Veep Watch: An Indiana lay over

Posted: Saturday, August 02, 2008 4:18 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Mark Hudspeth and NBC/NJ's Mike Memoli
On the Veepwatch front, nothing's on Obama's schedule yet, but the traveling press registration e-mail has us flying to South Bend at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and not leaving until 3:25 p.m. the next day.

It seems seems like an awfully long time to be in one place. (Where exactly is Evan Bayh?)

Bayh's home town is near Terre Haute, Ind. -- about four-hour drive from South Bend. But South Bend is a nice geographical point between Illinois and Ohio, and just south of the Michigan line.

Obama communications stretegist Robert Gibbs says all that should be taken from it is that "Indiana is competitive and winnable for us," he said.

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Comments

What is the story about the $5M payment for Hillary's debt, paid by Bayh?

JOhn Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 9:35 AM)

I agree...Indiana is a very competitive state... http;//www.enewsreference.wordpress.com

eNews Reference (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 9:37 AM)

South Bend is Tim Roemer's hometown. And it's also where he went to school, earning a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from Notre Dame.

Suze, Ellsworth, Maine (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 10:02 AM)

Any Notre Dame grads on any of the shortlists?

Tom (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 10:03 AM)

I hope the VP selection will be Evan Bayh because he was a two-term, popular, and effective Democratic governor in a red state. He may not be flashy but he is a good person, a good complement to Obama--gubernatorial and legislative experience, foreign policy credentials. Can work across the aisle, is not divisive--he has a deep commitment to political life in the best sense of the word--we would be lucky to have him on the ticket.

Mary, Indianapolis (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 10:04 AM)

Why doesn't Obama select McCain as his running mate? Lord knows, Obama is flip-flopping everyday and ending up agreeing with McCain.

Hilgy Springs (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 10:28 AM)

I would have to say that Bayh would be the ultimate "safe choice" for Obama. I however, think that Obama needs to go with an exciting choice. Look at the generic ballot. Dems should be ahead by at least 12 points. Obama can't peak above 50%--do we need a change--yes! We also need someone who can get elected. Obama needs to either swallow his pride and pay homage to Hillary Clinton by picking her as Veep or he needs to pick someone totally unexpected with lots of foreign policy bona fides. Dems need to win but a squeaker this year will spell disaster as the Republicans always seem to pull it out when the chips are down.

SMC, Albany, NY (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 10:45 AM)

Obama-Bayh, 2008!

Great ticket, puts Indiana in play, western Ohio, etc.

I Love Andrea Mitchell - Go Andrea!! (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 10:52 AM)

Where is Hillary Clinton? Is what you should be asking. I wouldn't be at all surprised if she was the "surprise" pick of Obama.

Adrian Ewing, Erie, PA (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 11:04 AM)

Evan Bayh seems a natural choice for VP. He has the right experience and background. Look for Colin Powell to endorse Sen. Obama, lessening the need for a Biden, who I think is a less safe choice than Bayh. Tim Kaine could still help Sen. Obama win Virginia even if he is not on the ticket. For Sen. McCain, what about John Thune? Any reason he has seemingly dropped off the speculation radar? Tom Ridge would seem to be a good match for McCain, but might not satisfy the conservative base.

Paul Theis; Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 11:08 AM)

I greatly respect and admire Tom Brokaw, and I am willing to allow him time to find his way with his new MTP responsibilities, however, I was a little disappointed this morning when he:

-Continued the media's despicable tactic of taking Wes Clark's comments about Senator being shot down in a plane out of context by not playing the comment that preceeded by Bob Sheafer, where HE brought up being shot down in a plane, and Gen. Clark simply RESPONDED (accurately I might add).

- I was also disappointed that Tom Brokaw said that Senator Obama did not respond when Wes Clark made his comment about being shot down in a plane not being a qualification to be President - he DID respond, more forcefully than I thought was warranted, and this was WIDELY covered - remember that overshadowed patriotism speech?

Trying to compare the media created "Clark incident" with the campaign that has been raging against Senator Obama for over A YEAR - by well financed TV and radio networks - all supporting John McCain and never ridiculed by John McCain - is RIDICULOUS.

This Friday, I heard with my own ears on the Rush Limbaugh show the "official Obama criticizer" list his qualification as "100% non-homogenized slave blood". He also used the word "ni**er in his comments. Is that not a racial comment? Why is the media not talking about that? Is John McCain okay with that? This on the same day that the President of the United States, his dad (also a former President) AND his brother called in to CONGRATULATE Rush Limbaugh on his show!

-Also, Tom Brokaw continues the PASS the media gives the McCain campaign for LYING about the surge starting the Anbar Awakening. Instead of asking the McCain campaign to acknowledge that they are WRONG about that, Tom Brokaw continues to pretend that the order doesn't matter and say "Why doesn't Senator Obama give all the credit to the surge?"

I don't know if it's sloppy journalism, company orders, or actual ignorance, but my patience is indeed wearing thin. Very thin.

Report the truth as it is, and keep your corporate media spin OUT OF IT! PLEASE!

Nashville_fan (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 11:13 AM)

Here's hoping that Obama is in Indiana for no other reason than to campaign. The last thing he needs is Evan Bayh on his ticket--and I say that as someone from Indiana who is familiar with his qualifications. Sen. Obama would be best paired with Wesley Clark, Kathleen Sebelius, or Bill Richardson (I'd say Joe Biden but he's already stated that he's not sure if he wants or would even accept the position.)

Erica, Indianapolis IN (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 11:15 AM)

Sen. Obama has an event planned in Elkhart, In Wednesday. This is a about 20 miles east of South Bend.
This was the town he made an unscheduled bus stop in - on a Sunday during the primary. Some of your (MSNBC) reporters should remember.

Otherwise - my daughter's money is on Gov. Sebelius of Kansas - mine? - I am not sure, maybe Sen. Bayh (he did some really good things for Indiana when he was the Governor and is very highly thought of in the state.).

OBwan, IN (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 11:34 AM)

Yeah as an Indiana citizen, I have to say Obama...keep dreaming

NOBAMA (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 11:45 AM)

obama, inadequate

John Doe (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 12:06 PM)

Someone your way needs to look up the report on the JUNE ad that McCain put out, around the 22nd, with a depiction of Obama on a bill of currency, presumably calling Obama ou on his presumptiveness. Okay FR, if I can find it, I know you can. Seems to me McCain needs to back up, explain his motive, then proceed to shut up over the "race card" crap. If this does not get posted, rest assured I'll be back.

Sherri Hussein, Charleston WV (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 12:26 PM)

What an uninspired choice that would be. I keep hoping Obama will surprise us.

Sharon, Hilton Head, SC (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 12:26 PM)

Perhaps Sen Bayh will find this of interest:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDTJDv4hevU

no one else seems to.

It's been out there since June (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 12:29 PM)

Mr Todd...I heard you say on Meet the Press that 78% of Hillary's supporters already support Obama...I don't give a rip about all your political punditry, I think you don't get it. I am a 58 year old woman, living in Iowa who has been a stauch dem (my husband and I are now registered IND) all my life, however in light of how Obama treated Hillary and painting Pres Clinton as a racist during the campaign disgusted me. I will not be voting for Obama because of the DNC leadership and Obama campaign, so don't tell me I and many supporters such as myself will be voting Obama NO WE WON'T...his hubris is nauseating and his inexperience and resume' is flimsy at best. THEREFORE, McCain is very appealing to the former Clinton supporters..get it.

wanda mc micheal des moines, ia (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 12:31 PM)

WOW! DID ANYONE SEE THIS!
IF NOT SEE IT NOW!

THEY LIES KEEP COMING TO TO A HEAD! WOW!GOOD FIND TOO!
LET'S START COUNTING!
McCain Mocked Idea of Obama on U.S. Currency...in JUNE
http://www.jedreport.com/2008/08/setting-the-rec.html

pam, hershey, pa (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 12:53 PM)

Sorry By the way I love the ideal of Evan Bayh as VP...The one thing that I can understand is the Hillary ticket, has anyone taught she does not want it but want President still, VP could both help and Hurt sometimes and I don't think she wants those odds in her next Presidental Campaign...I think she will want to go it alone.

pam, hershey, pa (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 1:00 PM)

Blech.

He could choose a Gore (Sebelius, Kaine). He could choose a Cheney (Biden, Clark). It looks as though he's choosing a Lieberman.

Hard to get excited about this choice. I'm not likely to ever vote for Bayh (one of the biggest warhawks in the Dem party) in a primary. I hope it's some sort of elaborate smokescreen.

In fact, looking at this through the lens of party leadership and future presidency, I'd rather have any of my aforementioned (and I'd add HRC to that list, too) over this guy.

Evan Price, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 1:00 PM)

Today on Meet the Press, Chuck Todd made very light of the Hillary supporters who are not transitioning to Obama. He said something like there is usually a percentage who crosses over and votes republican any way. Well you blowing us off is not going to help a thing, because the media's beloved Obama is not addressing the Hillary supporters. In fact, he's been down right dismissive and rude. So Chuky T., when your sitting there next to Tom, Keith, Chris and Andrea, wondering what the hell happened. You can know that the millions of Hillary supporters who crossed over cost Obama the election. Just put this little note stuffed behind the hanky of your sport coat and remember and know that you shouldn't have blown us off. Toodles!

Gina Hays, San Antonio, TX (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 1:01 PM)

For the life of me I cannot understand why Americans want to continue with the same old failed policies of the past. McCain represents the same failed policies and the past. Obama is real change. This country must take a different direction. In fact, recent polls indicate that approximately 80% of Americans think the country headed in the wrong direction.
So why more of same? I don't get it.

Bob Justice (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 1:34 PM)

McCain blew it with the Paris Hilton ad. The Hilton's have been top contributors to McCain for years.

Paris Hilton's mother ripped McCain for this ad and called it a waste of contributors money.

Dan, McFarland, WI (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 1:53 PM)

Going to take a guess.

With the Olympics staring on Friday and with an Obama $5 million ad buy to be aired during the games, does it not seem likely that he would love to have the ads read Obama/???? '08. Gives the public an introduction to the VP candidate.

So in going to guess that whoever he picks, it will be this week before the games begin.

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 2:42 PM)

Barack,

I am a supporter. Even gave you money. I will support an Evan Bayh on your ticket. However, in a fight, you need a fighter. Obviously not Clinton b/c you may not be able to trust her. But Biden has the ability to speak his mind. I believe he was instrumental in Democrats being the majority party in 2006 with his weekly appearances. Do not fall for those who will say his foreign policy will overshadow you. You are a special politician that many of us do not believe can be overshadowed. That being said, you need someone with the ability to go to the hill for you as you inspire and lead our country. Someone who can call John McCain OLD and INCOMPETENT and not be attacked because they are old also, but not as old in terms of mid 60s in comparison to 72.

I will respect your choice but wanted to put this email plea out. Have confidence in yourself that no one can outshine your great talents. That is something that I have taken from your candidacy personally. Lastly, please raise the issue of COMPETENCE. This campaign is about the ability to go out to a town hall or meet with a leader (see Dali in Denver) without the need to have notecards in your hand. This is not a picture I believe the American people want their president to portray. It may not be that Senator McCain is too old to remember, it may just be that he is not as competent as you. You are a Harvard educated professor. He is someone that graduated 2nd from last at the Navy. Believe me, in this time of need for a smart politician, we need competence in the Whitehouse. We have had enough of the guy who shares my values and the guy that is like me. I for one as an independent would like the smart guy.

Florida (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 2:46 PM)

Hi,

I live in Minneapolis, so I was shocked when I read that McCain was now so close the Obama in this Minnesota. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x2882.xml?ReleaseID=1195

It made no sense to me at all.
While I did not believe the numbers, what I could not understand is how the wonks did not seem to even question that the poll might have just been a bad poll.

I chalked it up to mid-west blindness on the part of I-95 corridor analysts media?

My friends and I came up with a local, but plausible reason. One I think a good statistican may be able to test.

The weather

I know that weather is sometimes used an explanation when it is bad. But in MN it works both ways. We had the worst 5 months of miserable weather leading into late July Some records were set for cold, rain and you name it. The week that poll was taken was the first true hot week ALL YEAR. The only ones at home were suburban central air types -

Think I'm nuts look at this data set. The column to focus on is the DEP - departure from normal.

I'm copying the link for July followed by June and May- you will see what I mean. You might have fled the stae in May and early June. No normal person would have stayed indoors that week in July.

http://www.weather.gov/climate/getclimate.php?date=&wfo=mpx&sid=msp&pil=CF6&recent=&specdate=2008-07-31+11%3A11%3A11

http://www.weather.gov/climate/getclimate.php?date=&wfo=mpx&sid=msp&pil=CF6&recent=&specdate=2008-06-30+11%3A11%3A11

http://www.weather.gov/climate/getclimate.php?date=&wfo=mpx&sid=msp&pil=CF6&recent=&specdate=2008-05-31+11%3A11%3A11

Jan: 5 days below 0
Feb: 8 days below zero
March: 2 days below 0 | 29 days 32 or lower
April: 14 days below 32
May: only 12 days above 65 - avg temp of 56, 3 degrees below normal fro month
June: only 11 days above 65
July; THANK GOD: July 15 -31 all above normal - w/ 80's when that stupid poll was conducted.

Tara (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 3:04 PM)

Again, I’ve been away for a while so please bear with me.

Attention: Please pay no attention to the candidate!

For years, people like me have felt that George W. Bush wasn't really in charge. We feel he was picked by the usual suspects as an easy-to-control puppet, someone they could use to advance their agenda. They may have gotten more than they bargained for, but they pretty much got everything they wanted (minus a corrosion of the Republican brand).

Could John McCain be in a similar situation? It would certainly seem so, if what he says doesn't necessarily apply to "The McCain Campaign." Apparently, Mr. he doesn’t speak for me, I speak for me doesn’t speak for himself.

John McCain has said, repeatedly and on the record, that he would never consider raising payroll taxes as part of a Social Security reform effort. Asked if there are “any circumstances” in which he would consider this, even as part of negotiations with congressional Democrats, McCain said, “No. None. None.”

Last weekend, McCain said the exact opposite, explaining that a payroll tax increase is on the table, much to the consternation of conservative activists. . .

Rick Davis of the McCain campaign has now said for a second time:

“McCain still doesn’t speak for the McCain campaign”.

Good to know that whatever the candidate says or promises we should pay no attention to it until we hear from the campaign to see if it is accurate.

I thought we had enough of this foolishness with Bush/Cheney. Must be a Republican thing.

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 3:09 PM)

Who cares who obama picks - he will NEVER be elected - he is not qualified to lead our country. Pick your grandmother - or you "uncle" Rev. Wright - who Cares!

Molly (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 3:20 PM)

Evan Bayh would be a good running mate for Obama, who needs help deflecting the barage of negative and misleading Republican ads. Obama doesn't need to face these pitiful attempts alone. But there are others who could do just as well. Why hype it more? Wait and see.

James D. Fett, Olympia, WA (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 3:42 PM)

It is also worth noting the Senator Bayh has an office in South Bend.

Jacob, Florida (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 4:03 PM)

Evidence surfaces that McCain did indeed run an ad in June portraying Obama's face on the $100 bill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDTJDv4hevU

McCain has intentionally done everything to make this about race. This is no surprise, McCain's career is filled with opposition to women and minorities.

Dan, McFarland, WI (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 4:12 PM)

Hi
I really am purplexed why this guy Obama is not choosing the best of all VP's Hillary Clinton. There isn't anyone including Obama who's tougher smarter and more experienced than Hillary. I am convinced he won't win without her. Personally I won't vote for him without her on the ticket.

Nancy Ruiz, Fairfax,California. (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 4:30 PM)

OBAMA-BAYH

Sounds good. I hope he picks him--the guy's great credentials for the job.

Annabella, San Diego, CA (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 5:15 PM)

I really wish the media would stop trying to spin everything Senator Obama does. I am not interested in seeing Kaine, Bayh, or Sebelius as VP with the potential to run this country if something happened to Senator Obama. I truly hope he sticks to someone more ready to govern the country. I prefer Edwards but Richardson, Biden, Dodd, even Clark are better choices.

lauren, Boulder, CO (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 6:54 PM)

WHY WOULD BAYH ALIGN HIMSELF WITH A LOSER LIKE OBAMA, THE TRUTH IS NOW COMING OUT ABOUT HIM, THE NEW BOOK WILL BE THE END OF HIM=HE WAS EVEN FOR ABORTION AFTER A CHILD WAS BORN=IT WILL BE PROVEN HE BELIEVES IN THE COMMUNIST THEORY OF DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH, AND HE IS ANTI MILITARY AND WANTS TO DO AWAY WITH OUR NUKES=HE WOULD BE THE END OF AMERICA.

DAVID ANDERS, TEXAS (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 8:29 PM)

If the Obama camp is torn between staying on theme with a Washington outsider (Kaine) and bringing in someone with foreign policy credentials (Biden), then Bayh seems like a nice compromise.

I just hope the decision gets made soon, so the campaign can start doing a better job of responding to McCain. There is a lot of attention being given to Obama's willingness to consider off-shore drilling as part of a compromise in passing an energy policy -- a so-called "flip-flop." But there seems to be far less attention given to McCain's recent reversal on the issue, and in particular the circumstances under which his position changed. He takes $1.1 million in campaign donations from oil executives right around the time of his "principled" decision to support expanded drilling. The Obama campaign needs to do a better job of hammering McCain on this and dozens of other issues, which aren't catching the media's attention.

J. Franklin, Denver, CO (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 10:07 PM)

Yeah. Obama-Bayh. Indiana goes blue! This Hoosier guarantees it!

Rick (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 10:36 PM)

And then there's the other viewpoint - Sen. Obama will have a face to face meeting with Evan Bayh, out of respect for the candidates who were vetted, to let him know he's not the VP choice.

Erin13, Ft. Lee,NJ (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 10:43 PM)

I think it's going to be Bayh. If Obama holds MI and PA, all he needs to do is win one of six states: MO, FL, CO, VA, OH, or IN.

IN is definitely winnable, if he runs with the state's popular senator / popular ex-governor. It makes so much sense.

Plus, Obama / Bayh is so much fun to say over and over...

Chris F. Northern Cal. (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 11:08 PM)

Ho-hum, coupled with just enough retained vomit to leave a bad taste.

Fachna, Bloomington, IL (Sent Sunday, August 03, 2008 11:15 PM)

For all her negatives, I believe Hillary Clinton delivers more votes to Obama than any other of the potential VP nominees mentioned by the media. Yes, he (Obama) will to deal with Bill but that could be a test to his leadership. If he is able to get Bill under control and on his side, it would take a lot more than John McCain to beat the Democrats in November.

Hector Sanchez (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 12:04 AM)

Bayh would be an excellent choice. He has good foreign policy experience in the Senate, an easy going "down to earth" demeanor and way of speaking which can appeal to many of the undecided voters. He can intelligently speak about the country's economic problems and be Obama's "attack dog" on McCain. His mistaken vote on the Iraq war authorization and time in the Washington establishment should not disqualify him. I believe he is well qualified to be President if that became necessary or after Obamah's time in office. Hillary's supporters will like the choice. I like his style and substance. Check out his questioning of General Patreous on youtube. Coincidentally, but not meaningful except in an aesthetic sense, has anyone noticed that Bayh is similar in appearance, voice and mannerism to the actor, Kevin Kline, who strangely enough, played the role of a "stand in" President in the Movie Dave. (His real job was helping people find employment,
something that is becoming more crucial in the real world.)

jay cutler, new york, new york (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 1:16 AM)

Clinton or Bayh.... Please!!!!

Lexington KY (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 1:58 AM)

LOL, all the Clinton haters out there who think Saint Barack of the Inspired shouldn't pick Hillary because she doesn't jibe with his so-called "change" message, would be just ga-ga with a dud from an entrenched political family like Bayh. And what an interesting name too--Bye Obama. The Obama lovers (who have a talent for ignoring the obvious) other choices for Veep include Joe "plagarism" Biden, Chris "Countrywide" Dodd, and now the Botox Queen of San Francisco wants that dud from Texas Chet Edwards-what an "inspiring" choice. Please Clinton supporters: again I implore you to switch to McCain especially if His Holiness disses HRC again. By the by a recent Rasmussen survey had HRC beating McCain by 8 points while Obama was merely tied. Need I say more?

Dean, Waterbury, Ct (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 5:01 AM)

Kathleen Sebelius

John Doe, Seattle Wash (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 6:06 AM)

Obama-Bayh sound Great....Love it ....love it

B Augustin (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 8:38 AM)

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