Friday Veepstakes

Could Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey balance out a presidential ticket?  Politico asks the question and makes some good points.

Though Casey hasn't been in the Senate all that long, so he does bring a lot of federal experience to the table.  Also hindering his prospects are that he's pro-gun and pro-life, which is certain create a stir among the party activist ranks.  But Casey carries an important constituency (Christian white voters) and he could make Pennsylvania a bit harder for Republicans to vie for in the fall. 

Might not be a perfect selection, but then again nothing in the Veepstakes guessing game ever is...

Comments

[Tony]

Casey would make some sense if Obama is the nominee, as he would help start the process of a turn to the middle in a GE, something Obama will have to do, but I'm not sure Casey is the type of guy that could carry Pennsylvania from the VP slot, and Casey doesn't exactly bridge the gap between the party sides.

[Truth]

Bob Casey would turn my vote for an Obama maybe to an Obama no way. McCain and Romney already talked about Obama being an "intern". Are you guys trying to win this for the Republicans?

Hillary, Edwards or Evan Bayh are my top picks. More important though is Obama needs to bore me with some detailed facts on areas I think he is generalizing too much.

[Jackson Landers]

Being pro-gun wouldn't hurt him. Look at how much left-wing grassroots support there has been for Jim Webb as a VP pick - Webb is a card-carrying member of the NRA, has a concealed weapon permit and is devoted to the protection of the 2nd Amendment.

Most of the new heroes of the progressive grassroots these last few years have been pro-gun. Webb, John Tester, 11 Democratic freshman members of Congress with A+ ratings from the NRA and Howard Dean. John Murtha and Harry Reid are also A+ rated by the NRA.

A lock-step anti-gun stance was the Democratic party of the 1990's. Things have changed a lot since then. Katrina changed a lot of Democrats' minds, as did the fact that the assault weapons ban expired and there was no massive increase in gun violence.

[=j]

I don't have anything specific, but my gut tells me that this campaign does not need another Senator.

That said, I do not envy the Obama campaign. The veep selection process is another embarrassment of riches in the number and quality of potential candidates.

[Mithras]

Here on the ground in PA, the voter registration numbers tell me that this state will most likely go for Obama, so this move wouldn't be necessary. Also, as Truth implies, another junior Senator would be one too many. On the other hand, the idea of Hillary as VP strikes me as demented. Also, other than losing the 2004 general, losing his Senate seat, and losing his bid for the nomination, what has Edwards done? Elizabeth is nice and sympathetic now, but doesn't her reported dislike of Obama present something of an obstacle?

What Obama needs is someone moderate, wonkish, colorless, experienced, and not seen as a loser. Most of all, he needs a white man. Who fits that bill? Before he cut a commercial for Hillary, I would have said Wes Clark. Now, I don't know.

[Blame]

Obama doesn't have the detailed facts. He isn't an economist. What he needs is to bring in some experts. The sooner the better while the others are still bluffing. Don't worry. He will. Hillary's Motto was "Ready from day one", but the campaign showed us that it was Obama that was ready, and Hillary who was learning on the job.

A president isn’t an individual, he is a team. Obama knows how to find, keep, and inspire the best team, and that is most of the job.

Now about that team, Rednecks hate Obama, and there is absolutely nothing to be done about that. If he tries coming on macho he will be the “Scary Black Man”. A strong white male vice will not help at all. Obama will still be the leader, and they think he is a wimp. What real man works for a wimp?

Better to realise that 55% of the uneducated white mature voters are female. A white female vice would work. Obama is the sort of modern man who is expected to listen to women.

[Dave]

As unlikely as this prospect is I have a feeling Richardson would be a stronger choice. He has Cabinet experience as well as he is a Governor. He also helps shore up Colorado, and New Mexico. He also survived the negative attacks for taking a chance and endorsing early.

He would help head us in the direction we need to get away from Cooperate Governing. We need someone who if for any reason Obama can not continue this person will step in and continue with the change that is needed.

Hillary will not be on the ticket as she is part of the old school. This might be Richardson's problem too so I am going to be watching to see the direction.

I just don't see another Senator being selected as they are moving toward 56 to 58 Senators. There would have to be a replacement for Obama. Replacing another Senate seat at this point might jeopardize or weaken that possibility.

Look to a Governor with a minimum of 2 terms under their belt. The selection will come from the Midwest or maybe the south. The selection will help move the ticket to the center. This might even be an elder Senator who no longer is serving in the Senate. Although I feel they will look for someone who will be electable to follow in 2012 or 2016.

[OlderVoter]

Mr. Super, Thank you for your endorsement of Senator Obama. Just saw it announced on The Page.

[Bill R.]

While electoral votes and demography are no doubt considered. I believe that personal connection based on values, trust, and mutual respect and likability have great importance in a choice. And not the least is if you believe the VP is a good choice to assume the presidency, if needed.

That said, I think Bill Richardson is the best choice, and in my mind I wouldn't be surprised if he isn't the leading candidate at this point in Barack's thinking. Bill Richardson's risking the intimidation and the retaliation of the Clintons to do what he thought was the right thing for the country showed his character and judgment.

[N.D.]

Ed Rendell would be better than Casey, but picking Rendell over Casey would show that Obama is not highly loyal.

I don't like the idea of picking some old "elder statesman" like Lee Hamilton. Obama needs an energetic campaigner who isn't afraid to attack. He also needs someone who can tell white people that they must support Obama *despite* Obama's race.

I think Jim Webb is the answer.

[Joe]

I still like Edwards, Richardson, Wes Clark, or one of the female governors, based on whoever helps him the most.

But, I guess this is why they take so long to pick a VP :)

[sommer]

Mr. Super-
You could have gave us a hint that you were endorsing Obama today. Anyway - Thanks much! And thanks for this blog.

[Steven]

For BO, Sebelius is the best choice for VP.

[The Grand Panjandrum]

I see nothing to be a net gain for the Democrats to pick a sitting Senator. We are in the midst of what could figuratively be an election year tidal wave so why would we do anything to upset that momentum. Please no sitting Senators.

I also suspect that Clinton is right now negotiating with the Obama campaign, and among those points of negotiation would be the right to veto the VP pick. (Sorry, Ed, but that probably ends Bill Richardson's chances. But Bill is my Governor so if he doesn't get State then we are quite happy to keep him.)

My fave is Janet Napolitano. She's a damn fine politician (and also has a NM connection!).

I've also thought about the possibility of Bill Bradley, but only because he has always impressed with his grasp of policy. (OK, I'm a diehard Knicks fan.)

I don't know much about Sebelius but everything I've read is positive so she should be considered as well.

Brian Sweitzer would be another one I think should be considered. I love the guy. He, and Napolitano, represent the new Democrats you find out here in the West and SW. As you pointed out many of us are strong supporters of 2nd Amendment Rights and that is an important issue for Democrats to put to rest once and for all.

BUT ... NO sitting Senators!

[Maggie]

Thank you Mr. Espinoza - just saw breaking news on MSNBC that you have endorsed Obama! You made the right choice! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

[Kasturba]

Hey Mr. Super,

Thanks! Just read your endorsement.

[Alicia]

Thank you Mr. Super! I know you've told us your real identity, but I kind of like calling you Mr. Super anyway... :) I just read about your endorsement of Barack Obama! Just wanted to say thank you -- I look forward to reading more of your thoughts as this process moves forward.

[Lynne B]

Sam Nunn for VP - he will bring alot of support from the south, he has solid credentials, selecting him would not mean taking a chance on losing a democratic senatorial seat.

[MM]

Truth,

Hillary or Evan Bayh as VP? I believe Hillary supporters have entered the "bargaining" phase of grief.

[Laffincrow]

Ha! Just heard on MSNBC where super delegate Ed Espinoza threw his support behind Barack Obama!!! Thank you!

[EJ]

I think his pro-life stance would hurt unity with HRC's base.

BTW . . . KUDOS for endorsing OBAMA!!

[Another Mike]

There was recently a pundit who suggested that Clinton conceivably could push for a VP slot at the convention, since technically this is a convention decision. Is there even the slightest chance that delegates could force a "unity" ticket, even if the presumptive nominee does not want Clinton as his VP?

[Kevin]

It's good to see you took the plunge with Obama.

[Diamond]

Whatever guess you make (and God knows there are many), make sure the pick has EXPERIENCE written all over him or her.

- Executive experience: a MUST!
- National recognition: a MUST! Obama will not be helped by another 'unknown' who will need introduction to the national stage.
- Preferably NOT a white female. A black man and a white woman on a ticket is not a good idea at all.
- Military Experience: a huge advantage.

Like Nancy Pelosi, I'm hoping it will be a DREAM TICKET - a different one. My preference will be a Black/Brown ticket (Obama-Richardson).

Otherwise, Al Gore or someone with his prominence and pedigree will be the utmost VP pick.

[Trevor J]

Thanks for declaring your support, Mr. Super! And thanks for this site.