June 8, I posted about Obama's possible VP choices, including Kathleen Sebelius, Governor of Kansas, my home state. Some of the names discussed in the media in June are still being talked about today. This week, I'm excited to see who, finally, Obama will choose. As I said in June, this VP choice may be one of the most significant ever. Compare it to the interest in McSame's choice. Who? Exactly. No one really cares who Mc picks. Obama's choice, on the other hand, is historical!
As I look at the choices, I don't see the charisma among them that Obama projects, but that's not unusual in a VP, now is it? Hilary Clinton stands out from the crowd in that regard. She's a force to equal Obama. Few believe she was ever considered, but since none of us KNOW, she's as good a guess as any. The only person we're sure he WON'T pick is John Edwards!
Kathleen Sebelius, Governor of KS, remains on everyone's guess list. A Democrat who won in a bleeding red state, she could bring that asset with her, as well as, women's votes. Her father was Governor of Ohio, which gives her influence there.
In June, I mentioned Claire McCaskill, Jim Webb and Christopher Dodd, but their names aren't lighting up as much.
Ted Strickland, Governor of OH, once mentioned, says "If drafted I will not run, nominated I will not accept and if elected I will not serve. So, I don’t know how more crystal clear I can be."
Joe Biden, Senator from DE, has been mentioned. He comes with foreign policy experience as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Evan Bayh, Senator from IN, was (is) a supporter of HRC and may help gather Hilary's votes. He also gives Obama a chance to win a red state. Seems a bland choice, but it's VP, eh!
Sam Nunn, former Senator from GA, brings foreign policy and national security experience. Because Nunn is out of office, he dodges evaluation of his recent voting record, an uncomfortable situation for voters, indeed.
In addition to these possibles, which were on the list in June, one has been added, that's Tim Kaine, Governor of Virginia. He's a Roman Catholic, and he speaks fluent Spanish, which both seem like huge plusses for an Obama campaign. Although, his greatest asset is that Karl Rove doesn't like him! Go Kaine!
Just as an afterthought, Colin Powell's name has been mentioned. He's a Republican, but he has endorsed Obama, and he would bring military and foreign policy experience to the ticket. Some people say he was "for" the Iraq war, but it's much more complicated than that, and saying he was "for" the war is a misrepresentation. He does, however, currently support continued presence of U.S. troops in Iraq. Powell has too much baggage. He won't get loaded on the plane in time to make the trip to Washington.
Once the VP is chosen, don't forget to check out their positions on the issues. The link to OntheIssue.org is always on my sidebar.
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