There are quite a few interesting choices for the presidential ticket, each of whom need to be considered on merits of geography, policy leanings, and ability to pick up Republican-leaning states from the Democrats. So who would be ideal for which presidential candidate? Let's consider the choices in the event that Barack Obama throws his hat into the ring, inspires Democratic primary voters, and, after a tough battle, wins the nomination.
Senator Obama is a thoroughly charismatic politician who would have an excellent ability to inspire the public and win over minorities. African-American turnout would skyrocket, for obvious reasons. However, Obama would be open to the charge of being a greenhorn, having only served in the Senate for around three years by the time he has to pick a running mate — and also lacking experience in an executive office, for instance by having served as a state governor. Be that as it may, the senator would be able to offset these drawbacks by his choice of running mate. Different priorities require different choices.
John Edwards would be the obvious choice if Obama wants to send the message of a "new generation", post-Clinton, so to speak. However, while the Senator would bring some experience to the ticket and anti-poverty credentials (through his work at the University of North Carolina), Edwards would also face questions about his foreign-policy experience. Such questions would obviously be compounded, if two senators with a combined term of office of merely seven years, ran as a ticket.
Of course, such a ticket could counter a Republican assault by running the line: "Experience is desirable, but look where an assemblage of experienced national security experts have brought us. It's time for a change." But for aforesaid reasons, it is less likely that Obama/Edwards will run, particularly as John Edwards may decide to sit out the election (especially as an Obama presidency is not a shoo-in, and Edwards probably does not want to take the risk of ending up twice as a failed vice-presidential candidate).
Article comments
1 - Fred Zimmerman
For a factually accurate, even-handed, and entertaining perspective on Obama, see SHOULD BARACK OBAMA BE PRESIDENT (Nimble Books, October 2006) or our site
Seatoshiningsea: if you would like a review copy, send me your snail mail address.
2 - Nancy
Interesting speculations. Poor Wes Clark: always a bridesmaid....
3 - D'oh
Bah, misses the whole point that Obama is more than likely running for VP, that wou;d get him the experience, and he would bring a serious force onto any ticket.
Biden/Obama versus Hagel/Romney would be one of the best possibilities for the country...
Like that could ever happen in the real world.
4 - Arch Conservative
I believe you meant Romney/Hagel.
5 - zingzing
get romney's dick out of your mouth when you say that, archie.
6 - Juliette Ruesz
Do the quick divisive math of having three minorities all vying for the same office on one ticket, and who is left standing is Southern John "said-I-was-sorry-so-reward-me-plus-I-say-good-stuff-about-the-poor" Edwards to win the nomination by default even with his lack of judgment on War and Peace are monumental are pretty scary.
I find curious that considering the turmoil in the world, Democrats with National Security/Foreign Policy experience are relegated to the back of the bus, while those without the proper experience are pushed up front. This Dem/Media Charisma Strategy, considering the times we live in makes absolutely no sense. Dems have got to be praying that the Republicans will have an even worse line up (which to date they do).
If we were in our right mind, Wes Clark would be talked about in terms of the presidency, not as supporting role of Vice President. In fact, if one were to believe John Edwards supporter (as they say when minimizing that their guy was on the losing ticket in 2004), "no one votes for VP"!
Further, spending time contemplating Vice Presidents capable of shoring up the obvious lack of qualifications for the next Leader of the Free world and Commander in Chief is laughable. Are we Dems just out to lunch? I'm starting to think so.
7 - Zach
Lincoln would be an amazing choice, and a perfect compliment for Obama. Every Hillary supporter would get behind a Barack-Blanche ticket... aggressively.
Go America!
Obama-Lincoln '08!
(Has a nice ring to it, too....)
Would Romney deign to be the head of the OMB? 'Cause I think he could do a lot of good there...