Obama’s VEEP?

Let’s be honest, this election is the Democratic party’s to lose, specifically Barack Obama. The amazing thing is, it is actually a distinct possibility. The Democrats aren’t very good at choosing “winnable” candidates, but that is a discussion for another day. The topic at hand is who are the Vice Presidential choices for Obama.

Before we get to names, let’s discuss what attribute Obama needs in a running mate. First, Obama needs someone with ridiculous experience. Lack of experience is Obama’s biggest weakness. Also, he needs a person who can keep Clinton’s voters in his camp, who is fairly moderate, and has military or defense credentials.

The other question we need to ask is who is the best veep to help Obama win vs. who is the best veep for the Obama presidency. This is extremely important, as we get into the top choices, here is why:

1. Hillary Clinton. If Obama chooses Hillary as his veep, he is a shoe in for victory in November. He keeps Clinton’s voters in his camp, thus eliminating a huge potential voting block for McCain.

However, in the same way that Hillary would be great for getting him elected, she would be the absolute worst for him personally while he is President. The last thing Obama wants is a Clinton (Hillary or Bill) breathing down his neck saying “well, this is how we did it in the ’90’s”. Obama needs to and must make a complete break from the Clinton’s and begin his own era in the Democratic party. If I am Obama, I take the risk of a loss; there is no way I choose Hillary.

2. Jim Webb, Virginia Senator. He is an extremely popular Senator from a swing state. A state the Dems have an excellent shot of winning and taking from the GOP. He also is a military man and worked in the Reagan administration. He is a moderate Democrat as well.

However, he, like Obama, has very little experience. This could be his death knell. Obama must have an experienced VEEP.

3. Joe Biden, Delaware Senator. He has a ridiculous amount of experience and would actually be a solid President. He also is among the most experience in terms of international affairs. Also, he is a white male (like Webb) and a typical US politician. Usually that is a bad thing, but considering Obama, it might help even out the ticket.

His big weakness however is that he is divisive (the GOP HATES him) and really excites no one.

4. Ed Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania. He has enough experience and is a governor, thus he has executive experience. Additionally, Pennsylvania is a state that is being targeted by John McCain in November, choosing Rendell would likely keep PA in Dem hands. (Note, there is a rumor that Tom Ridge, the former PA Governor is at the top of the list for McCain’s veep; I think it would be a terrible choice).

5. Gen Wesley Clark. He is a solid Democrat and a former Military general. He could potentially bring in a significant chunk of GOP voters whom don’t like McCain, but are wary of Obama’s defense credentials.

Other possibilities:
- Evan Bayh
- Michael Bloomberg
- Chris Dodd
- Bill Richardson
- Kathleen Sebelius
- John Edwards

One of the positives for Obama as he searches for a Vice President is that his veep choice is less crucial than McCain’s. People are excited about Barack and don’t need as much of a reason to vote for him. On the other hand, I don’t know anyone who is excited about a McCain Presidency. McCain needs to make waves with his veep pick, or at least choose a person that will help voters to logically vote for him.

The stars seem aligned for Obama as of right now. But the GOP was smart and chose the only candidate that could win for their party (which is a sad reality for me to come to, as I have a man-crush on Romney). John McCain has a very real chance to beat Obama, so Obama should not be too comfortable about his chances.

Will Hillary Lose Because She is Female?

Many supporters of Hillary Clinton attribute many of the troubles she faces to the fact that some people just won’t vote for a Woman.  They act like Hillaries biggest stumbling block is her gender.  So the question begs to be asked, “Will Hillary lose because she is a Woman?”.   In short, No! She will lose because she is Hillary.

We are at a historic time in our history as a nation.  We have a very diverse Presidential field; it is quite possible that we will have a “first” as our next President – First woman, first Black (or even more inclusive, first non-White), or first Mormon.  Many argue that the country is not ready for the first woman or black president.  They say we are still too bigoted and unaccepting.   While there are certainly some ignorant and bigoted people in our country (and in higher percentage in the South), I strongly disagree that America is not “ready”.   

While critics of America (especially internal critics) like to portray America as being racist and sexist while portraying Europe as inclusive and progressive, the reality is that America is far advanced in terms of race than any other country.  Racism is rampant in England, France, and Spain.   At Soccer games in Europe, bigoted fans throw bananas and mimic monkeys to denigrate Black players.  What sets America apart is our inclusiveness and our continued ability to be self-critical and, thus, self-correcting.  Europe never had their own Civil Rights Movement and race is a real problem.

The fact is, most Americans will vote according to whom they perceive to be the best person for the office; the definition of “the best” is relative to each voter however.  There is absolutely no grounding in the claim that an American will not be elected because they are female.   I, for one, would have voted for Condoleeza (a woman and Black!), but I won’t be voting for Hillary.  Why? Again, because she is Hillary.   And for Hillary it is not even about the Politics, on which I pretty well disagree with her, it is about her - her lack of integrity and insatiable desire for power.  She cannot be trusted.

I have a similar problem with Rudy Giuliani.  I won’t vote for him either, he has shown a propensity to be involved in scandal and seems to lack any sort of sound moral judgement;  I can’t trust him.  If we have a Rudy-Hillary race in 2008, I will be voting 3rd party or will simply withhold a vote for President.

On the other hand, I have a more positive disposition towards Barack.  With him, I completely disagree with his policies and politics, I even think he is more left-wing than Hillary.  But I also have the impression that he is a good man, had real convictions, and believes what he says.  In the event of a Rudy-Barack race, I would vote for Barack.  Additionally, I would seriously consider Barack over Huckabee (depending on how his subtle anti-Mormon views play-out) and Fred Thompson (who I think is incompetent and too lazy to be President).

For me my determination for who should be President is first dependent on character and integrity, followed closely by political ideology.  I strongly prefer GOP policy and will choose a person of mediocre character over a democrat of strong Character.  However, I will choose the Democrat over a GOPer that has no character and integrity or is simply unfit for the job.

Certainly, I will not make the determination on race or sex.  And I think that most of America feels the same way on that point.  There is just no evidence that Americans as a whole would fail to vote for Hillary because she is a Woman.  They will not vote for Hillary because she is Hillary.