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Biden: "I'm Not The Guy"

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:03:00 PM EST
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Update [2008-8-19 20:6:26 by Big Tent Democrat]: NBC says it does not matter, because Biden does not know if he is "the guy." And NBC reports Biden wlaks it back completely. Now we know. Biden IS the pick.

From First Read:

As Delaware Sen. Joe Biden left his home a few minutes ago, golf clubs in tow, he was asked where he was going to be on Saturday. Biden replied, "Here" and pointed down to his driveway. As he pulled out of the driveway in the driver's seat of his car he then said to the press gathered near his gate, "You guys have better things to do. I'm not the guy."

(Emphasis supplied.) Biden is not much of a game player on these things. When he says he is "not the guy," I believe him. That means Kaine is the guy. This is a terrible mistake by Obama imo. Not picking Clinton is ridiculous, but Biden gave Obama some cover. Kaine is inexperienced and a weak politician who will "reinforce" Obama's weakness.

If Kaine or Sebelius is the pick, I have to say I think Obama no longer is a shoo in and in fact is not much of a favorite anymore. An amazing turn of events I think. All Obama has to do to insure victory is pick Hillary Clinton as his running mate and he refuses to do it. Just amazing.

By Big Tent Democrat, speaking for me only

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    Biden: "I'm Not The Guy" | 166 comments (166 topical)

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    Kaine or Kerry (5.00 / 2) (#6)
    by americanincanada on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:08:45 PM EST
    And to top it all off the NYT magazine has Obama on the cover, again. Feature is about Obamanomics. Are we going to get cutsey little plays on his name for four years if he wins. Spare me.

    if name games is what we (5.00 / 3) (#12)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:11:02 PM EST
    have to look forward to we should hope its not the popular pain medication Obama/Kaine

    Parent
    It sounds actually worse ... (none / 0) (#133)
    by Andy08 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:15:47 PM EST
    If you say it really fast all you hear is...ObaMcKaine

    Parent
    That's a bad one! (none / 0) (#16)
    by nycstray on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:12:14 PM EST


    Parent
    Kaine or Clinton (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by IzikLA on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:15:25 PM EST
    Those are my guesses -- nothing else makes sense...

    Kaine fits the campaign message, focuses importance on Virginia and is unknown enough yet likable enough to become a good VP...

    Clinton would be the biggest fake-out of all time, and yet I still think the chance is there... Talk about media coverage and excitement and unity, it's all there in one bright shiny package...

    Unless there is someone no one is bringing up no one else is even close.  Bayh (eh), Biden (old), Kathleen (non-Hillary female), Richardson (backstabber), Dodd (stodgy), Hagel (uh, Republican), Webb/Strickland, etc. (explicitly saying no), Edwards (not anymore), Daschle (couldn't even bring SD in the primary), Gore/Kerry/Pelosi (really?)...

    Maybe Brian Schweitzer but that doesn't exactly roll off the tongue does it?  I think he's the only Maybe - but my guess is still Kaine or Clinton...

    BTD - while I agree that some people... (5.00 / 3) (#74)
    by Shainzona on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:39:41 PM EST
    will support a ticket with HRC on it as VP, there are others (including me) who will not - even though she is my hero.

    I have long passed the point in this election of my sadness that HRC is not on the top of the ticket.  

    I thoroughly believe that BO is simply not qualified for the job of POTUS.

    In fact, if HRC is his choice then it calls into question his judgment in not having done this months ago and used these past couple of months to campaign HARD to win the GE.  And remember, he kept telling us his judgment was superior because of his "voting against (HA) the Iraq war.

    His judgment s*%ks, IMHO, if he puts HRC on the ticket this late in the game.

    Parent

    Concur with your assessment of the (none / 0) (#160)
    by 0 politico on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:58:38 PM EST
    presumptive.

    Also, I have to wonder why anyone is getting excited about Kaine.  The state budget is a mess (blames the Republicans in the state legislature), taxes are not getting better, the housing market is sucking wind, etc.  He is not the second coming of Mark Warner.  So, if Kaine is the "guy", I do not see it as a plus if the intent is to win Virginia, IMHO.

    Parent

    "coverage and excitement and unity" (none / 0) (#29)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:17:48 PM EST
    thats the ticket.  lets see if Obama is as smart as he and all his supporters think he is.

    Parent
    actually (none / 0) (#40)
    by AlSmith on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:26:03 PM EST

    Phelps

    but I think McCain is naming him

    Parent

    Nah (none / 0) (#48)
    by nell on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:29:42 PM EST
    I don't think it could be Clinton. First, I don't think it will be Clinton because Obama's ego would not allow for it. He realizes that with the two of them standing next to each other and Hillary not getting viciously attacked as his opponent, many will wish it was she at the top of the ticket. Second, I don't think Hillary wants it at all. If Hillary wanted it, Bill would have up and around supporting Obama a bit more visibly. He declined to attend an Obama-Clinton fundraising event in NYC because he said he had to pack for a trip....Bill also would not have made the comment about race, or about being more forward about what happened in the primary come January 2009....

    It won't be Hillary.

    If Biden is really out, I put my money on Bayh. Not even the Obama campaign is dumb enough to do Kaine or Sebelius...

    Parent

    it won't be Clinton.... (5.00 / 3) (#91)
    by p lukasiak on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:47:48 PM EST
    ...if there had been any possibility that Clinton would get the VP nod, Bill would not have said that "is anyone really ready to be President?" stuff.

    And lets face it, it took over two months just to negotiate Obama "allowing" Clinton's name to be placed into nomination.  It would take years for Obama to "negotiate" a VP deal with Clinton.

    I never thought Clinton made sense from her perspective anyway.... why would she want to be anyone's VP, let alone Obama's VP?  

    Parent

    AND, Biden in true sexist form (none / 0) (#110)
    by Shainzona on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:59:27 PM EST
    said, "I'm not the GUY".

    So, obviously a VP can never be a woman.

    Parent

    Either That (5.00 / 1) (#125)
    by BDB on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:09:01 PM EST
    or he knows who the VP is and it's a guy.

    Parent
    Loose Lips... (5.00 / 1) (#128)
    by Brillo on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:12:28 PM EST
    Biden is the last person in the world you would tell who your VP choice was unless you had chosen him.  The man cannot keep his mouth shut.  

    Parent
    Or he is just saying simply (none / 0) (#174)
    by bridget on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:13:49 AM EST
    I am a guy and it is not me ;-)

    Parent
    The thing is... (none / 0) (#144)
    by IzikLA on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:26:20 PM EST
    For me, for many of us here on this site, it makes perfect sense that if he was going to pick her he should have done it right afterwards.  However, I think we also need to remember that he had to make it seem to the world that he wasn't being forced into a VP pick.  All this vetting and names, etc., could very well be an elaborate front and a way of him being able to basically say --Look, I looked at everyone, took time to think about, and came to the conclusion that Clinton is the BEST choice for VP - not because anyone told him to...

    I think that is a valid point and although you are all probably right and it won't be Clinton, it's certainly a possibility.  The thing is, any other choice right now will not make him look good.  Maybe that's just my opinion, but I don't see how he comes out of this with a sizable bump if it's not her.  If it's ANY of those other choices then I think we can be quite certain that whomever it is that McCain announces the following week will quite easily trump Obama's pick.

    Parent

    I don't want Kaine but I don't want Sebelius (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by Teresa on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:15:58 PM EST
    either, even though I like her positions a little better. It still feels like a slap to me and I know I'm not alone. Being the good Democrat she has always been, my mom came around and decided to vote for Obama unless he picks a non-Hillary woman or Richardson. What a mess this year has turned into.

    If I were voting for Obama (5.00 / 2) (#34)
    by nycstray on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:21:47 PM EST
    Richardson would be one of my deal breakers. For some reason, Sebelius doesn't bother me that much. Maybe because of the backlash effect. . .

    I just don't see him picking Clinton. And if he does, he really blew the advantage of picking her early.

    Parent

    McCain is getting a lot of airtime (5.00 / 6) (#33)
    by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:21:26 PM EST
    talking about off shore drilling while the Obama campaign thinks the most important thing they can do is play head games with the media and the public about who his VP will be.

    Which one of these "issues" do you think the American public cares about more?

    McCain (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:29:32 PM EST
    may not have started off well but he seems to be running circles around Obama for the last few weeks.

    Parent
    I've always thought that this would (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:00:06 PM EST
    be something of a tortise and a hare race.  

    While other people in our party celebrated McCain's nomination as some sort of assured win for our side, I became extremely nervous about our prospects.  No matter what they say - experience matters and John McCain is a talented politician.  

    Parent

    I don't (5.00 / 6) (#123)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:06:52 PM EST
    know why ANYBODY would celebrate McCain getting the GOP nomination. He was and is their strongest candidate. They freakishly nominated the ONLY candidate that they had running this year that could win. And we nominated the only one who had or has a large chance of losing.

    Parent
    It wasn't freakish - the GOP (none / 0) (#130)
    by inclusiveheart on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:12:51 PM EST
    and their voters have always been much more disciplined and practical than our party has where it comes to elections.

    Look at our nominee - he is a total long-shot on many fronts.

    Parent

    McCain and the Party... (none / 0) (#138)
    by Brillo on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:18:25 PM EST
    Sorry, but the 'disciplined and practical' base of the Republican party split their votes between Huckabee and Romney, and the winner-take-all nature of their primary pretty much just left McCain with what was left.  Which happened to be just enough to put him in the lead over the party's preferred nominees.  Even today the party is still pushing hard to get one of their guys into that VP slot alongside McCain.

    Parent
    But they have since closed ranks. (5.00 / 1) (#171)
    by rooge04 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 08:05:35 PM EST
    I read a poll just yesterday that over 80% of Republicans are voting for McCain.  Gee. Whaetver happened to all those Republicans SO sick of the Bush years that they were waiting with bated breath to vote for Obama? Remember them?  Obama supporters told me constantly about their Republican parents being inspired this year and crossing party lines OMG! to vote for Obama.  

    Now it turns out that they're voting for McCain after all.  

    Parent

    It's time (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by koshembos on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:24:04 PM EST
    At one point adults and secure individuals have to realize they made a mistake, if they made it, and live with it. Obama was never a progressive and was a very weak debater because he is not fast on his feet. We have chosen the wrong guy, with a lot of help from the referees, and we, now it's America, are in danger of getting a professional pretender and war monger, McCain, as president.

    We helped Obama call everyone not for him racist and now it doesn't work any more. Our one trick pony is an weak campaigner without the race card.

    Well not all of us, but yes he has a history of (none / 0) (#77)
    by Salt on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:41:43 PM EST
    Surrounding himself with the wrong people his judgment lacking for what ever reason.  

    Parent
    So glad it's not Biden (5.00 / 7) (#41)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:26:11 PM EST
    I had my graphic all ready.

    Well (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:27:45 PM EST
    don't throw it away yet. It is all unofficial still.

    Parent
    And who says you have no influence? (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by Teresa on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:27:48 PM EST
    If it's true, I'm relieved for you.

    Parent
    You have no idea how relieved I am (5.00 / 2) (#80)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:41:57 PM EST
    Even though I never believed Obama would choose Biden. Maybe he'll surprise us and choose Hillary. I don't have opinions one way or the other about Bayh or Kaine.

    I still think his pick is going to be the result of his internal polling and focus group testing combined with who can bring in electoral votes in a swing state.

    Kaine, in addition to Virginia, where as I wrote yesterday, Obama has heavily invested, is also close to North Carolina, another state he may make a play for. Unlike the primaries, however, it's winner take all for him in those states. Both are quite iffy in my opinion. But then so is Indiana, Ohio, Florida and Michigan.

    Parent

    IN (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:49:55 PM EST
    is gone. SUSA has McCain up by 6 points.

    Parent
    OMG...seriously? (none / 0) (#98)
    by americanincanada on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:51:22 PM EST


    Parent
    Yup (none / 0) (#139)
    by MKS on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:19:28 PM EST
    Here it is.

    50-44 McCain.

    Parent

    Biden wouldn't be a bad pick IMO (none / 0) (#167)
    by desmoinesdem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 07:55:21 PM EST
    His overall voting record is much more progressive than Bayh's, and I suspect he is more progressive than Kaine as well.

    Biden would help Obama more with over-60 voters than anyone else on his alleged short list.

    Parent

    Fabulous! (none / 0) (#50)
    by Klio on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:30:42 PM EST
    Futuramic! it's my new word!

    Parent
    Nice graphic (none / 0) (#51)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:30:56 PM EST
    Not only are you a star lawyer, you're a great graphic designer too.

    Must be a real relief for you it's not Biden.

    On a sidenote, it's pretty sad that he's not going to choose the one person that would catapult him right into the White House. Let me go ten steps further and say on record that we could even call the whole election off if that were to happen.

    Parent

    Well, (none / 0) (#76)
    by suki on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:41:34 PM EST
    that is hilarious!

    Parent
    I don't (none / 0) (#92)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:48:21 PM EST
    know Jeralyn. You might find Kaine just as unacceptable as Biden. From some of the posts below his stances on lots of issues are worse than Biden.

    Parent
    exactly (none / 0) (#168)
    by desmoinesdem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 07:56:39 PM EST
    If we're talking about the potential front-runner in 2016, or the president if something were to happen to Obama, I would take Biden over Kaine every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

    Parent
    That's fabulous. (none / 0) (#127)
    by Valhalla on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:12:12 PM EST
    You should adorn more of your posts with your graphics.

    Parent
    LOL great cartoon (none / 0) (#149)
    by Andy08 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:31:48 PM EST
    But don't throw it away just yet...according to Steve Clemons... the VP himself probably hasn't been told yet (?).

    Parent
    If It's Kaine (5.00 / 2) (#53)
    by BDB on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:31:46 PM EST
    then I have to hand it to lambert, he was right that control of the party was the must have and the White House was the nice to have.  Because Kaine is straight from the centrist, bipartisan playbook.  

    Talk about (5.00 / 2) (#55)
    by tek on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:32:31 PM EST
    ennui.  I'm sick to death of the hype about The One's running mate.  Of course he has to turn it into a three-ring circus.

    Its funny (5.00 / 3) (#61)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:34:55 PM EST
    that all the voters wanted to win the election but the Dem elite doesn't. I wonder what's up with that.

    Parent
    Well, BTD (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:33:49 PM EST
    I do agree with you that it's not likely Biden. I would imagine that Biden would be saying something vague or even admitting that he's the VP if asked since he's type that would wander off the reservation.

    Kaine IS a worse choice than Biden IMO. I've never been a great fan of Biden, but heck, at least he has experience something Kaine sorely lacks.

    but markos says sebelius would be a great pick (5.00 / 4) (#60)
    by Turkana on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:34:45 PM EST
    and we all know markos is a really smart guy.

    Heh (5.00 / 3) (#64)
    by BDB on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:36:16 PM EST


    Parent
    Sebelius is (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:37:35 PM EST
    a terrible pick because it's a direct slap in the face to many Hillary supporters who are already on their way out the door or sitting on the fence. She looks like she could be Obama's mama. IMO, Kaine and Sebelius are equally bad just for different reasons.

    BTW, what did you think of Steve's post about the state of the race? I tend to agree with most of what he said.

    Parent

    i agree with it (none / 0) (#70)
    by Turkana on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:39:17 PM EST
    but i've been feeling that for months...

    Parent
    besides (none / 0) (#97)
    by swiss473 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:51:08 PM EST
    I thought Obama and his backers keep telling us that showing a white woman with Obama is racist and a dog whistle to all the bigots in the South

    Does that mean they wont appear together?

    Parent

    Hmm (none / 0) (#104)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:55:11 PM EST
    I hadn't thought of that. If that's true, then there's zero chance of Sebelius and it'll be Kaine. I can't imagine Bayh getting it but I could be wrong.

    Parent
    I like Sebelius (5.00 / 2) (#81)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:42:50 PM EST
    she would be okay with me, but I don't think it's a winning ticket.

    Parent
    i'm okay with her on the issues (5.00 / 2) (#121)
    by Turkana on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:05:48 PM EST
    but i think it would be a disastrous ticket. mccain and the media would destroy them on the experience factor.

    Parent
    Totally (5.00 / 2) (#134)
    by BDB on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:15:53 PM EST
    On the issues she's the least objectionable of the floated names with the possible exception of Reed.  She's yet another slap at Clinton supporters, but at least it's not a sign that the party is going to continue its war against women into an Obama Administration (which Kaine would signal, IMO).  

    But I don't see how it's a winning ticket.  She reinforces Obama's weaknesses.  What's worse, because she's not Hillary Clinton, she's going to be seen as having been chosen not for her qualifications, but for her sex, further playing into the GOP affirmative action dogwhistles.  She brings nothing to the table beyond not being as awful as a lot of his other candidates.  Hardly the makings of a winning ticket.

    Parent

    she wouldn't be a good pick (5.00 / 1) (#169)
    by desmoinesdem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 07:58:12 PM EST
    but she's got more experience than Kaine. Obama-Kaine will be destroyed on experience--the senator who hasn't completed one term with the governor who hasn't completed one term.

    Parent
    IT just does not work (5.00 / 4) (#88)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:47:02 PM EST
    Sorry, Clinton is more qualified and a better pol - it should not be that we line up women pols on these things, but there is no excuse to pick Sebelius. Can't be done.

    Parent
    VP Criteria... (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by Brillo on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:00:57 PM EST
    There are lots of better pols and more experienced people.  More goes into a VP pick that those two things though.

    Parent
    BTD (none / 0) (#106)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:56:27 PM EST
    why do you think he won't pick Bayh? Just curious as to your reasoning on that.

    Parent
    I dunno (5.00 / 1) (#120)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:04:45 PM EST
    Probably Bayh's record is so Republican on FP that it is too much of a problem.

    Parent
    So how aboutInd Survey USA today shows (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by Salt on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:36:28 PM EST
    McCain 50, Obama trailing at 44, Obama is losing women over 35.

    Ouch! (none / 0) (#140)
    by nemo52 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:23:28 PM EST
    That's gotta hurt.  I know I'm struggling to find enough energy to support Obama, and his camp is not making it easy!  (I'm in the over 50 female group that seems to have trouble with him).

    Parent
    that fact has been known for awhile (none / 0) (#166)
    by hellothere on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 07:47:01 PM EST
    that obama was losing women but we were sailing down that long river called denial.

    Parent
    Gotta agree with you here on Kaine (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by eugene on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:39:26 PM EST
    It's a pick that projects weakness - "I gotta pick a bland white guy from the South to shore up my weak spots." I disagree about Sebelius, I think she is a stronger pick, but Kaine is a joke and I think many Americans will see right through it.

    Biden would have been interesting and an excellent bulldog, which are both good to have in a VP.

    I think the Hillary for VP boomlet we're starting to see is a sign that even among Obama supporters there is a growing sense of unease about where this campaign is heading. I know that's true for me.

    Hillary to me (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:44:46 PM EST
    is a just a way to lock up the election. Forget what you think about her, It will push Obama's numbers up among Dems by 10% at least.

    If he loses half as much in GOPer and Indies, I would be surprised.

    Parent

    I completely agree (5.00 / 0) (#94)
    by eugene on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:48:36 PM EST
    As I've been thinking about this today, I keep coming back to the conclusion that of the available field, Hillary really is the best pick. I think you're absolutely right she'll bring a 10% boost.

    She would help Obama shore up his big weakness, which right now is his inability to connect with voters on domestic economic issues.

    I really didn't want her anywhere near the ticket, but that was before Obama went and blew his lead with a terrible campaign. What I'd like and what we need are now somewhat different things.

    Parent

    I thought that (5.00 / 0) (#101)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:52:20 PM EST
    if he did it quick, he could take control of the situation and it would be a confident, strength pick, now what might hurt politically about it, is that it might be seen as a cave-in, a sign of weakness.

    But the upside is more important than the Media's spin now -  plus the money would bury McCain.

    Parent

    if he (none / 0) (#141)
    by nemo52 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:24:26 PM EST
    kept up the suspense and announced her at the convention, it would be huge!  And it would wipe McCain's veep nomination news off the map!

    Parent
    That would be a tough secret to keep that long (none / 0) (#147)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:29:11 PM EST
    Don't they hand out the paraphernalia (flags, banners, stickers, hats, T-shirts etc) with the Ticket's names around the convention?

    So the printing company would have to sign air-tight non-disclosures, but in this day and age, everyone's willing to make a quick buck, esp. in the dog-eat-dog world of the Internet-threatened media.

    Parent

    I really agree with that last paragraph. (none / 0) (#82)
    by Teresa on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:43:39 PM EST
    I hope Obama's campaign has the same unease.

    On Sebelius, under other circumstances, I think she'd be a decent choice. Just not this time after this primary. Trust me, that would only anger Clinton supporters more. Not because she (Hillary) was the female choice but because of the way she was treated by the media.

    Parent

    Isn't Hillary from Illinois too? Almost as corny (5.00 / 1) (#126)
    by Teresa on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:11:35 PM EST
    as Unity, NH. I'm starting to think the Obama campaign sees the writing on the wall. Or maybe I'm napping with Capt Howdy.

    BTD (5.00 / 2) (#129)
    by Andy08 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:12:48 PM EST
    Are you 100% sure is not HRC? I mean, why is the
    media "so sure" ?

    Maura Liason (NPR) said it had to be Kaine b/c of
    the "Obama brand" of "new politics" (whatever that means...). They also said that Biden would reinforce the idea Obama "needs" foreign policy
    credentials.

    I think they milked the whole VP guessing game too much. The whole thing lost momentum imo; it is getting old...

    I keep envisioning a balloon that everyone thinks (4.50 / 2) (#132)
    by Angel on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:15:31 PM EST
    is going to POP but all it does is a slow pfffffffffffffth when the air goes out.  

    Parent
    I cannot imagine (5.00 / 1) (#165)
    by Steve M on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 07:45:50 PM EST
    Kaine brings a combination of qualities to the ticket that few other candidates can offer.  All the gravitas of Edwards, the name recognition of Sebelius, and the silky smoothness of Richardson.

    Frankly, I'll believe it when I see it.  Democrats are dumb but we are not quite that dumb.

    Maybe (4.00 / 1) (#2)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:04:57 PM EST
    Maybe he doesn't want to win.

    Priorities (none / 0) (#5)
    by Demi Moaned on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:07:42 PM EST
    I've long thought it's not his top priority. Though, OTBE, I'm sure he'd be glad enough to win.

    Parent
    Didn't he say (none / 0) (#35)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:23:40 PM EST
    that if he didn't win the primary, he wouldn't run again.  By that time, he'd be too rich from book deals or whatever, and wouldn't want to run?

    Maybe that's been his goal all the time....set himself up for the book deals without ever having to deal with the PITA's of being prez?

    And of course if/when he loses, the scapegoats abound....Hillary and other things.

    Parent

    He has the same loser/death wish (none / 0) (#93)
    by jpete on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:48:31 PM EST
    as the DNC has?  Looks like it, but indulging it is so selfish.  I can't think where his apparently quite intelligent head is at.

    Parent
    I feel GW didn't enjoy it so much (none / 0) (#154)
    by BarnBabe on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:47:25 PM EST
    He thought he could run the WH from Crawford and just go golfing. Didn't work out that way. Every time you see him he has that look like he is counting the days when he can escape because, being President is hard work. It probably sounded good to both of them in the beginning, but Obama was really tired out by the time he was in Scranton wanting to eat his waffle with no one around.

    Parent
    hmmm... (1.00 / 0) (#161)
    by zutroy75 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 07:07:04 PM EST
    I'm sorry, but I just have to laugh with all this Hillary has the experience talk.  Experience with what?  Health care reform? Failed.  Running a presidential campaign?  Came in 2nd, with millions in debt.

    Sorry, photo ops in Bosnia do not constitute experience.  She has about as much experience as Obama.  

    You're funny (5.00 / 1) (#162)
    by IzikLA on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 07:31:07 PM EST
    First comment here eh?  Let's see how this goes...

    Parent
    Good ones (none / 0) (#172)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 08:55:01 PM EST
    Never heard that before.

    Sheesh.

    Parent

    Any reason you glossed over (none / 0) (#177)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:00:31 AM EST
    her accomplishments during her six years in the Senate?

    Parent
    Im tell ya (none / 0) (#1)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:04:08 PM EST
    its Hillary.
    you owe me a beer if it is.

    Nope. I parse it as it is a guy. (none / 0) (#3)
    by Cream City on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:06:18 PM EST
    Just not Biden as the guy.

    An AA and a woman is just too much change for 'Murika.

    Parent

    call me pollyanna (none / 0) (#7)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:09:09 PM EST
    (Ive been called worse) but I simply dont think that even Obama is so arrogant and out of touch that he doesnt see that its his only chance at this point.
    and this is a man who want, most of all, to win.


    Parent
    I've Always Gotten The Feeling (none / 0) (#59)
    by flashman on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:34:16 PM EST
    that Obama's camp was watching the polls, and hoping for a big lead so he would not have to chose HRC.  I can only imagine that they believe a 4-5 point lead puts a win in the bag.  I have doubts about that.  Over confidence might be his undoing.

    Parent
    That Would Be The Smart Choice (none / 0) (#153)
    by BDB on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:44:50 PM EST
    Given the other candidates on the list, she's the only one who would create any buzz or excitement and rally the base (Clinton always did better holding Democrats together against McCain than Obama did in polls).  

    I'll believe it when I see it.  I've always thought he'd pick someone without their own political base who couldn't challenge him or his sponsors for control of the party.  I guess the question is how worried are they about November?  If they're really worried, Clinton might have a shot.  I'd like to think they're worried, they've always seemed way too confident that all Obama needed was to talk about hope and change and put a (D) after his name.  

    Parent

    Mark Halperin (none / 0) (#4)
    by Demi Moaned on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:07:02 PM EST
    You seem to be a bit excitable with your inferences on this topic. I never understood why we were supposed to take Mark Halperin's word as definitive. And it's equally obscure to me why Biden being out means it must be Kaine.

    Because Kaine (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by Landulph on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:09:45 PM EST
    is the only potential Veep who so far has no convention speaking spot.

    Parent
    not sure that is signficant.... (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by p lukasiak on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:15:35 PM EST
    I mean lets face it, why would Kaine deserve to be a speaker at the convention to begin with, given how many other people would like a shot at the podium?

    I still think it will be Bayh -- if Obama goes with an anti-choice candidate like Kaine, you can kiss even the illusion of "unity" at the convention buh-hye

    Parent

    I find both Kaine and Bayh (none / 0) (#27)
    by Landulph on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:16:58 PM EST
    to be equally insipid, to be honest. Potayto, potahto.

    Parent
    I agree... (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by p lukasiak on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:37:01 PM EST
    But Bayh has the famous name and resume that signals 'stability' while being unknown enough that he can represent 'change' -- and he could bring in Indiana.

    Other than having as little experience as Obama, and possibly bringing in Virginia (apparently, his budget proposal is so unpopular that Virginias might vote an Obama/Kaine ticket just to get rid of him ;)  ) Kaine has nothing to offer -- and would really piss women off.

    Parent

    Bayh may be a good fit, but... (5.00 / 1) (#131)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:14:34 PM EST
    his wife isn't, according to a report I read earlier this afternoon (sorry no link). It said his wife has (or had) several key positions on numerous boards of questionable organizations and received more than $800,000 in 2007 from those positions.

    Parent
    Big Pharma. (none / 0) (#136)
    by Angel on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:16:24 PM EST


    Parent
    You're right! The pharmas. (none / 0) (#142)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:24:53 PM EST
    I found the article from Bloomberg/Yahoo!

    WellPoint, which paid Susan Bayh almost $335,000 last year, is the biggest U.S. health-insurance company by membership as Obama's campaign promises to push for universal health-care coverage. WellPoint spent $890,000 lobbying Congress and the Bush administration in the three months ended June 30, according to disclosure forms.

    A former lawyer for Eli Lilly & Co., Susan Bayh is a director at four publicly traded biopharmaceutical companies: Curis Inc., Dendreon Corp., Dyax Corp., and MDRNA Inc. Earlier this year, she left the board of closely held Golden State Foods, one of McDonald's Corp.'s biggest suppliers, and became a company adviser.



    Parent
    My county is in the (none / 0) (#113)
    by cawaltz on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:00:31 PM EST
    process of mailing a check to Kaine in lieu of having the state cut our budget for us.

    Parent
    Could it be possible that the intended VP could (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by derridog on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:16:00 PM EST
    also have a speaking spot at another time in order to throw people off?

    Parent
    I didn't (5.00 / 3) (#10)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:10:16 PM EST
    I assumed common sense was being employed in the Obama campaign.

    I realized that their was a visceral hatred of the Clintons that prohibited Hillary from being the pick, so I assumed Biden for the PAST TWO WEEKS!

    Mark Halperin was behind me.

    Apparently, Obama has his heart set on Kaine, no matter how politically stupid it is.


    Parent

    Kaine (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by americanincanada on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:11:23 PM EST
    will hurt him with women, badly.

    Parent
    Too late. He's already done that himself. (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by derridog on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:16:56 PM EST


    Parent
    Yeah that might be a plus for him (none / 0) (#137)
    by Valhalla on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:17:20 PM EST
    Pick Kaine, he can't tick women off any more than Obama has.

    Parent
    Kaine relieves a vexing choice. (5.00 / 3) (#32)
    by RonK Seattle on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:20:51 PM EST
    "No Charisma" vs "No Experience"?

    Now you can have both!

    Parent

    Yep (none / 0) (#57)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:33:06 PM EST


    Parent
    Plus -- (none / 0) (#143)
    by nemo52 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:26:04 PM EST
    the choice issue gets really muddy!  I don't want to leave the top of the ticket blank, but Obama/Kaine might just do it!

    Parent
    Tolja weeks ago (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by Landulph on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:11:56 PM EST
    It's like Poppy Bush--he's terrified of being outshined by his running mate, so picks a complete nonentity.

    Parent
    you think? geez, when i think it can't get (none / 0) (#46)
    by hellothere on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:29:10 PM EST
    worse, here we go.

    Parent
    Obama/Kaine (none / 0) (#103)
    by swiss473 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:54:02 PM EST
    Just say that to yourself out loud and what do you hear?

    Nothing better for your opponent than to have his name said every time you mention your ticket?

    Everyone across the country will hear "Ma-Kaine" at the end of that so many times, I think subliminally that will have a bad effect on the dem ticket.

    Parent

    yeah that's what I've been saying (none / 0) (#116)
    by DFLer on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:01:04 PM EST
    confusion.

    Parent
    It sounds like (none / 0) (#124)
    by BrianJ on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:08:06 PM EST
    Some sort of medicinal cream that's been recalled because the FDA found that it causes terminal ennui.

    Parent
    You read my mind (none / 0) (#146)
    by echinopsia on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:28:43 PM EST
    I was thinking of local anasthetics.

    Obamacaine. Liek Novocaine, lidocaine, and procaine, it makes you numb, so the painful things the dentist is doing to you don't hurt.

    At least not until it wears off.

    Parent

    And then you take yourself (none / 0) (#151)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:40:50 PM EST
    some "McCaine".  Just saying.

    Parent
    He's running against the older Democrats - (none / 0) (#170)
    by denise on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 08:01:00 PM EST
    you know - the partisan ones. Doesn't it preclude picking one of them?

    Parent
    Biden (none / 0) (#9)
    by cmugirl on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:09:56 PM EST
    is a politician and they all know how to lie.

    You could be right about Kaine, but I doubt it - he's attending to state business this week and it was all over the papers here in VA this morning that he said he's going to have to have cuts in spending (education mostly).

    That would not be good news to announce something like this the week he becomes the nominee.

    An unnecessary lie (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:10:44 PM EST
    is not Biden's style.

    Parent
    Didn't he plagerize someone a long time ago? (none / 0) (#39)
    by Angel on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:25:59 PM EST
    And you say he wouldn't lie?  Hmmmmmm

    Parent
    I agree with BTD (and hell freezes over, I know... (none / 0) (#52)
    by pmj6 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:31:08 PM EST
    You really can't say you are not the guy and then turn out to have been the guy. A really bad way to kick off the campaign, IMO. If Biden were "the guy", this statement would have been enough to disqualify him for the post in the eyes of Obama campaign.

    Parent
    A speechwriter plagiarized (none / 0) (#56)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:32:36 PM EST
    Biden read the speech.

    Parent
    I read that he plagiarized another politician's (none / 0) (#75)
    by Angel on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:41:23 PM EST
    speeches....and that he also admitted to doing something similar while he was in law school.  Maybe this is just lore but that's what I remember from way back when.  Whether or not it's true, Biden is as Washington insider as one can get and doesn't meet the threshold for the change that Obama spoke of during the primaries.  

    Parent
    This is Off-Topic (none / 0) (#14)
    by CST on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:11:38 PM EST
    But I thought it would be of interest.  Maddow is replacing Abrams on MSNBC.  Which sucks, I really like Abrams, he was the most reasonable, and unbiased of the lot.

    One word. Ew. (none / 0) (#23)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:15:54 PM EST
    Where's Abrams going? Is he retreating back behind the camera into a managerial role? He'd be a great fit on CNN, IMO. He could replace that god-awful Campbell Brown.

    Parent
    maddow won't last long. her poll (none / 0) (#49)
    by hellothere on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:30:32 PM EST
    numbers won't be that good. dennis miller type story!

    Parent
    are we supposed to know tomorrow? (none / 0) (#17)
    by Capt Howdy on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:12:37 PM EST


    BTD: Do you have a dealbreaker VP nom? (none / 0) (#18)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:13:52 PM EST
    Jeralyn's is Joe Biden.

    Some of the regular TL'ers have said Bill Richardson, Sam Nunn and John Kerry.

    For me, I don't have a dealbreaker, but a dealmaker ... and I suppose it's plain to see who that is.

    Who's your dealbreaker, BTD?

    (I think we know the ultimate dealmaker)

    A Republican (5.00 / 3) (#28)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:17:44 PM EST
    Hagel I guess would be my dealbreaker.

    Parent
    I thought you had said Richardson? (none / 0) (#31)
    by Teresa on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:20:41 PM EST


    Parent
    Him too (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:32:01 PM EST
    But he is not a possibility.

    Parent
    Thanks BTD for replying. (none / 0) (#37)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:25:12 PM EST
    Hagel is a very good dealbreaker IMO, too.

    Oh, and everyone, please feel free to share your dealbreakers (or dealmakers) too.

    I addressed my question to BTD only because I was curious about his choice, since we already know Jeralyn's pick.

    Parent

    Anti-Choice or GOP VP Pick (5.00 / 1) (#63)
    by BDB on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:35:10 PM EST
    Deal breaker for me.  I will not set up either to be a favorite to be the next President of the United States.  So, yes, Kaine would be a dealbreaker.  And spare me that he supports Roe but is only anti-choice in his private life.  That's baloney.  He supports virtually every way that Roe is undermined - notifications, conditions.  Restricting a right to the point where nobody can exercise it (something the Dems have perfected with Roe) is the same as a practical matter as getting rid of the right.  I won't even get into Kaine's gay baiting.

    Parent
    Republican (none / 0) (#69)
    by CST on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:38:27 PM EST
    Would be a deal breaker.  Unless it was a "fake republican" like Bloomberg was for all of 30 seconds.  Although he's the only one I can think of, so now that he's off that ship, probably any republican would be a deal breaker.

    Parent
    Kaine or Hagel (none / 0) (#145)
    by nemo52 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:27:05 PM EST
    or heaven help us, Lieberman!  All deal breakers!

    Parent
    My dealbreaker (5.00 / 4) (#30)
    by Demi Moaned on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:19:29 PM EST
    I'm not BTD, so excuse the liberty. But if he picks Chuck Hagel (or any Republican), the improvement over McCain gets very small.

    Parent
    Yes and if the difference (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:26:18 PM EST
    between Obama and McCain becomes very small the argument for divided government becomes quite large.

    Parent
    As has been pointed out (none / 0) (#19)
    by cmugirl on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:13:59 PM EST
    "Kaine" sounds an awful lot like "McCain" - could be some confusion

    CBS says MO has had a big say in the (none / 0) (#62)
    by Rhouse on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:35:06 PM EST
    VP choice, so no Hillary.  (Just now on the evening news that is.)

    Well (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:39:38 PM EST
    it's sure to be a politically bad pick if she's making the choice. Her political instincts are worse than Obama's campaign team.

    Parent
    Then Michelle must not want to win too much. (none / 0) (#72)
    by Teresa on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:39:36 PM EST
    She did campaign with Kaine the last week or so.

    Parent
    Michelle and Ann (none / 0) (#112)
    by KeysDan on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:00:30 PM EST
    are good friends, both having graduated from Princeton University.  Barack and Tim are both graduates of Harvard Law. So the Obama and Kaine families are ready to go as a think-alike team.  Tim has been governor for all of two years, but was Lt. Governor before that, and Mayor of Richmond before that.  Ann (nee Holton) is the daughter of a former Virginia governor, so that may have helped Tim transport his midwestern roots a little faster to become a Virginian.  

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#87)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:46:04 PM EST
    Did Obama say that? I believe it to be true and on some level, hope it is true, this is his life partner, but do we blame her for Kaine? No, this is on Obama.

    Parent
    The thought of (5.00 / 4) (#99)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:51:49 PM EST
    a candidate's wife who has never served in a significant Government position  having a huge say in the Veep candidate doesn't thrill me. Pillow talk is one thing, policy matters are another.

    Parent
    NBC says McCain is serious about Joe (none / 0) (#107)
    by nycstray on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:57:27 PM EST
    to the point they're checking states rules to see that they can do a mixed ticket.

    NBC didn't seem to think Biden was out and they showed the tape of him saying he's not the guy.

    Parent

    I am starting to agree with BTD (none / 0) (#79)
    by americanincanada on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:41:54 PM EST
    It's Kaine. CNN is reporting, just now, that Obama has hired a speech writer for his as yet unnamed VP. He would not need to do that with Hillary.

    I think he still would. His message is everything. (none / 0) (#90)
    by Teresa on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:47:17 PM EST
    He'll want the VP delivering his message, not their own.

    Parent
    What is his message? (none / 0) (#175)
    by bridget on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:23:56 AM EST
    still wondering

    Parent
    That's crazy! (none / 0) (#117)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:01:34 PM EST
    Doesn't his VP get a say in anything or does he/she hand over their heart and soul to him when they agree to be his running mate?

    He hired Patty Solis-Doyle to be this VP's chief of staff, months before he even selected him/her. Now he's selecting a speech writer. What's next?

    Is this regular protocol for the presumptive pres. nom. to select all the VPs staffers?

    Parent

    Regular Protocol... (none / 0) (#119)
    by Brillo on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:04:39 PM EST
    Yes.  Except with Cheney, who picked all the president's staff and then himself.

    Parent
    Curious BTD (none / 0) (#83)
    by talesoftwokitties on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:44:31 PM EST
    You say "All Obama has to do to insure victory is pick Hillary Clinton as his running mate and he refuses to do it"

    Refuses is a strong word.  Why do you think so?  I'm mean, we really don't know who he favors, it's all speculation.  Perhaps he'll surprise everyone and pick her.  Who knows.  Just wondering why you are so certain.

    Hiring HRC's fired campaign manager (5.00 / 1) (#102)
    by rilkefan on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:52:27 PM EST
    to run the VP office is a bit of a hint.  Not trying to reach out to HRC voters is another.

    Parent
    so close to the convention (none / 0) (#86)
    by souvarine on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:45:43 PM EST
    I wonder if he moved the pick so close to the convention to obscure the disappointment with his pick.
    My thoughts exactly.... (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by p lukasiak on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:55:45 PM EST
    ... I think that, given enough time, picking Kaine could seriously endanger his nomination as pro-choice women make it clear that Kaine is an insult to them.  Waiting for Saturday means the forces that, given enough time, would coalesce around opposition to Kaine won't have the time to get organized.

    Parent
    If that's (5.00 / 2) (#114)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:00:44 PM EST
    their thoughts they are completely stupid. Do they not realize that people can take out their irritation at the voting booth?

    Parent
    Ah this is a sad dance to watch. (none / 0) (#89)
    by ran scot on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:47:13 PM EST
    I'd say Obama has two left feet, but he doesn't have a leg to stand on.

    Excuse me...the only thing Hillary Clinton would (none / 0) (#100)
    by SunnyLC on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:52:13 PM EST
    have to do is perhaps pick Obama and she perhaps she would be a shoo-in...Many would still have to swallow hard to vote Dem with him on the ticket.  The brand has been damaged by his antics...

    Meanwhile, when do we get ACORN really in the crosshairs?

    UPDATE on Non-Profit "Advocacy" Groups in NM: SOS Agrees with AG Gary King, NMYO Must Register as PAC
    http://tinyurl.com/6xewr7

    Lawsuits are in the works...more info on the money the exec director of NYMO (connected to League of Youth Voters is getting paid...)

    http://tinyurl.com/6xewr7

    http://insightanalytical.wordp...

    Kaine Is Speaking... (none / 0) (#109)
    by Brillo on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 05:58:24 PM EST
    Kaine actually is speaking at the convention.  He and Gore are up just before Obama Thursday.

    And as far as Biden goes, I think it's more likely that he's an older sexist sorta fellow that's just used to saying he than it is likely he actually knows the gender (and/or identity) of the VP.  

    Easy enough to fix (none / 0) (#118)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:02:57 PM EST
    Cancel his Thursday speaking engagement.

    Parent
    And This... (none / 0) (#122)
    by Brillo on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:06:36 PM EST
    Is why eliminating people from the VP shortlist based on their scheduled speaking roles (or lack there of...) at the convention is a mistake.  People keep making it though.

    Parent
    honestly (none / 0) (#148)
    by cmugirl on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:31:11 PM EST
    If I hadn't been a regular reader here, nor living in VA, I wouldn't even really KNOW who Kaine was. Two newbies on a ticket??

    I think (none / 0) (#150)
    by cmugirl on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:33:25 PM EST
    Most people are going to ask "Kaine who??"

    No Hillary...No Win (none / 0) (#152)
    by chopper on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:41:19 PM EST

    It's that simple.  Obama cannot win without Hillary on the ticket.

    Of all the lops that have been named, including Obama, she is the only one with the experience, knowledge, good judgement, record of accomplishments, and ready on day one.  Period.

    People will not vote for a trainee and a second-rate politician.

    Ralph Nader's Prediction (none / 0) (#155)
    by Pianobuff on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:47:51 PM EST
    is that this is all a setup and that Hillary will get the VP nod when all is said and done.

    Setups (none / 0) (#158)
    by lilburro on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:55:21 PM EST
    not exactly attractive qualities in a candidate for President.

    Parent
    Nader Predicts Hillary Clinton as VP Pick (none / 0) (#163)
    by daring grace on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 07:39:34 PM EST
    at Politico

     

    Parent

    Aww, ol' Ralphy isn't the doofus (none / 0) (#164)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 07:44:36 PM EST
    I always thought he was, after all. :)

    Parent
    Who? (none / 0) (#156)
    by camellia on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:49:22 PM EST
    That was pretty much what we all said when he put up for governor following Mark Warner.  He used to send out email memos to the party faithful (and cynics like me) called "Timo memos".  Really really sophisticated stuff, ya know.  The only reason he got elected governor of Va was that Mark Warner was so popular, and people thought that his Lt.Gov. would be like him. The man has the charisma of a dead possum.  Oh.  Maybe that's what Obama wants -- someone who won't outshine him in the Charisma Department.  Well, he's got it with Timo, if that's his pick.

    Maybe it's Bayh? (none / 0) (#157)
    by lilburro on Tue Aug 19, 2008 at 06:53:02 PM EST
    I mean, Biden could be lying.  

    Also, if Kaine IS the VP, you KNOW Obama is going to run ads that tie his community organizing work to Kaine's law practice [according to Wiki] of "17 years, specializing in representing people who had been denied housing opportunities because of their race or disability."

    That, and community organizing, are good things, but why Obama seems to think America is impressed with what he did 20 years ago, I don't know.  This isn't a Dem primary.  

    Also, apparently Obama chose his VP during vacation.  I don't know what that means.  I assume he's operating off campaign polling anyway.

    Gut Check Time (none / 0) (#176)
    by WakeLtd on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:11:02 AM EST
    This is where we get to see what Obama is made of. He selects Hillary and he comes out of the convention with the strongest possible team - in all likelihood, THE winning team, hand's down. He unifies the party. And he dominates the headlines. Obama/Clinton would be all that is talked about. Now look at the alternatives...

    Kaine? Come on, let's get serious. It would take a year just introducing this relative nobody to the rest of the nation. And frankly, there is not much to introduce. Bayh - maybe a safe bet. And then again,  maybe not. Besides, is playing it safe going to win? Biden would probably be strong - at least there is a personality there. But, if we take him at his word he is not the guy. And, then there is "all the rest", I don't see any of them adding votes. And if you have checked the polls lately, Obama MUST add votes.

    This is when we finally get to see. How much does Obama want to lead the Democratic Party to victory in November? Is it going to be about "egos clashing", "what to do with Bill?", and all the other politically-unimportant & distracting nonsense? Or does he really want to win this thing with a unified Democratic Party?

    Biden: "I'm Not The Guy" | 166 comments (166 topical)

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