Is “Obama As VP” Question Hurting?
By Justin Gardner | Related entries in 2008 Election, Barack, HillaryI had that thought on Thursday after I heard Blitzer asks it at the very end of the debate (which happened to be the most watched in cable history). Because it’s not just a question being asked now, it’s a conversation I’ve been having repeatedly with many I talk to about the Dem candidates. In fact, as I was watching the debate at my gym, somebody asked me the “Obama as VP” question far before Blitzer had asked it. That’s how much it’s in the collective zeitgeist right now…strangers are asking each other.
So I think it’s obvious why this could really end up hurting Barack. Most Hillary voters are convinced he simply isn’t experienced enough for the job, and of that number there are probably 10% who really want to vote for him but haven’t yet been given that one last reason to push them towards Obama. And when they heard that question on Thursday night (or the next morning in the papers) I think it’s reasonable to assume that this solidified their thought that Barack could get the on-the-job training as Hillary’s 2nd in command, and then, after 8 years, he’d be an amazing candidate. You know, after he’s an insider…
Here’s the bottom line about the VP thing. If Obama gets the nomination, asking Hillary to be VP wouldn’t be a very wise choice. She does nothing but drive his negatives up. He’d do much better to get an older guy (Joe Biden? Chris Dodd? Bill Richardson?) to help him with the foreign policy voter. If Hillary gets the nom, Obama is an obvious choice for her because he has the potential to bring with him all the new voters he’s been bringing in. He’d also be a fundraising juggernaut. Also, people like me may reconsider not voting for Hillary because the game is changed at that point. Especially if McCain goes with somebody like Huckabee for VP.
In any event, have you heard similar things out there when talking with Dems?
UPDATE:
There’s one other reason why I think Barack might be in trouble…Hugh Hewitt thinks he’s a lock.
This entry was posted on Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 and is filed under 2008 Election, Barack, Hillary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Obama should pick a prominent female member of the Democratic party as his running mate. A few of those very impressive Democratic personalities who already endorsed the senator are:
- Janet Napolitano born November 29 1957, Governor Arizona,
- Kathleen Gilligan Sebelius born May 15 1948, Governor Kansas
- Claire McCaskill born July 24 1953, US Senator, Missouri
This would truly make history and send a powerful message to the world about America as a standard bearer of democracy and equality
February 3rd, 2008 at 9:18 am
Oprah.
Enjoy the heart attacks and pain.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:56 am
I think it’s a horrid idea, really. I can only imagine one three-way argument after another in the Oval Office… with “President Hillary” acting as referee between the Vice President and the “First Gentleman.” Guess who the Prez will side with in most of those arguments? :shudder:
The Clintons have run their course in American history. Hillary needs to finish out her term in the Senate… stay there as long as the New York voters are willing to re-elect her… then she and Bill need to find a nice free-range chicken operation in Arkansas and settle down.
If Obama is going to end up picking a running mate, I’d much rather see him “cross the aisle” and choose an independent, Libertarian, or very moderate Republican (a “RINO” for those who need a label to cling to).
Obama-Lieberman
Obama-Rice
If Romney manages to swoop in at the last minute and seize the Republican nomination, I’d even support…
Obama-McCain
Yeah, I’m crazy. But we live in crazy times, so… ;)
February 5th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
[...] life into the fallen hero and say “Rise Obama!, for you will walk with me to the promised land as my second – and bring your naive unwashed hordes with you. I will teach you the political weirding way.†[...]