Keeping up with the Joneses...

Posted: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:18 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Chuck Todd and Domenico Montanaro
So you think you know who's on Obama's veep short list? Well, think again. According to sources on the Hill, Obama veep vetters -- specifically Jim Johnson and Eric Holder -- have been asking Dem members of Congress this week their input about potential running mates. The conversations are free-flowing but one name the vetters are inserting in the conversations is one that is not a household name... Ret. Gen. James Jones, the former Marine-turned-NATO Supreme Allied Commander.

VIDEO: A Race for the White House panel discusses the search for Sen. Barack Obama's running mate.

Jones, a Vietnam vet born in Kansas City, MO (swing state alert!), was a career military officer rising to one of the highest posts possible. Now retired, Jones has been critical of the number of troops currently in Afghanistan. He's been appointed to independent posts by both the Democratic Congress and the Republican-run State Department

Jones currently is the president and CEO of the Institute for 21st Century Energy, which is an affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce, not exactly the type of organization a typical Democrat gets involved with. Potentially problematic is that he's on Chevron's board. He also serves on the boards of Boeing and Invacare, a manufacturer and distributor of medical equipment. (Invacare’s slogan, ironically, is: “Yes, you can.”)

Being the least known potential veep, it shouldn't be surprising that the vetters have to spend more time on him in their various conversations on the Hill. But the fact that he's being, um, added to the very long short list, is an interesting development.

Besides Jones, the other names on the list bandied about with congressional Dems include (and not in any order): Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, John Edwards, Evan Bayh, Kathleen Sebelius, Ted Strickland, Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Jim Webb, Bill Nelson, Jack Reed, Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, Tom Daschle, and Sam Nunn. You'll notice a few names NOT on this list (that's not my exclusion -- hint hint). Besides Jones, I'm told the two other names that invited extended discussion were Biden and Strickland.

Take this chatter for what it is -- chatter. But the addition of Jones to your semi-official veep short list is truly a fascinating development.

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Comments

I thought Bloomberg from NY was on the short list. What happen??

Sogall, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:55 AM)

With an idiot at the top of the ticket, the Democrats have no chance.

Keep up the under estimation. Don't take him seriously - like all of the opponents he has faced in IL and with the recently beaten crop of Democratic contenders.

Richard Reeves-Ellington, Delmar NY (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:56 AM)

Obama as dumb as he is (but a great talker) would need a truly smart VP to guide him if he wants to create a legacy.

Molly, MA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:57 AM)

There's some great picks listed here, but how about Gen. Wesley Clark ?

Mark, IL (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:57 AM)

It doesn't matter who he picks he will lose any way.
The only polls that mean anything are those done in Secret Nov. 4.

Jane WI (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:57 AM)

I wonder why General Wesley Carlk is not ont he list:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesley_Clark

Michael Buie (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:58 AM)

I am a former Marine and served in the Corps while Jones was the Commandant. I was still on active duty when he was with the Joint Chiefs. Intelligent, engaging, organized - these are words that I would use to describe him for those who aren't familiar. All generals have learned to be somewhat political- so don't worry about how he would come across as a a candidate.

My concern is the economy argument. If Obama picks Gen Jones, you can be assured that McCain is going to pick someone with a strong background in economic policy to pound the primary issue of the campaign into the ground. Obama/Jones would be good for Iraq, Afghan., Iran but perceived to be on economic issues. Don't we all pretty much agree that this election is going to come down to the economy?

DJB, Portage IN (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:59 AM)

I think that Barack Obama needs a conservative white male with excellent military experience to balance out his ticket, hopefully someone from Hillary's camp like Wesley Clark. No matter how much the economy dominated this election cycle we can't underestimate the national security issue as the repugnant ones only have that to hang their hats on despite their incredibly bad record at it.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:59 AM)

Lets get real people. We need an adult in charge of the country, not this child from Illinois. Face a few facts, the only reason Obama is even remotely in the race is because the media has done everything to prop this man up from the very beginning.

Sara Jennings, Little Rock AR (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:59 AM)

Barack Obama will choose whomever he knows that will do the right thing for America, period. Yes, I would love to see a female in the White House, just not Hillary. I was supporting her at first, until she went in front of AIPAC and said that she would annialate Iran. That scared me. She only said that for Israel, because when was the last time Iran ever invaded any country that hadn't done anything to them? That is unlike USA and unlike Israel. Mr. Obama will make a pick for VP and it will shock all of these smart people who talk to us every day and every minute about who he should choose. I cannot wait until he does, although I know I will hear these people every day tell me whom he should pick. These are the same people who told me every day about Iraq"s WMD. Now does that tell you about their integrity and intellegence? They should report the news, you know, boys dying, why high gas prices, Bush lying, Condi lying, Cheney lying, Rumsfield lying, all of the Generals on their shows, we could go on and on. I used to watch Tucker until I got a little smarter. And I do not turn on MSNBC until Morning Joe is off. We need the news, not Dear Abby.

GC, OH (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:00 AM)

I did a quick search on Jones' resume. Very impressive...huge national security and foreign affairs credentials, obviously, but also the "energy independence" bonus.

His election to the Board of Directors at Chevron might be troubling but Sam Nunn also serves on their board.

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:01 AM)

Suprised Richardson isn't on the list. Latino vote, great foreign policy experience...Governor of a state in play. Don't get it... well assuming he looses the beard.

Eric, Cedar Rapids, IA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:01 AM)

Congrats to the obama team hillary lost and that all it is to it get behind obama hillary and your people to or we will have a mccain/ bush whitehouse again.Let's stop acting like children before it to late GREAT JOB SENATOR OBAMA

Jackie baltimore,maryland (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:01 AM)

No Hagel or Wesley Clark? That SUCKS!

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:03 AM)

OBAMA/WEBB ticket sounds best!

Jake (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:03 AM)

Sarah,

If you are going to chide someone about their IQ, then maybe you should work on your contractions a bit. You're is the contraction of you are.

andre gasparre (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:04 AM)

"OBAMA SHOULD ONLY PICK HIS VEEP "AFTER" THE G.O.P. CONVENTION!"
------------------------------------------------------
Hey Tom: The DNC goes first. Try again.

Here is something that should be considered but probably won't:

Obama/Richardson '08

Michael Smith, Springfield, MO (A Democrat in Republican Country) (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:04 AM)

Please please PLEASE let's confine our comments to comparison of the issues, not calling the other candidate stupid, old, etc. We have two fine men running for our highest office and half of us will need to live with the result. Both are patriotic Americans dedicated to making our lives better. We have a stark difference on virtually every issue, and both will be able to work with Congress, so keep your kindergarten remarks to yourself!

Obama '08

Don Judson Woodburn OR (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:04 AM)

Barbara Fishback,

Gore couldn't even deliver TN for himself in the GE in 2000 nor could he deliver FL.

philip (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:05 AM)

The problem with Webb is his past history of sexist remarks about women in the military. In light of the need to bring women on board from the Clinton camp to the Obama camp, putting a man with that kind of history in the VP slot is a HUGE mistake. Webb should be considered for the cabinet (SoD), NOT for VP. Otherwise, you can kiss the women's vote goodbye.

Ann, NJ (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:05 AM)

If Obama does get to be president but, for some reason is sick, dies, etc. There needs to be a person that could be a good president in Obama's place if something as bad as illness or death happens to any person that is president of this country. I still don't want H. Clinton there, however.

Terry Clements, Dallas, Texas (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:05 AM)

Sarah,

If you are going to chide someone about their IQ, then maybe you should work on your contractions a bit. You're is the contraction of you are.

andre gasparre (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:06 AM)

Fascinating, maybe, but not very surprising; Obama needs someone with foreign policy experience to balance his ideas on the economy. I'm not sure a general and Chevron employee is the right choice, though. Jim Webb or Joe Bidenwould be better choices.

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:07 AM)

He should pick Caroline Kennedy for the VP job, if she agrees. This will be historical and will help Barak in every way.

1) She is not a typical politician, so by chosing her, he will signal the start of a new chapter in politics. Not politics as usual.

2) The whole women voter issue will be resolved. She can get all the Billary votes.

3) The country owes a certain debt to the Kennedy family and they are always inspiring to everyone. They are not like power crazy Clintins. She will excite veryone.

GP, LosAngeles, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:08 AM)

No to James Jones. He seems like a highly qualified individual who would be an asset to the administration, but there is nothing indicating that he would advance the Democratic agenda or has the capability to serve as President should the need arise. Why is Bill Bradley not on the list? He is from Missouri, he would advance Obama's change agenda, he is well known, respected and fully vetted from his Presidential run in 2000. I disagree with those who think Obama needs someone with military credentials to balance the ticket. Frankly, if I thought Obama's not prepared to be commander in chief, I would vote for McCain. I think selection of a military VP raises more doubts about Obama rather than it enhances his chance for success. If he's going to win, its going to be on his message of change. He should select someone who will enhance that message.

Martin Hume, Youngstown, OH (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:08 AM)

Kathleen Sebelius. You get a Governor who works beyond party lines and you get a woman who'll help bring Clinton's demographic without having to take Clinton.

Win/Win

DWR, KCMO (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:09 AM)

I'm not against Hilary for VP. I didn't like the flames of evil and hate she seemingly fanned during the primaries etc..., and the fact her graciousness came days after it would have been more appropiate and just plain ole nice of her, as it relates to the historic time when Obama clenched the magic number of delegates. But with that said, I'm praying for her and Bill. I know that the Lord will ultimately decide/allow not only who is to be VP to be VP, but ultimately who is to be President as well. We're not in control; He is. If we prayerfully cast our votes in the spiritual relm opposed to in the carnal, and the result is Obama/Clinton, Obama/Powell,Obama/Nunn, Obama/Sebelius, (this in accordance with whom Obama eventually chooses), then we can rest assured that God's will has been done. We must trust in the Lord even if, and especially if we don't understand. We should not rely on our own understanding. It's "In God We Trust".

Jesse, Diamond Bar, California (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:09 AM)

I don't know. I kind of like Vietnam Vet Max Cleeland. Triple amputee trumps stint as POW anytime.

Seriously, I do kind of like someone with a military background like Webb.

And c'mon Obama bashers. You may not agree with him, but Omaba is not an idiot. To call him that just shows that you ARE one.

Dave K, Collegeville, Pa (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:09 AM)

Retired General? Too overt. Obama does seem to have intelligence. He will not fight McCain about military experience because he (Obama) does not have any. That is not saying he is not qualified to surround himself with experts. He's done pretty well on the business/economic side. Nope... his VP descision should reveal how clever (or not) he really is.

Fence Riding Republican, Atl, Ga (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:09 AM)

Bottom line, I want Hillary on the ticket because I don't like her. If that doesn't make sense, let me explain. If Obama doesn't pick her and all her feminist bitter voters cause Obama to lose the election in November, it gives Hillary a chance at the Presidency in 2012, and then God help us all. Hillary as VP is a lot better than Hillary as President in 2012.

Ryan, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:10 AM)

Scratch off Ted Strickland from the list. He just took himself off the list!

http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2008/06/bad-news-for-barack-obama.html#links

KYJurisDoctor, KY (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 6:49 PM)

John McCain is screwed and will never recover.

Why?

Because thousands of card-carrying members of the religious right, like myself, have had their eyes opened by the last 8 years of bush/cheney/rove who have RAPED us. We will no longer vote for the lesser of 2 evils. In fact, most of my family and church will be voting libertarian for the first time and most likely from now on.

Yes, that will most likely cause an electoral landslide for Obama, but the republicans DESERVE a trial by fire for the next four years for turning thier backs on their base and principals.

If they don't learn their lesson and reform, then they DESERVE obsurity.

My hands will be clean.

Carl B, Western Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 6:58 PM)

I remember Luc Longley as an Australian born NBA player. He's red headed, tall and ( it's now established) not very smart. I guess he stayed around long enough to get citizenship.

Harvey Bissette. Las Vegas, Nevada (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:00 PM)

Gen Jones would be an excellent VP for Obama.
EITHER GEN JONES OR GEN ZINNI

NO CLINTON ON THE OBAMA TICKET!!

Debbie, Columbia, SC (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:24 PM)

EXCUSE ME--ALL YOU PEOPLE CALLING OBAMA "DUMB" AND "STUPID"---First of all stop being so childish and stop your name calling. If you have a comment regarding his policies or proposals then feel free to give your opinion. However, I hardly think anyone who is stupid and dumb would have been accepted much less graduated from Columbia University, or Harvard Law. And if your a Republican who voted for Bush and are making these comments, then you are the biggest hypocrits or possibly just as ignorant as the complete and utter undisputed ignoramus you put in office.

Kelly, CT (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:26 PM)

Marcy Kaptur..If Obama picks her he will definitely win the election.

Ellens afox (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:27 PM)

Bill Richardson brings the following:
1. Foreign policy experience
2. Executive experience
3. Experience in Washington
4. Hispanic vote
5. Possibly more of the southwest
6. Guts. He stood up to the Clintons!

bibb (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:42 PM)

Clinton is the only guarantee Obama will win.

If she's on the ticket it solidifies the base and helps him in key states. The majority of Dems want her on the ticket. She's smart, experienced and they stand the same on the issues. Her baggage has already been laid out in the 16 month primary, the rest (save Edwards & Kerry who don't want it) would have to start all over again - and they ALL have baggage.

Sorry, but this year the rest bring nothing to the ticket in comparison.

Obama/Clinton '08

Susan, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:47 PM)

Obama needs a vp with foreign policy/defense policy experience, so my choice is Jim Webb Actually I've liked him more and more ever since he turned Bush's questions about his son away when he first went to the Senate. Obama is smart and strong enough to do well with a vp who is also strong and smart. And no, I started out supporting John Edwards - Obama had to earn my support.

Rachel Port, Tucson, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 8:15 PM)

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