is probably my choice.

Patty -- your angry screeds never cease to humor me. Thanks!

chuck, richmond, tx (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:31 PM)

If Hillary wants it, she gets it via supers. Mainly because of her continued good standing in the polls.

what-does-hillary-want (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:32 PM)

I like Mike Bloomberg for the Jewish, unity, new politics ticket. That would be my choice, but it doesn't necessarily build up (aside from the Jewish vote) Obama's supposed white working class weakness.

The other pick I like that wasn't mentioned (neither of mine were) is PA Gov. Ed Rendell. A strong Clinton supporter to unify the Democrats, strong with blue collar, executive experience, speaks his mind (Ted Strickland seems more dull) and is very politically savvy--I think this would be the smart choice for Obama. Chris Matthews sold me.

Tim Pawlenty for McCain--a little shout out for MN.
VP or not VP: Pawlenty's wife has taken to calling him "45"
http://www.minnesotamonitor.com/tag.do;jsessionid=418D35D512732E5CC16851E395CE11E2?tag=VP+or+not+VP

Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:32 PM)

Not Hillary--there is this 800 pound gorilla named Bill that you have to hide.
Ted Strickland and Bill Richardson are a toss up. If you need Ohio, then Ted. If you want West and Hispanics, then Bill. Bill would be a good Sec of State.
Kathleen Sebelius, I like, but substituting another woman for Hillary may not go so well.
I really like Joe Biden, but he puts his foot in his mouth too often. Maybe a great Sec of Defense.

My favorite dream ticket would be Obama/Hagel. That is a winning combination. It shows Barack will work with Republicans and beat McCain and whomever he picks.

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:32 PM)

Biden, Hagel, or McCaskill (from Mo.)

John, Columbus (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:33 PM)

He has to pick Hillary if she wants the job. If he publicly rejects her then the party won't be unified and he will lose in November.

William, Alabama (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:33 PM)

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