home

The VP Speech At The Dem Convention

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:16:08 PM EST
Tags: (all tags)
Share This: Digg! StumbleUpon del.icio.us reddit reddit

There are public accounts that Hillary Clinton will speak the second night (Tuesday night, August 26) of the Democratic National Convention. It is unknown if Bill Clinton will speak, but if he does it no doubt would be Monday night, August 25. Thursday night, Barack Obama will deliver his speech accepting the Democratic nomination from Invesco Field before 75,000. One of the previous nights there will be a so called "keynote" address.

On Wednesday night, August 27, the Democratic nominee for Vice President will speak. What a tough spot. To have to speak the night after Hillary Clinton speaks and the night before Barack Obama speaks? This is the occasion when the Vice Presidential nominee will be introduced to the country. How can the Vice Presidential nominee deliver under such circumstances?

Not a spot to envy in my opinion.

By Big Tent Democrat, speaking for me only

< Defense Rests in Salim Hamdan Gitmo Trial | Dem Platform Committee Meeting in Cleveland >

  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


    • Display: Sort:
    The VP Speech At The Dem Convention | 103 comments (103 topical)

    Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment

    Yeah, Hillary better save some good lines (5.00 / 5) (#1)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:17:48 PM EST
    for that second speech. :)

    I like the way yout hink! (5.00 / 2) (#101)
    by coigue on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 06:47:58 PM EST


    Parent
    BTD (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by ghost2 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:21:43 PM EST
    Have you seen this video?  

    from: Sky Dancing in a Man's World.  Video by fishsimo.

    Regarding: Hillary's name in roll call and in nomination.  

    Thanks For Sharing (5.00 / 4) (#41)
    by JimWash08 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:52:15 PM EST
    Anyone know where this took place?

    Watching it, my heart seriously ACHES for what could have been, and what we're missing out on.

    She's not even talking about policy or national issues, but she is JUST. SO. eloquent; SO. concise in how she explains what she would like to see at the convention.

    I really hope that New York Post or NY Daily News article is pure B.S. and that she does put her name on the ballot.

    Yeah, of course, there may be a chance she falls short of the number of delegates she actually received in the Primaries, but she owes it to herself, the delegates who contested in their districts to be at the convention for her, the voters who voted for her and everyone else in between.

    I am not trying to guilt her (if she or a close aide happens to read this) but the Hillary Rodham Clinton campaign, which finished a close second by >this< much, was no ordinary campaign and 2nd-place finisher.

    And in getting back on topic, seriously, if Obama is not going to choose Hillary as his VP (yes I am, unfortunately, compensating as I would surely like her to be the Pres. nominee instead) ... that would be THE. BEST. example to use to prove that he has extreeeemly poor judgment.


    Parent

    Please help spread the truth. (5.00 / 2) (#47)
    by ghost2 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:57:07 PM EST
    Please draw attention to this video.

    I agree with you.  She is fantastic: so calm, cool, in control, and poised, and eloquent.  

    Why is it any surprise?  After all she went through?  she'd be forced to either be a mess, or find her center.

    Parent

    See the video -- it's not for her to do. (5.00 / 4) (#104)
    by Cream City on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 08:36:19 PM EST
    It's for the delegates to do.  And I do greatly appreciate the mention at the end that there are Obama delegates signing the petition for the Democratic party to give Senator Clinton and her supporters the same courtesies that have been given to every other serious candidate -- none of whom did so well as she did, ever.

    They weren't wearing pantsuits.  That seems to be the only difference.  If that is the difference that keeps the Dems from doing Clinton and her supporters the basic courtesies of all conventions before -- then the Dems will have done in themselves again.

    Parent

    Heh (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by Steve M on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:22:30 PM EST
    Most of the names who have been mentioned for VP consideration aren't exactly in the "dynamic speaker" category.

    For example, if the nominee is the much-maligned Kathleen Sebelius (just to pick on her some more), there's no way that she is going to be the featured speaker on Wednesday AND get a speaking slot on Monday as well, as the Obama campaign has suggested the VP will do.  It just wouldn't enrapture the TV audience.

    I'm pretty sure they will figure out a role for the VP nominee that makes optimal use of his or her talents.  Now, that might mean a fact-finding mission to Moldova on the eve of the convention, you never know.

    But does Sebelius really want to do research (5.00 / 2) (#8)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:23:50 PM EST
    with Jesse Jackson?

    Parent
    Dynamic speakers from our party (5.00 / 0) (#32)
    by brodie on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:43:50 PM EST
    don't come along that often.  FDR, JFK, Mario, Bill, O.  Count 'em on one hand.

    I wouldn't mind if the VP nominee, instead of the usual formal speech from behind the lectern, got out there and worked the crowd with a wireless mic and some well-rehearsed but solid lines and themes.

    Not many VP formal speeches of recent times that are memorable.  And definitely, John Edwards in 04 greatly disappointed with his rather weak delivery in that large hall.

    Some people, like JE, are just better suited to the town hall style of delivery, and so I hope the folks running things in Denver are willing to be creative with the Veep speech, just as they're going bold with O's stadium rockfest.

    Parent

    Leave some room on that hand (5.00 / 3) (#37)
    by Steve M on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:48:31 PM EST
    for Barbara Jordan, please!

    Then again, this might not be the best year for her famous "change - from what to what?" keynote.  YMMV.

    Parent

    And Ann Richrads (5.00 / 3) (#39)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:50:33 PM EST


    Parent
    No question, La Jordan (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by brodie on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:56:32 PM EST
    delivered the goods in NYC in 76.  Too bad JC wasn't in her league as a speaker with charisma, else he would have been a two-termer.

    (too bad too Jordan went Professor on us not long thereafter -- it was almost as if she quickly became a major party star then just as quickly went away ...)

    Parent

    She has been on the forefront (none / 0) (#26)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:37:38 PM EST
    of speculation for so long as Obama's VP pick.  Surely the campaign has provided public speaking coaching to her.  

    Parent
    Well, if she gets too much coaching (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:42:24 PM EST
    she could end up outta the runnin'  ;)

    Parent
    I thought back in 05 thru 07 (5.00 / 0) (#42)
    by brodie on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:52:30 PM EST
    that my primary candidate, Hillary, would be getting some extensive counseling on her formal speaking style, which was one weak area  I thought she needed help with.  But I only detected some slight improvement at the margins.  

    Dunno why more pols don't go all out more often to really upgrade in their public speaking.  JFK worked hard at improving in the 50s and excelled as a result.  FDR was mostly a natural.  Ditto Cuomo and the more informal Bill.

    Sebelius, judging solely by her SOTU response, definitely needs to speed up her pacing -- she spoke like her audience was a group of younger ESLers who needed time to digest each simple word -- and remember that brevity (à la JFK) is far preferable, even in a VP acceptance speech.   20 minutes tops, crisp and punchy delivery with plenty of sharp, memorable lines that go after the Bush regime while laying out the Dem battle plan.

    Parent

    I am absolutely convinced Hillary (5.00 / 0) (#44)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:54:20 PM EST
    Clinton consulted w/a voice coach, as her timbre and range changed significantly for the better.

    Parent
    she did (none / 0) (#80)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:34:22 PM EST
    I think I read she did.  nothing wrong with that.
    Obama should do it and stop ending all his sentences on and UP note.  its really annoying.

    Parent
    Yup (none / 0) (#84)
    by MKS on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:45:37 PM EST
    It was a line item in one of her 2007 campaign finance reports....Voice training for about 25k as I recall--in December.

    Parent
    Maybe Wes Clark can carry it (5.00 / 2) (#6)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:22:40 PM EST


    He could pull it off (5.00 / 2) (#12)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:25:30 PM EST
    Can't think of any of the other possibles that could.  Welll, edwards, but that is such a long shot now I don't even consider it.

    Parent
    Clark can say getting shot down (none / 0) (#29)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:39:59 PM EST
    in a fighter plane is not a qualification for Pres. of U.S.  Then Obama can say, please don't say that.  

    Parent
    Yeah - Obama on the side of the stage (5.00 / 0) (#34)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:46:50 PM EST
    with a big hook for when the VP gets too feisty for him.

    Parent
    heh! (none / 0) (#97)
    by Faust on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 05:56:31 PM EST


    Parent
    Expectations will not be set very high (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:24:23 PM EST
    Maybe nap time if it is Sebelius.

    Okay, so just specch wise, who would be (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:26:25 PM EST
    ...the worst of those being floated? Sebelius was pretty boring the one time I saw her. Kaine would be okay, but just barely. Biden and Nunn would be barfy. Who else?

    I would expect Biden to be entertaining (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:28:19 PM EST


    Parent
    Biden (5.00 / 0) (#20)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:32:00 PM EST
    would make a good event of the opportunity because he would go on the attack.

    Parent
    I know how Jeralyn feels (5.00 / 0) (#22)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:34:11 PM EST
    but I honestly wouldn't be too upset with Biden. Better him than Kaine IMO.

    Parent
    better Biden than Kaine (5.00 / 0) (#27)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:37:45 PM EST
    absolutley

    Parent
    I think (none / 0) (#30)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:40:03 PM EST
    given the fact Hillary is out, Biden is probably the best choice politically (Wes Clark is out too, draft Clark movement notwithstanding).

    Parent
    He sure talks a good game (none / 0) (#36)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:48:15 PM EST
    which is what you want a VP to be able to do.


    Parent
    The African American male who (none / 0) (#49)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:58:39 PM EST
    is opposing counsel in one of my cases says if Biden is picked, Biden's clean and articulate statement will somehow be explained away.

    CNN

    Maybe Republicans (not McCain personally natch) could have some fun there though.

    Parent

    Remembering that story (none / 0) (#50)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:01:46 PM EST
    can only help Obama, I think.

    Parent
    How about today's meme: (none / 0) (#64)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:17:05 PM EST
    Obama may be too thin to be elected Pres.  

    Parent
    I disagree. Biden rubs a lot of people the wrong (none / 0) (#52)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:04:04 PM EST
    way.  He's kind ogf an angry guy and since that's a count against McCain, I don't think that's the persona Obama, who is rather sunny, wants with him.  He's also glued to his partition Iraq plan, which I think is a bad idea, and one Obama doesn't want to spend time debating.  I think Bayh is the better choice for reasons I state below.

    Parent
    I think Biden looks better this week (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:15:06 PM EST
    because McCain has tipped his hand. He is going to run a very negative campaign all the way through.

    Obama can't make the same mistake Kerry did in choosing John Edwards. He needs a proven and effective attack dog--which is why Gergen suggested Hillary last night.

    Parent

    Let's not call her an "attack dog", (none / 0) (#67)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:18:45 PM EST
    m'kay? Bayh is pretty good on the attack.  He's simply more likable than Biden, less baggage, could tip Indiana.  Bayh is a better choice.

    Parent
    how about attack cat (5.00 / 0) (#77)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:31:57 PM EST


    Parent
    He might be more likable (none / 0) (#75)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:31:23 PM EST
    but I haven't seen him in attack mode as I have Biden.

    Parent
    Well, that's my point. Biden is too angry. (none / 0) (#78)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:32:20 PM EST


    Parent
    I think Biden's (none / 0) (#91)
    by lilburro on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 05:25:39 PM EST
    attack dog qualities and foreign cred credentials will be good for Obama.  Biden going on the attack is also useful for Obama in avoiding the "angry black man" image for himself.  Falling prey to that image is still a threat to Obama's campaign, even as both sides try to use race to their advantage.

    Parent
    Bayh the attack dog (none / 0) (#79)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:32:52 PM EST
    sorry.  thats just funny.  

    Parent
    Good point (none / 0) (#23)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:35:18 PM EST
    He would also love the spotlight and ham it up.  Probably very entertaining. Not sure I like him for VP in general, but for that night he is probably a great option.

    Parent
    "How can the Vice Presidential . . (5.00 / 6) (#16)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:28:51 PM EST
    . .  nominee deliver under such circumstances?"

    easy one.  move tuesday nights speaker to wednesday.

    Obama could easily rectify the problem... (5.00 / 3) (#28)
    by pmj6 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:39:02 PM EST
    ...by asking HRC to be his VP. But he won't. I guess his VP will just have to deal with it.

    I'm Suddenly Reminded Of The Great Opening Line (5.00 / 3) (#35)
    by flashman on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:48:02 PM EST
    from Bill Clinton's acceptance speech?

    "I came here to night to finish the speech that I started four years ago...."

    I still smile what I think about it.

    I take from this Hill does want to be VP: (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:53:51 PM EST
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSidRxqzbzg

    Or she thinks he needs her to win (none / 0) (#60)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:12:50 PM EST
    and the country needs the Dems to win.

    Parent
    Yeah, no I know. Same difference, IMO. (none / 0) (#61)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:13:45 PM EST


    Parent
    Here, I wrote about it: (none / 0) (#72)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:26:55 PM EST
    http://alegrescorner.soapblox.net/showDiary.do?diaryId=436

    Parent
    The obvious change move (5.00 / 3) (#66)
    by oldpro on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:18:01 PM EST
    is to switch Hil to Wed...put Bill in her spot on Tuesday and/or ask Bill to do the keynote on Monday or Tuesday.  

    Let the open night go to the many alsorans who need their 15 min of fame on TV.

    THAT is the winning move and the only one that might save this disastrous campaign now.  Tied?  Obama is TIED with McCain?

    Zezus Killarney.

    Old Pro (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by fctchekr on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 05:45:04 PM EST
    Now here's someone who knows a lot about musical chairs and table etiquette, which is always a  moveable feast.. in flux

    bravo

    Parent

    It won't be Biden (5.00 / 2) (#83)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:45:33 PM EST
    He's the embodiment of politics as usual. And if it is, I'm withdrawing my support for the ticket. He's the one deal-breaker to me. In fact, I'm going to start a thread asking for everyone to name their VP dealbreaker and say why.

    Could we say... (5.00 / 2) (#85)
    by JimWash08 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:49:29 PM EST
    [Anybody but Hillary] would be the deal-breaker?
    Why? For the obvious reasons. (sigh)

    Parent
    I would love that (5.00 / 0) (#87)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 05:14:54 PM EST
    I would like to know why  you and others are so against Biden.  hes not my favorite guy but it seems to me other choices would be worse.
    I have not seen the posts, which Im sure you have made, where you explain this.
    I look forward to it.

    Parent
    Since the dealbreaker for me was the (5.00 / 4) (#102)
    by Anne on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 07:07:32 PM EST
    "choice" for the top of the ticket, it makes no difference to me who is in the #2 spot; I honestly cannot think of anyone - and that includes Hillary - who could be nominated for VP who would make Obama acceptable to me.

    My dealbreaker (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by cawaltz on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 10:55:50 PM EST
    is pretty much anyone but Hillary Clinton. I've had to compromise alot with the Democrats. I'm done with compromising.

    The speech will be as good as the (4.00 / 1) (#99)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 06:31:52 PM EST
    person giving it. We can be certain, it will either be a hit or a miss. If the chosen person is qualified to step into the presidency should it be necessary, the speech will be great.

    I am not enamored by the odd influctuations and preacher style delivery of the speaker who will take the podium the next night, so I'm sure the VP candidate will do just fine no matter who it is.

    Wow that never occured to me (none / 0) (#2)
    by Jgarza on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:18:26 PM EST
    but you are like 1200 percent right.

    I dont think this is OT (none / 0) (#3)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:20:29 PM EST
    but I just saw it:

    Hillary Clinton asks not to be nominated at Democratic National Convention

    Link

    seems like a pretty big newsflash

    Actually, see my post below. (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by ghost2 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:22:51 PM EST
    There is a video of Hillary herself saying that putting her name in nomination will unite the party.  It's a very good segment.  

    Parent
    I hope the MSM is wrong (5.00 / 4) (#89)
    by stxabuela on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 05:23:04 PM EST
    Not placing Hillary's name in nomination would ensure that I would never get over it, and probably push me into voting 3rd party.  I've been a Democrat for over 35 years, and just hearing that the DNC and the Clinton campaign are in "negotiations" regarding whether or not she gets to place her name in nomination makes me feel like the DNC slapped me, and every other female Democrat, across our faces.  

    Parent
    "negotiations" didn't sit well with (5.00 / 3) (#100)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 06:37:45 PM EST
    me either. frankly, it makes me want to scream. again.

    Parent
    just for fun, (none / 0) (#11)
    by ghost2 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:25:01 PM EST
    note Hillary jokingly trying to yank the mike from a questioner at 3:32.  Fun moment.  

    Parent
    doesnt quite jive with the other story (none / 0) (#13)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:26:05 PM EST
    does it. hummmm.

    Parent
    Another one of those attributions (none / 0) (#24)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:35:51 PM EST
    to a campaign "insider."  What campaign?

    Parent
    I am not sure what you mean. (none / 0) (#55)
    by ghost2 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:08:30 PM EST
    See the video. Hillary herself says that putting her name in nomination unites the party.  The video is OF HILLARY HERSELF.  

    Parent
    No need to shout. I was referring (none / 0) (#58)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:12:20 PM EST
    to this:

    NY POST

    Parent

    Wasn't shouting. (none / 0) (#69)
    by ghost2 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:23:29 PM EST
    Just was honestly confused.

    But again, see the video.  

    Look, there is the NYPost and Daily News articles, but the video is of Hillary herself, and she is very, very clear.  As clear as she could be.

    It's a classic case of, who do you believe, me or your lying eyes?

    Parent

    who do you believe (none / 0) (#73)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:30:12 PM EST
    NY Post
    NY Daily News
    Hillary

    hmmmmmmmm

    Parent

    if the Post and the News (5.00 / 4) (#86)
    by ccpup on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 05:13:10 PM EST
    are running with a story that is directly counter to what Hillary herself said, I strongly suspect a certain campaign is still intensely worried that the Nomination could slip from it's weak and feeble grasp.

    Why else would a "don't nominate me at the Convention" story be planted?  And were those that made that particular call aware of Hillary speaking on-tape asserting the exact opposite?

    I think someone's worried.

    Parent

    that is interesting isnt it (5.00 / 2) (#88)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 05:16:17 PM EST
    I was thinking exactly the same thing.


    Parent
    oops! (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by ccpup on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 05:23:50 PM EST
    now they're all going to think we're the same person!

    no, we're not!  yes, we are!  no, we're not!  YES, we are!  

    The people, the people, the people, the people ...

    (obscure Sally Field "Sybil" reference.  my apologies)

    :-)

    Parent

    me toooo (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by hellothere on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 05:42:48 PM EST


    Parent
    from sybil (none / 0) (#95)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 05:47:25 PM EST
    to eve

    Parent
    Dean put her on the spot last weekend (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:31:24 PM EST
    He said that her name would be put in nomination if she asked for it.  I think he wanted her on record to quash the movement to have her placed in nomination.

    Parent
    Oops. (5.00 / 4) (#40)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:51:53 PM EST
    link

    Hillary on the name in nomination question:  


    I happen to believe we will come out stronger if people feel their voices are heard.

    Does this story remind anyone of AP's announcing Hillary's conceding the primaries before the polls i MT and SD even opened?

    Parent

    Indeed (5.00 / 3) (#48)
    by JimWash08 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:57:44 PM EST
    Does this story remind anyone of AP's announcing Hillary's conceding the primaries before the polls [in] MT and SD even opened?

    It makes me furious that they're pour sand over the fire like this.

    I would place bets that someone in the Obama camp whispered a lil sumpin' sumpin' in that NYDN reporters head.

    The fact that it uses anonymous sources annoys the heck out of me. It is so New York Times-ish to do that.

    Parent

    dean? he went from being someone i (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by hellothere on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 05:43:57 PM EST
    admired to someone i hope to not see again.

    Parent
    I would not mind seeing him again if (5.00 / 3) (#103)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 07:08:31 PM EST
    it's watching him get dumped from the party chair position.

    Parent
    clear the tables (none / 0) (#10)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:24:30 PM EST
    here comes Evan Bayh

    I think Bayh is the best choice if not Hillary. (none / 0) (#33)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:45:41 PM EST
    He was a huge Hillary supporter so that will help round out the apparatus.  He's moderate.  He's experienced.  He knows how to talk bread and butter.  So if Obama really doesn't want Hill, Bayh's probably his best choice.  I think another woman would be a disaster.  The headlines would be "dream ticket without Hillary".  It would leave a bad taste in the mouth of Hillary's supporters.  Also, none of the most high profile, possible Obama VP women were Hillary supporters so that would be another thorn in the side of activist who supported her.

    Parent
    Agree. (none / 0) (#38)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:49:25 PM EST
    He is the safest choice by far.  I really do think it will be him.

    Parent
    to quote my hero Captain Beefheart (none / 0) (#53)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:05:13 PM EST
    "safe as milk"
    I think he is likely too.


    Parent
    I like that (none / 0) (#63)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:15:18 PM EST
    unless milk is the next food scare.

    Parent
    /signed (none / 0) (#96)
    by phatpay on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 05:54:50 PM EST
    I think he is the only choice outside of Hillary.
    Well... at least in the names that keep surfacing.

    And Hill and Bayh are the only ones that can help the ticket and are "heartbeat away from the presidency" material imho.

    Parent

    Speaking of Bayh (none / 0) (#65)
    by JimWash08 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:17:45 PM EST
    A friend sent me a text message this morning to check out www.ObamaBayh08.com... and it got me doing a little net search, and it's been reported that an Asian guy in Massachusetts registered that site in March 2007 and it was last updated in Feb. 2008.

    Links to other possible Veeps i.e. ObamaKaine08, ObamaSebelius08 and ObamaClinton08 don't turn up anything as significant as ObamaBayh08.

    Bayh, I think, would be a terrible choice for Obama, and not only because he was an avid supporter of Hillary's. Sebelius would just be plain wrong. I don't know enough about Kaine, and what little I know I learned -sadly- in the aftermath of the Virgina Tech shootings.

    Parent

    I don't know (5.00 / 1) (#98)
    by ccpup on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 06:17:18 PM EST
    An Obama-Bayh ticket to me sounds too much like Obama, Bye!

    stupid, but that's the first thing I thought.

    Parent

    Actually, it's completely typical to pick a (none / 0) (#68)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:20:51 PM EST
    supporter of your opponent.  It's a good way to get the activists on the same page.  I disagree.  Of Sebelius, McCaskill, Biden, Bayh and Kaine, I think Bayh is the best choice.

    Parent
    I Would Agree (5.00 / 1) (#76)
    by JimWash08 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:31:39 PM EST
    Actually, it's completely typical to pick a supporter of your opponent.

    Except... in this situation, it would behoove Obama to actually  the opponent, instead of a supporter.

    But, respectfully, Bayh would bring nothing to the table. Like Edwards, he won't be able to deliver his state, and while he was a popular Midwest state Governor in his last political life, it's not a guarantee that he'll bring neighboring MI, OH, MO or KS into Obama's column. Three of those or very impt. states for a Dem. to win (and which Obama lost in the Primaries)

    Parent

    What I meant... (none / 0) (#81)
    by JimWash08 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:35:09 PM EST
    Except... in this situation, it would behoove Obama to actually pick  the opponent, instead of a supporter.

    And also, I do believe Bayh serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee (with Hillary) but that alone wouldn't justify the selection, IMO.

    Parent

    Take your pick (none / 0) (#17)
    by cmugirl on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:28:59 PM EST
    Ben Smith has a report that supposedly Wes Clark is the favorite of the Netroots and there is a vote booth-style petition to put him on the ballot.  Clark would be a decent speaker, but not fantastic - military people generally aren't sales people, and that's what this job really is about.

    Smith is also reporting

    Schizophrenic netroots (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:33:45 PM EST
    Hates hillary - loves Clark. What possible sense does that make?  Oh yeah....now I remember.

    Parent
    Sad, but (none / 0) (#45)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:56:00 PM EST
    The fact that the netroots is behind Clark makes me wonder if I'm missing something bad about him.

    I like him a lot and don't think I am but....

    Parent

    Sorry - finish my thought (none / 0) (#18)
    by cmugirl on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 03:30:26 PM EST
    Smith is also reporting that a Democratic activist in Iowa got a polling call about Biden last night.

    Biden the dealbreaker.... (5.00 / 2) (#57)
    by oldpro on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:11:34 PM EST
    I'm with Jeralyn and Anita Hill on that one.

    Never.

    Not in a million years.

    Parent

    hes a tool (none / 0) (#74)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:30:47 PM EST
    but do you not think Kaine would be worse?

    Parent
    Worse? (none / 0) (#106)
    by oldpro on Sat Aug 02, 2008 at 06:49:43 PM EST
    Ummm...hard to say.

    Would you rather have a heart attack or cancer?

    Depends, wouldn't you say?

    Parent

    Hilary will do just fine not to worry (none / 0) (#51)
    by Saul on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:03:45 PM EST


    And for me, (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:05:31 PM EST
    hers is the only speech I'm in any danger of watching, and I probably won't even watch that.

    Parent
    I'm tivoing (none / 0) (#56)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:09:36 PM EST
    but I'm sure it will be on Youtube.  You can watch it there.  Or I'm sure there will be plenty of live blogging.  Which may be the best choice, then you don't have to live in fear of the cameras featuring the face of various scaries -- Dean, Pelosi, Brazile while she's talking.

    Parent
    Quality of candidate matters more than speech (none / 0) (#59)
    by Nike on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:12:29 PM EST
    I would like to see a strong candidate, one who is competent, progressive, and not already bought off.

    I do not expect to get that, of course. But worrying about the speech is pointless for me.


    Yes, but... (5.00 / 0) (#82)
    by Lou Grinzo on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 04:36:57 PM EST
    I certainly agree with your sentiment, but I think we all have to recognize that this will be a Very Important Speech.  It will get a lot of attention from viewers and the media, and it will be endlessly interpreted as Exhibit A in assessing Obama's executive judgment.

    If it is Sebelius, then I hope she does much better than the last time she had the national stage.  I have no idea what to expect from Bayh, as I've seen/heard only very brief snippets of him on newscasts.

    Parent

    The VP Speech At The Dem Convention | 103 comments (103 topical)

    Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment