As we zero in on the conventions for the Democratic and Republican parties, the ever-growing question is “Whom will they choose as VP?” There has been many names from both sides tossed around; some are credible, others are “fantasy.” So let’s take a moment to see who seem to be in the running and those that could/should be considered.

Democrats:

Hillary Clinton – Some view her as the obvious choice. She carries with her nearly half of the delegates, so joining with her could symbolically join the two sides of the Democratic Party together after a long, rough primary. However, she brings with her the former President who could be seen as overshadowing Obama on the ticket, plus leading to the speculation of a joint Presidency.

Bill Richardson – A former UN Ambassador and cabinet secretary, Richardson brings some much-needed international credibility to the young candidate’s portfolio. He also brings executive experience as Governor to a ticket in need. Unfortunately, the sight of two “minorities” on one ticket may be too much of a “change” for enough voters to make a significant impact on the election, leading to a McCain victory.

Al Gore – Nearly equal on the “rock star” scale in the Democratic Party, Al Gore brings a level of influence than none of the other candidates can bring. Not only is he a former VP under Bill Clinton, he has become the face of global warming on the international scene. However, his failure to win the election in 2000 lead to a low point in our country which people are trying to forget. Additionally, his presence might overshadow him on the ticket, just as Bill Clinton would.

Evan Bayh – Probably the best pick as VP for any of the first and second-tier presidential candidates, Bayh is a charming yet qualified executive from a relatively strong Republican state. Other than a lack of national name recognition, there isn’t much of a drawback that he brings to a Democratic ticket.

Joe Biden – Mr. Foreign relations. Senator Biden was the most “qualified” of the presidential candidates this primary season after his decades of service in the Senate, primarily on the Foreign Relations committee. Unfortunately, he has a tendency of getting himself in trouble, be it plagiarism or less than tactful comments.

John Edwards – The champion of the poor, Edwards adds credibility with the democratic base that champions welfare expansion. Though he has two presidential runs and being the VP pick for John Kerry in 2004, Edwards does not bring much to the ticket that Obama already has.

Chuck Hagel – “The Republican.” While he has been working with Obama during his presidential campaign, it is highly unlikely that Obama would risk alienating key members of the Democratic delegate by tapping a Republican to run on the ticket. In addition, Obama’s biggest claim is that he was against the war in Iraq from the start. However, Hagel voted for it. If Hagel is worthy of being VP even though he voted for the war, it weakens his claim that McCain isn’t worthy of being President because he voted for the war.

Tim Kaine – For those that do not recognize Tim Kaine, some might remember his response to the State of the Union address a few years ago when he repeatedly say, “There is a better way.” Being governor of a Republican state like Virginia, there is the chance that he could put Virginia in play. The draw back would that the governorship would be handed over to the Republican Lt. Governor, altering the balance of power in the state; one which the democrats have worked hard in obtaining.

Sam Nunn – The former Senator would bring two decades of experience to the ticket, including being chairman of the Armed Services committee. He would help draw the attention of some of the older voters who feel that Obama is too young and experienced, however, it would weaken Obama’s side campaign (the one ran by outside groups) that McCain is too old, as Nunn and McCain are similar in age.

Kathleen Sebelius – The alternative to Hillary, Sebelius would help strength his support among the Hillary supporters who have stated that they stay home or vote for McCain. Coming from the Republican state of Kansas, this governor would bring needed executive experience while possibly causing McCain to spend his limited resources in an otherwise safe state.

Of the ones listed above, I believe Bayh and Biden are the best two picks for Obama. One provides the international experience he lacks, while the other provides the executive leadership that he lacks.

 

 

Bookmark and Share

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!