The First Mormon-Jewish Ticket
[Can't stand your in-laws' politics? Still pining for a long-lost candidate? Are you simply in need of some personal advice about politics? Send your question to Stumped! Questions may be edited.]
Dear Stumped,
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of a presidential campaign is each nominee's selection of a running mate. For better or worse, Dick Cheney had a significant effect on Bush's electability and, most important, revealed much about Bush's strengths, weaknesses, et cetera. The current candidates have not talked much about this issue. Nevertheless, given what we do know, who might each candidate pick if they were to receive the nomination?
Could, for example, either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama form a Democratic "dream ticket" by pushing aside their recent squabbling and running together? John Edwards may not win the nomination, but is he a vice presidential candidate again this time around? Given the Democrats' talk of bipartisan unity, might Hillary or Barack choose a moderate Republican like Chuck Hagel -- if not for vice president, perhaps as secretary of State?
Finally, given our current vice president's tremendous influence (again, for better or worse), are future vice presidents likely to carve out a more modest agenda or, following Cheney, operate through back channels and shadow committees? Our nation's first vice president complained to his wife Abigail, "My country has in its wisdom contrived for me the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived." Adams would no doubt be surprised at how prominent and powerful the office is today. Accordingly, Mr. Adams would love to hear your answer.
Thanks,
JMC in Manlius, N.Y.
Dear JMC,
First, this upgrade of the office of vice president predates the Bush administration. Dick Cheney may be the most powerful vice president ever -- paradoxically, it must be said, because we knew from the start that he was never going to angle for the top job -- but Al Gore was also far more engaged in running the government than Adams could have ever imagined. (He was also far more engaged, to pick a more recent example, than Harry Truman, who wasn't in the loop about the Manhattan Project until after FDR died.) I'd expect the next vice president to be very influential, without necessarily playing a Cheneyesque role of prime minister.
Vice presidential matchmaking is a great parlor game. I don't think an Obama-Clinton ticket works -- too bottom-heavy. Obama would run the risk of being overshadowed by the Clintons and their political machine. A Clinton-Obama ticket, after the peace pipe has been broken out, makes a lot more sense. It violates the rule against a two-senator ticket, but then these are two rather exceptional (I mean that literally) senators. Asking an ineffectual vice presidential candidate (who also happens to be a senator) to reprise his role makes no sense, so I can't imagine John Edwards getting the nod.
Obama may not pick Clinton, but he would need someone with experience and credibility on foreign policy and national security issues. Just off the top of my head, I'd say Gen. Wesley Clark would be a good pick for Obama. He has some campaign experience from four years ago, and he could help assuage concerns that Obama is too "green" to be commander in chief. When facing Republican accusations that he can't be trusted to keep the country safe, it'd be helpful to have an articulate general by his side who led NATO forces in the Balkans conflict. Also, because Clark has been a Clinton supporter, picking him would be a gracious intraparty gesture.
Bill Richardson, as everyone has noted, would be a sensible choice of running mate for either Obama or Clinton. You get to check off so many boxes with Richardson: governor, Cabinet member, knows Congress, knows Pyongyang, Hispanic, Westerner .. and perhaps most important, won't out-charisma the top of the ticket.
If I were Hillary, beyond Obama and Richardson, I'd consider a respected governor like Virginia's Mark Warner, who surprised everyone when he decided not to run for the presidency this time around (he could benefit from his decision the same way Al Gore did when he surprised everyone by not running in 1992). It would also be an inspired move for her to reach out to a respected business leader to be her running mate, especially if she is running against Mitt Romney and everyone is concerned about the economy. Steve Jobs, you interested? He could turn the unveiling of the federal budget into a MacWorld-like extravaganza.
Among Republicans, it is conceivable that the eventual winner could reach out to one of his opponents. McCain-Huckabee; Huckabee-McCain; Romney-- ... Romney-- ... I guess Romney doesn't really get along with anyone else in this play group. Like Obama, Romney would need someone with foreign and national security credentials. A dream choice for him would be Colin Powell, but good luck with that.
Hagel would be a good choice, appealing to independents. Maybe too appealing -- in a YouTube debate last fall, Democrats embraced Hagel, who has been highly critical of President Bush, as the Republican they would choose as their running mate. Republicans could also tap a general of their own. How about Gen. David Petraeus?
Because he has plenty of executive experience, Romney could get away with picking a senator. And why not break all the rules and choose one who also has experience as an ineffectual vice presidential candidate? That's right, I'm referring to Joe Lieberman. Imagine that, the country's first Mormon-Jewish ticket.
See, I told you it's a fun parlor game. Send in your nominees for running mates for Obama, Clinton, Romney, McCain and Huckabee (we can advise Giuliani after Florida).
By Andres Martinez |
January 18, 2008; 12:00 AM ET
Previous: Behind the Spin of the Surge |
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who or what is in your mind!
Mama Mama who did not vote! Who sat and watched. DADA do not let the doctor or abortionist kill me! I want to live!
Posted by: s mw | January 26, 2008 7:25 PM
Dear Friends:
A mormon and Jewish ticket! Perhaps Romney should respect the fact this is just the primary election. Horse before the cart! Got a bible the Mormons will give you one! Truly!
Try and respect others religion ask!
Dear Friends:
Glory ! Old Glory!!!! Oh the Sweet fragrance of South Carolilna and her mountains so many rolling green hills. Protect your Glory! Your sons and daughters they are watching you my child! Protect them for there are those amoung the Senators that do not vote! What will their veto vote be misused the same? Oh Please my fellow citizens of the Great state of South Carolina!
The summer morn since and this election is not over until Novmeber 2008!
Come Forth who amoung you would want to see an unborn child in heaven and say I didn't vote election day as the Senators did not vote for you in the Senate!
Forgive me! Your trust, your savings your tax credit gone to the non citizen the foreign national that does not go to war for this nation, does not vote and is not a citizen of the USA, you see my child they commited a crime, yes criminals and our nation gave away your tax dollars from us, you, and me and grandma and grandpa to the ..........................others!
Lord forgive me this day we Americans should pray for we have allowed our congress and president to give away our tax dollars to non citizens. Supreme court Justices explain this to our children and theirs, It is in your mind and duty for you are paid from citizens of this great nation just as their sons and daughters have and are serving in the military for you. There are citizens like me living on the streets of the USA. Venezuela keeps their eggs and milk and China keeps their coal is it constitutional Supreme Court Justices for our congress and president to give away our tax dollars to other nations or nationals?
Citizens of the USA Asians and Russians of the USA your impact of your races and the Jewish and ARAB Americans of California, New York, Illinois, TEXAS, Arizona, WAshington, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana , Hawaii, Alaska your impact has not begun to be felt, register and vote all across the USA your are greater in number than all the Latinos and African Americans . vote caucasians your endiing up on the street like me more than all the rest! REGISTER AND VOTE!
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AMEN!!!!!!!!! X is this how you sign your name, live in a bubble, quadrapalegic, need a ride, amputee? call your local voting registrar get a friend or call the veterans office or chapter, we the PEOPLE OF THE USA NEED YOU!
YOUR VOTE!!!!!!
Your donations make a difference! Who do you want protecting your homeland, your back yard, your wok! An experienced military for the Chief of Staff?
How do you see our enemy and us to other nations military?
John McCain could use your contributions brothers and sisters! Car wash, aluminum cans, pennies, dollars, nickles, five, ten, fifty!! This race is not over yet until November 2008.
if every person were to find one or ten citizens or one hundred that are not registered and or have not voted and called them and encouraged them or helped them to get to the voting booth would it be a greater turn out?
Do not forget the voter who signs his or her name with an X or the quadrapalegic and amputee and blind and deaf. Is there a list in congress, government and or state of these citizens, schools, they are voters. Reach out oh my fellow citizens you are are part of we the people of the USA.
Posted by: sharon wlaker | January 26, 2008 7:24 PM
Obama/Clark
Clinton/Richardson
Clark gives Obama what he needs, a white military guy.
Richardson provides Clinton with a great resume, administrative experience, more foreign policy weight and he will take 90% of the Hispanic vote.
I agree with the poster who said Huckabee is running for VP. He would be a perfect fit for any of the leading GOPers. They are all suspected by the base and Huckabee will get religious right out in force.
But then again, they will need little more motivation than those two words, President Clinton.
Posted by: ziggy | January 25, 2008 1:17 PM
A McCain/Huckabee ticket is the only ticket that makes sense. It is the only combination where the Republicans could keep the Whitehouse.
Posted by: harry vest | January 24, 2008 6:19 PM
In spiritual wave, the main streams in rotten and violent society of USA
are, indeed, Mormon and Jewish. Towns and cities were kind of wrecked ships. Rape, burglary, car-robbery, lewdness, porno and sorts of crimes are forerunner in the world.
Dear Stumped,
I like you. But frankly,is the topic implies kind of humble mind? It sound a little making a lip on the actual spititual main streams. Can any one insulate them because they are sound, clear, God serving and humble in individual and social lives?
I agree, interesting aspect of a presidential campaign is each nominee's selection of a running mate.
The one must be a moderate and clear in one's private life. Mass media already knows the right one for any nominee. But for our bright future media must be fair always, they are giving stress on some persons not by fair view on the candidate's capability but by their taste just based on relegious flavor and so on.
Thank you.
Posted by: Scott-Na | January 21, 2008 7:35 PM
If the Dem nominee is Obama, what about MD governor Martin O'Malley. Obama, O'Malley, oh my!
Posted by: SBA | January 21, 2008 1:38 PM
Great poetry, but Lieberman on a GOP ticket is a non-starter.
He ONLY agrees on the war, is far-out liberal on everything else.
Don't ignore VP possibilities of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin -- including web site -
http://palinforvp.blogspot.com/
Young, dynamic, attractive, conservative, mother of four. Without her, GOP ticket will be just two old white guys, not matching up well against whatever the Dems end up with.
Posted by: ps | January 20, 2008 5:01 PM
GOTHofVT, yes! That's the ticket: Either Clinton/Obama or Obama/C;inton. Their occasional attacks on each other upset me disproportionately, I so want them to come together in due time. I'm not aware of any precedent of top rivals landing together on the ticket, but in their case, what better choice could either make?
Posted by: jhbyer | January 20, 2008 9:01 AM
Seniority counts with the republicans in choosing their presidential nominee and it is high time it did with the democrats too. I view it as part of the natural order of things. In the academic and business worlds EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING are what put you in positions of power, (and yes, age does matter). So it is in the political arena though many democrats seem to have forgotten this. Senator Obama is great and inspiring and I will vote for him if he gets the nomination but he is green. Imagine him eight years from now, ripened with two terms as vice president under his belt. He would be unstoppable! So lets nominate by acclimation Senator Clinton for president and Senator Obama for vice-president. Isn't that the adult thing to do?
Posted by: Goth, Burlington VT | January 19, 2008 1:56 PM
A McCain-Powell ticket will not energize the base, a recipe for disaster. Plus McCain has enough crossover support and national security cred, which is what Powell would provide. The right choice would be JC Watts.
Posted by: mike s | January 19, 2008 10:22 AM
Regarding Mitt Romney's VP, I must respectfully disagree with the author of this column. Mitt Romney is the former governor of MA! Throughout the entire primary season, he has been tirelessly working to prove to Republican voters that he is, in fact, the true conservative candidate who is electable in a general election. In IA and NH, Gov. Romney saw his Republican counterparts harp on some of the positions that he may or may not have taken as governor of the ULTRA-LIBERAL MA. The last thing that Romney would want in a running-mate is a democrat (I'm sorry, a recent "independent" and former democratic vice-presidential candidate of Al Gore) in the form of Joe Lieberman!
With the way that Mitt Romney has been successfully selling his "outsider" image while simultaneously ensuring Republican voters that he is conservative, he would do well to have a fellow conservative governor (another "outside" consevative) on his ticket. What would be even better is if this conservative governor could help him win the all to crucial battle-ground state of FL. Romney's ideal VP is Jeb Bush! A Romney-Bush ticket would seal the 2008 election for the Republicans!
Posted by: Ty | January 19, 2008 12:08 AM
Obama/Tim Kaine.
Successful Moderate and Popular Governor, Early and Strong Obama supporter, and he is from a state that hasn't gone blue since '64. Old Dominion is part of the Obama/Purple state coalition. The successes of Mark Warner, Kaine, and Jim Webb lead me to believe it would be a great choice for Obama and would tip Virginia to his side in '08.
Posted by: Chris | January 19, 2008 12:04 AM
Mike Cadwell is correct: Colin powell was born in Harlem (NYC) of Jamaican-born parents, who toiled in the garment district. A bit of trivia, Powell also has Irish ancestry. Bill Cohen's father was Jewish, if that helps the ticket. (His mom was Episcopalian. More trivia: because the Conservative Rabbi in Bangor wouldn't allow Bill to attend Hebrew classes unless he converted, for which he had to be 18, Bill was raised as and is a Unitarian.)
Posted by: jhbyer | January 18, 2008 9:49 PM
If Hillary somehow gets the nod as presidential nominee, her VP choice had better determine how her co-presidency with Bill (or his with her) is going to work before accepting the candidacy.
Posted by: FirstMouse | January 18, 2008 9:47 PM
I don't have any problem with Mormon's, Jews, Catholics (I am Catholic), Baptists' or any other thing called religion. I think Romney is a liar and un-qualified to be president. Lieberman is a disgrace and in his last throes of being a Senator. Americans, especially Christians have an affinity for Israel and it's people! Lieberman, has the unwillingness to help foster a peace with Israel and it's neighbors. His support of the current president and his unwavering support of this unjust war will be felt for years as in the axiom "To every action force there is an equal and opposite reaction force." I believe Issac Newton said that, and it is a "law" of motion.
Posted by: Jim | January 18, 2008 9:30 PM
Roy - the point was running mates, not life partners
McCain/Huckabee (won't pick Romney, he hates him)
Romney/Thompson or Rice or Powell
Clinton/Obama
Obama/Clinton - c'mon, he said he thinks she's likable! why not reciprocate on the veep.
Any way you slice it, Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton is a tough one to beat. The only way to win is with a GOP veep like Rice or Powell.
Posted by: hawkgrrrl | January 18, 2008 9:19 PM
Colin Powell was born in the USA!
Posted by: Mike Cadwell | January 18, 2008 8:25 PM
Some great selections here. Problem with Madeline Albright, Colin Powell, and the Ahhnold, although they bring great strength (Albright and Powell, foreign policy/Ahhnold governor and moderate Republican) to the ticket they're FOREIGNERS, as in born outside the USA. The constitution forbids foreign-born people from the President and VP slot.
Now Richardson might be a great selection, especially as he is from New Mexico (battleground state), Latino, and experienced as heck (Congressman, Secretary of Energy, UN Ambassador, and Governor). His weaknesses:North Korea (he helped with the North Korea negotiations-- read soft on the Axis of Evil), his Iraq stance (immediate withdrawal) and there is, if memory serves, some scandal when he was Energy Secretary. Richardson might fit better with Obama than Clinton, but he brings the executive experience to the ticket.
Wesley Clark's strong military experience and the fact he's from Arkansas might work too. Obama and Clinton can benefit, both being from Illinois and New York (at least officially in the latter's case).
Janet Napolitano would help Obama as she is a woman and from another battleground state, Arizona. Plus she's already backing him.
Evan Bayh (sp?) is another good choice. He's moderate and from Indiana.
Mark Warner's running for Senate for the open seat, I don't think he'll accept the VP spot, even though he'd be an excellent choice.
Clinton should consider Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts. Advantages: he's African American, a governor, and being an Obama-backer, but not being Obama (especially if this primary goes to a long and nasty slog). His weaknesses: he's from Massachusetts, a Democrat and, running for Vice President seem to be a toxic mix (if not, ask Kerry and Dukakis) and a Northeastern-heavy ticket.
Joe Lieberman, despite a pariah in Democratic circles due to his Iraq stance and his support of John McCain, might be an excellent choice on either side. Moderate appeal, works well with others, and strong on foreign policy, especially among Democrats where Republicans will paint them as wishy-washy internationalist etc. However, Lieberman on the Republican ticket might be too much, especially since he is the other half of the Gore/Lieberman ticket. I don't think the good Senator from Connecticut might want to go through that again.
On the Republican side:
Condi Rice, granted she's a woman and African American, is part of Bush's Cabinet and that would be a huge millstone against her neck. Mr. Bush is disliked even by a big plurality within his own party. She'd be a liability, although Huckabee, and Romney might benefit as they're seen as weak in foreign policy. Foreign leaders might appreciate having a known factor if the Republicans keep the White House.
Huckabee could be a good match for McCain as both have been cordial to the other and he would get the social conservatives on the side on what many see is a maverick and out of tune with the red-meat Republican base.
Florida Governor Crist will also be a good match as he is a moderate/pragmatist, won Florida at a time when the Bush name was taking a big hit and Jeb Bush's education plan was showing its weakness. So we got a winner and someone who seems to transcend politics. Finally he's from the grandaddy of the battleground states. If not ask Bush.
George Pataki could be a good VP candidate for Huckabee and McCain. He's a governor, from New York, and also prominent during the 9/11. His biggest weakness has been his reconstruction efforts after 9/11, which some believe scotched his run.
Posted by: Kruhn | January 18, 2008 8:13 PM
Lieberman works as a running mate for any Republican - it actually makes them look bi-partisan, even though Lieberman no longer considers himself a Democrat, and never really was one. He was good for Gore in that he appeared 'moderate' then and balanced Gore, but today too many Democrats loathe him, and would probably stay home - even if it were Obama who chose him. The young idealistic fans of Obama would cry out in shock and disbelief if Lieberman were chosen, and actually lose faith in their idol.
Madeline Albright isn't necessarily not eligible. I believe the constitution only talks about a President's requirements. If a VP is ineligible to serve as President, then in case of an emergency, the next in line would serve. Of course, that's risky since it's the Speaker of the House, and the Speaker of the House might not be the same party.
For that same reason, a Republican could probably choose Schwarzenegger, but probably wouldn't. And either way there would probably be enough people questioning the move the Supreme Court would be asked to make a declaration one way or the other.
Obama/Gen Powell could be good, though some might worry about the possibility of a double-assassination attempt.
While I like the idea of an Obama/Jobs ticket, I think he needs someone with foreign policy experience more than someone with business experience.
Posted by: John | January 18, 2008 7:46 PM
if Hillary wins, she will predictably lurch dramatically back to the right for the general election. So WV Governor Joe Manchin would be a perfect choice.
Posted by: WV | January 18, 2008 7:06 PM
Joe Lieberman is not a democrat and threw his support to McCain (though Bill ran up to Connecticut to support him against a real Democrat for the Senate). Lieberman is poison to the base now; he's been carrying water for Bush more often than any Republican, and consistently votes with the Republcans on anything connected with the "war on terror" . Obama would be crazy to offer him anything.
Posted by: annemarieko | January 18, 2008 5:58 PM
Obama-Richardson.
McCain-Hagel.
Posted by: Ramon E. | January 18, 2008 5:47 PM
If Clinton is nominee, she has to pick Obama in her ticket. She just can not leave 60% of black voters who voted Obama and expect her to win. Clinton/Obama, no winning choice for her.
If Obama is nominee, he can choose Clark Richardson, Bayh or Gore. Definitely winning ticket.
If McCann is nominee on Repulican side, he will first resign from the senate, like Senator Dole. He will probably convince Gen. Powell to run as his running mate. Probably the best running ticket against democracts this election cycle.
Posted by: Paul, CA | January 18, 2008 5:01 PM
How about a Democrat and a Republican? Say Edwards and Huckabee? How about a 3rd Party? How about thinking out of the box?
Posted by: Francesca Raiser | January 18, 2008 4:52 PM
Dave, above at 3:59 is mistaken that
Ed Rendell "is non partisan, never been in Washington.." Fooling us?
In fact Rendell was the CHAIRMAN OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY...he resigned as mayor of philadelphia in l999 to take the post in Washington.
There so many off the wall, little known or considered candidates on this post...fine, but they all seem to be Jewish, as Rendell is. Just coincidence, of course.
Posted by: Disguested | January 18, 2008 4:33 PM
Gregory McCarthy is right on. Obama's argument for why he should be president is judgment, change, and unity. He needs a VP who was right on the Iraq war, who's not identified as a Washington back-room pork-barrel pol, and who can appeal broadly across partisan lines. Bill Cohen would be an intriguing choice -- not least of all because his wife is black. So long as Cohen wasn't a vigorous advocate for the war, it seems he would fit the bill. I also think Linc Chafee would be an interesting pick, though I wonder if Chafee is ready for prime time. My current favorite pick for Obama is Ed Rendell -- a well-liked, non-ideological, regular-guy governor who has never spent time in D.C. and who is seen as effective at bridging party lines and getting things done.
Hillary's argument for being president is much more conventional. As such, she could pick any number of Dems and it wouldn't have much effect either way.
Posted by: Dave | January 18, 2008 3:59 PM
Clinton/Obama is the dream ticket that will get the Democrats back into the Whitehouse where they belong, and give Democrats a virtual lock on the Whitehouse for the next 16 years as long as they do a good job.
America is in a unique situtation.
Hillary and Barrak are both so good that it makes no sense to force it to be an either/or.
Off camera, they both really like and respect each other as people.
They both want to be President, and they both will, if everyone pulls together and gets behind the idea of Clinton/Obama.
It doubles Obama's time in the Whitehouse.
Obama's experience as VP and the public's familiarity with him as VP will garentee him the Presidency in eight years, and will give him 16 years of power, 8 as VP and 8 as President, which gives him twice as much time to make policy at the very top of government than winning the Presidency directly would be.
A Clinton/Obama ticket, combined with big wins in congressional elections, will give us the best minds we have in government, working together, with a mandate for change, and the power to make it happen.
What could be better than that?
Posted by: DemocratsForTheNext16Years | January 18, 2008 3:58 PM
Obama/Clark/Kerry
Clinton/Clinton/Richardson
Posted by: Jesse Morrison | January 18, 2008 3:39 PM
How about Fred Thompson and Ron Paul? I already have the bumper sticker--
Vote for Lazy and Crazy!
Posted by: theo | January 18, 2008 3:27 PM
Also, to the people who are suggesting Webb: it's not going to happen. The reason Democrats like him is that he pushed them over the hump. Anybody who watched his campaign in Virginia knows that he's got more dirt on him than most anyone.
Posted by: Phil | January 18, 2008 3:01 PM
1. If Clinton wins, I expect Obama as the running mate. Many of the people who have supported him shifted to his side because they wanted him to be VP--they expected Hillary to win. The rift between them is getting bigger, and at this point, whichever wins is going to have an uphill fight getting the other side to support him/her.
2. The Obama-Clinton ticket just doesn't work, but I think that there are too many people who want to see a woman in the presidency. If Obama wins he probably should consider a woman as his running mate. Richardson would be a good choice for experience, but it's not the type of experience that's going to win the election--just the type that would be really useful for a president to have. Sorry guys. Madeline Albright was not born in the US, thus cannot be president, and thus cannot be VP. Sorry again.
3. Among the Republican candidates out there, Mike Huckabee has the best chance of ending up as VP. The only other religious conservative is Thompson, and unless things step up, he's not going to win. McCain and Giuliani need real help there. Romney probably wouldn't pick him because of the fight they've had, but he could use the South too.
4. Al Gore probably won't be anybody's running mate. Condi Rice would be an excellent choice for Republicans--she gives a compelling choice for race and gender voters.
5. Remember, anyone who becomes VP is expected to run in 8 years (unless it's another Cheney, which is unlikely), so those whose niche (black, female, religious conservative, libertarian) is off the ticket wants a running mate that says "you'll get it next time."
Posted by: Phil | January 18, 2008 2:58 PM
I'd love to see all those evangelicals have to choke on a Jewish VP candidate!
Posted by: mehitabel | January 18, 2008 2:56 PM
I doubt McCain would go for No. 2.
The unlikely No. 2's among the Dems are not so easy to see.
Posted by: Spectator | January 18, 2008 2:53 PM
Like many, I thought Jim Webb as an instant possibility after his Democratic response to the Prez. From the way he ran the Virginia campaign, I don't think he's interested in national office. Mark Warner has already made his decision, so I don't think this election will see a return of the Virginian. So, here's a few predictions:
Clinton - Obama is an obvious choice
Obama - A pick with gravitas and regional balance is needed. Sam Nunn is a name worth considering, but he's already ruled himself out. I'd say go for executive experience--Richardson.
McCain - Huckabee and vice versa.
Romney - There's the toughie. Not liked by any of the other contenders and finding his footing with outsider/business experience cred. I say go out of the box--Powell or Rice.
And last, but not least, Ron Paul. My pick: Sen. Tom Coburn.
BB
Posted by: FairlingtonBlade | January 18, 2008 2:34 PM
There's one name that is going to top a lot of people's lists when looking for a Vice President: Madeline K. Albright.
Obama-Albright would have all the advantages of an Obama-Hillary run, except that Albright would bring actual foreign policy experience instead of psuedo-experience, and doesn't generate the kind of negative press that Hillary does.
Posted by: Jason | January 18, 2008 2:22 PM
How about a Romney/Fred Thompson ticket?
Posted by: BK | January 18, 2008 2:12 PM
Romney & Lieberman? You really want to run two Democrats from New England at the top of Republican ticket? Actually, I'm a Democrat myself but I'd love to see the reaction to this.
Barack needs to run with someone who can bolster his foreign policy credentials. Ideally, the VP should have impeccable national security experience. Bonus points if they received national attention for a speech where they criticized the handling of the Iraq War before it even started.
Obama-Shinseki! Its just fun to say it.
Posted by: Rockville, MD | January 18, 2008 2:05 PM
The Clinton-Clark ticket has the greatest potential of returning our country to peace and prosperity.
Rhodes scholar Wesley Clark would also be a great VP choice for Obama.
Jim Webb and Joe Sestak would also make good running mates for any Democrat.
Mitt Romney needs someone like Huckabee as his running mate. Mainstram Christian, southern, and aw-shucksy.
Posted by: Nick Kelly | January 18, 2008 2:01 PM
If McCain, then keep your eye on Gov. Mark Sanford (S.C.) for a surprise VP pick. Young, southern, government waste fighter, and good buddies with McCain.
For the dems, Richardson has to be on the short list for the VP spot.
Posted by: Tweaked | January 18, 2008 1:45 PM
Clinton - Obama, Schweitzer, Bayh
Obama - Janet Napolitano, Al Gore, Joe Biden or some white guy [> 55 yrs old, congressman/governor] with impeccable National Security credentials (not Bill Richardson - too much race factor)
McCain - Huck
Huck - McCain
Romney - Lindsay Graham
Giulani - General Patreaus
Posted by: John White | January 18, 2008 1:16 PM
Hillary Clinton & Wes Clark are an ideal pair this time out. Wes Clark IS national security. He is the anti-Cheney.
Posted by: Holly | January 18, 2008 1:06 PM
As mentioned previously, Condi Rice would be a brilliant VP choice for any of the Republicans, particularly if Hillary is the Democratic nominee. Imagine the twists and turns when it dawns on people that Condi has a more compelling story and better credentials than Hillary.
Posted by: bwright110 | January 18, 2008 12:31 PM
Obama has to either pick a clone -- someone who accentuates his newness and next generation, bipartisan thing or an estalishment national security expert.
One person who partially sits in both camps is former SecDef/Senator Bill Cohen. Moderate Republican who has already served under a Democrat.
Posted by: Gregory McCarthy | January 18, 2008 12:20 PM
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D) hasn't been mentioned in this discussion, but should be on the list.
He's a popular Democratic governor in an extremely important swing state. He's come out in support of Hillary (a while back) and is clearly on her list.
He's a psychologist, Methodist Minister, was in the House for 5 terms, and is seen as being fairly moderate. Seems like some good VP candidate qualities to me--uncontroversial, while being able help carry some important states at the same time.
Posted by: abc | January 18, 2008 12:10 PM
McCain/Romney or Romney/McCain. Either way it's gold.
Posted by: Stan | January 18, 2008 12:08 PM
Some picks:
Obama - Mark Warner, Chuck Hagel, Chris Dodd (must be white)
Clinton - Bill Richardson, Mark Warner, Evan Bayh, Vilsack (pick a minority, a southerner, or a midwesterner)
McCain - Mike Huckabee, Lindsay Graham, Colin Powell, Chuck Hagel (could go for ensuring vote of independents or for ensuring the republican base)
Huckabee - Colin Powell, Robert Gates, James Baker, Condoleezza Rice (someone with foreign relations experience!)
Romney - Colin Powell, Robert Gates, James Baker, Condoleezza Rice (same as Huckabee: someone with foreign relations experience!)
Posted by: JPHT | January 18, 2008 11:52 AM
Obama/Webb
Clinton/Clark
Edwards/Webb
Romney/Huckabee
McCain/Huckabee
Huckabee/Haley Barbour
Posted by: Jackson Landers | January 18, 2008 11:52 AM
Barack Obama/Patty Murray
Hillary Clinton/Rahm Emmanuel
John Edwards/Lou Dobbs
John McCain/Lindsey Graham
Mike Huckabee/Rudy Guliani
Fred Thompson/Liz Cheney
Ron Paul/Pat Buchanan
Rudy Guliani/Kay Bailey Hutchinson
Mitt Romney/Matt Blunt
Posted by: Veep Stakes | January 18, 2008 11:47 AM
Jewish-yep.
Vote for Lieberman? no. too conservative in his politics.
Posted by: nonnymouse | January 18, 2008 11:39 AM
Are you suggesting a candidate needs to pass your religion test before being taken seriously?
Perhaps reporters should be required to pass a bigotry test???
Posted by: almanojodo | January 18, 2008 11:07 AM
Seriously, I'd vote for MITT ROMNEY with Condoleezza Rice as his Vice President! Great combination for a stronger, safer America!
Posted by: almanojodo | January 18, 2008 11:01 AM
How about Obama - Oprah?
Posted by: Sandra | January 18, 2008 10:55 AM
I actually believe that the best choice for Obama would be Al Gore. Not only does he cover the experience requirement for the ticket, but his recent popularity and newfound sociable demeanor make him much more appealing to the democrats than he was in 2000. In addition, this would be an excellent move for Gore, as he would be able to revive his political career by pushing both his connection with the scandal-prone Clinton administration and the 2000 election to the background. If things went well, he would present himself in 2016 as the all around most experienced candidate possible.
Posted by: EM | January 18, 2008 10:48 AM
Obama - Joe Biden or Jane Harmon
Clinton - Obama or Biden
Romney - Mel Martinez (doh! he's Cuban born), Arnold Schwarzenegger (doh!), John Warner
McCain - Romney, Huckabee, JC Watts
Huckabee - Dick Cheney (why not just throw in the towel?)
Posted by: mike s | January 18, 2008 10:21 AM
Would someone please report "sickofit"'s anti-semitic screed. There is no place in what is an interesting discussion for that kind of garbage.
Posted by: independant | January 18, 2008 10:19 AM
Obama and Jack Reed, DSen from RI - Jack Reed is a leading Dem expert on military matters - widely respected - West Point background - voted against the war resolution - impecable credentials - and an all around Mr. Clean.
Posted by: V Allen | January 18, 2008 10:11 AM
Very little to depend on now...except
EVERY DAY THERE'S SOME LOUSEY columnist
PLUGGING THE JEWISH MAYOR OF NEW YORK
for (to buy) the US prsidency. Anywhere, any ticket, will do.
Like, we need more neocons, more war, in Iran..more rotten engineering in the stock market.
ONWARD ZIONISM...
Posted by: SICK OF IT | January 18, 2008 9:56 AM
How about McCain-Thompson?
Posted by: Arlington Driver | January 18, 2008 9:53 AM
This might be silly, but what about an Obama/McCain ticket? It would work with Obama's dismissal of the red state/blue state idea, they are both known for their bipartisan work, McCain would bring foreign policy strength.
It might be a bit bottom-heavy, again, and I don't know if this sort of crossing of party lines is really possible.
Posted by: J Swift | January 18, 2008 9:35 AM
For either Hillary or Obama, former Senator Bob Graham of Florida is a good pick. Definitely won't overshadow you, and he could help you win Florida as he was both governor and Senator, and he brings foriegn policy experience for Obama, as he was ranking member on the Intelligence Committee.
I also like Wesley Clark for either candidate's VP.
Hillary could pick Gov. Phil Bredesen of TN - he could give her real bona fides in parts of the South.
On the Republican side, I don't care enough about any of them except McCain to even speculate. McCain should pick Charlie Crist of Florida - another moderate, strong on the environment, and immensley popular back home.
Posted by: erikpdumont | January 18, 2008 9:27 AM
Huckabee/McCain is a great ticket.
So is Huckabee/Pawlenty (Minn. Sen.)
Posted by: Bill Riddle | January 18, 2008 9:08 AM
I love the OBAMA/WEBB ticket....perfect!
Posted by: JC | January 18, 2008 8:54 AM
The perfect Democratic ticket --
CLINTON-GORE
We had 8 great years with Bill and Al. Let's have another 8 with Hillary and Al! Al would get the Democratic blogosphere behind the Clinton ticket, consolidate Democratic-leaning independents. He's a super smart and well respected guy, but doesn't have a personality that will overshadow Hillary.
Don't stop thinking about tomorrow!!
Posted by: Rex | January 18, 2008 8:31 AM
I think that a good choice would be Obama/Leiberman. Obama would be selecting an Independant, showing he really does want to reach out. Joe would pick up all the Florida votes that Hillary now has, but might go to the Republicans should she bow out.
If not Obama/Leiberman, then Obama/Warner. Mark Warner has shown that he can cross party lines and achieve bipartisan lawmaking. He is also a very savy businessman from the South, two things that Obama lacks.
Clinton would do well with Warner as well. She allready has NY, CA, and FL. Warner would help her pick up the South.
If either of these two picked up Warner, it would be a great step towards a Warner/Bayh ticket down the road.
Posted by: Uncommitted | January 18, 2008 7:55 AM
Huckabee / Haggard
Romney / Craig
McCain / Vitter
Giuliani / Robertson
Hillary / Bill
Obama / Farrakan
Edwards / Kerry
Posted by: Roy | January 18, 2008 7:43 AM
Obama/Biden 2008.
Posted by: Random Dude | January 18, 2008 7:14 AM
Since are on the subject of running mates and military types are being mentioned including "message in a bottle" Powell, how about this:
Give Mushy US citizenship and let him become someone's running mate.
By most accounts he's more pro American than many an American, he's got the experience in fighting terror, and heck if we ever need to declare "martial law" in the USA he'd be the best man (literally speaking) to turn to for advice!
Other than that I see the potential for a Rudy Guiliani-Powell ticket should Mr. G win or a Hillary-Leiberman ticket should Hillary win.
And like in 2000 the South will vote Republican!
Posted by: Imran | January 18, 2008 6:56 AM
Oh and to "Jewish voter" what a stupid comment. Yes there is anti-semitism, but Gore-Lieberman won the 2000 election. A Jew CAN win and one day it will happen (again). And to say that you wouldn't vote for a fellow Jew is just ignorant, self hating stupidity.
Posted by: commentator | January 18, 2008 6:44 AM
I agree with Wesley Clark or Webb would be great. The thing about a Clinton-Webb ticket is that he may not be "controllable". But I like him. And he's from the south so would help her there. For Obama the same too would really burnish his candidacy and give him some military bonafides.
And I think Huckabee is running for VP. He would be great for any of the other candidates because he brings in the evangelicals and is from the south. The top candidates, McCain, Romney and Giuliani need that type of VP. But they're going to lose anyway. Its the dems year.
Posted by: commentator | January 18, 2008 6:42 AM
Even though I'm Jewish, I would never vote for a Jewish candidate- no matter which ticket he/she runs on. All it would do is increase anti-Semitism no matter what their policies and positions are.
Posted by: Jewish voter | January 18, 2008 4:34 AM
The Southern red states used to be so bigoted against Jews, that until the Supremes restored their rights, many states had laws barring them from office. It's doubtful Republicans have become enlightened, when the aim of their philosophy is to avoid exactly that.
Posted by: jhbyer | January 18, 2008 4:01 AM
Obama-Webb 2008. That's the ticket.
All these other choices are beltway-boring. Biden, Richardson, et al could put rocks and trees to sleep.
The idea of a Mitt-Whoever ticket slinging the usual GOPper slime, and getting it shoved back down their throats by a Reagan-serving ex-Marine, tickles my heart.
-- stan
Posted by: Stanley Krute | January 18, 2008 2:33 AM
Smartest move for either Clinton or Obama ... Leon Panetta. The guy is widely respected, has a genuine appeal and has been in the White House before. You want a VP that fits and he fits
Posted by: AL | January 18, 2008 1:57 AM
Sen. Jim Webb. Joe Biden if he can get over his ego. NH Gov. Lynch. KS Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.
Posted by: Sandwich Repairman | January 18, 2008 1:16 AM
Earth to Washington Post:
There's a crime wave going on in your city and it originates at the White House.
Evidence of those crimes is being destroyed daily.
Why not say something about that instead of this mindless speculation.
Posted by: XYZ | January 18, 2008 1:14 AM
I think Hilary Clinton- Gen. Wesley Clark
will be the dream team for democrats to
run in 2008. Republicans have destroyed
the U.S. economy in 8 years. Hilary is
honest, smart and is married to a great
ex-president who will be a trusted and
loyal adviser. General Wesley Clark is
a tough military man with a brilliant
mind and a great communicator. This is
the dream-team that U.S. needs to get
us out of the mess we are in.
smart, and
Posted by: Yilmaz Sahinkaya | January 18, 2008 1:13 AM
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