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Obama Describes His VP Pick, Decision Made

Sen. Barack Obama has made his VP choice. While he won't say when he's going to text it out, here's how he describes him:

Obama said he wanted somebody who is "prepared to be president" and who will be "a partner with me in strengthening this economy for the middle class and working families."

He said he was looking for not just a partner but a sparring partner. "I want somebody who's independent, somebody who can push against my preconceived notions and challenge me so we have got a robust debate in the White House."

So, who is it? [Update: Another Obama clue below:

Obama told Time Magazine:
In an interview with Time magazine yesterday, Mr Obama said he hoped his choice of a running-mate would tell American citizens something about the kind of president he would be. "That I think through big decisions. I get a lot of input from a lot of people, and that ultimately, I try to surround myself with people who are about getting the job done, and who are not about ego, self-aggrandisement, getting their names in the press, but our focus on what's best for the American people," he said.

For many Washington tea leaf readers, that ruled out Mr Biden, who finds it difficult to pass a microphone without speaking into it and boosted the chances of Mr Bayh, one of the most self-effacing members of the US Senate.

It also doesn't sound like Kathleen Sebelius, who told reporters today that she will let the campaign make the announcement but shes "an enthusiastice supporter." Sounds like she knows who it is and it isn't her.

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  • Display: Sort:
    It's Joe Biden (5.00 / 3) (#1)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:34:51 PM EST


    Biden is his great middle class champion? (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by cawaltz on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:38:48 PM EST
    Please tell me you are joking. If so his campaign is politically tone deaf.

    Parent
    Yes (5.00 / 3) (#25)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:49:20 PM EST
    his campaign is that tone deaf. I know you've been paying attention but I guess you missed it.

    Parent
    He is now because.... (5.00 / 4) (#30)
    by Maria Garcia on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:51:23 PM EST
    ...the media and the Obama campaign have proclaimed it therefore it must be so. Too bad for Biden that they took so long to proclaim it. He might have done better in the primaries if we'd known. lol.

    Parent
    Biden in the primary (5.00 / 0) (#78)
    by christinep on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:15:57 PM EST
    It is still rather difficult to believe that Obama would choose Biden. Certainly, there is the foreign policy aspect, but.... The right already has been running the tapes of comments Biden made earlier disparaging Obama. That's just for starters. I realize that he can be superb in debate, but he has a much less stellar line of baggage beginning with that old plagiarism (Kinnock) situation. While the latter was way back, it combines with other recordings to portray him as the "insiders' insider." The problem with that: It undercuts new politics as a theme. Sen. Biden has always managed to maintain a good, close press relationship; but, the baggage is there and recorded.  

    Parent
    Do you have a source (5.00 / 0) (#7)
    by JavaCityPal on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:39:23 PM EST
    or is that deductive reasoning?

    Parent
    Sounds like (5.00 / 0) (#49)
    by chel2551 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:00:23 PM EST
    Mortimer Snerd to me.

    (Well, I know who it sounds like, but since he won't pick her, he's just blowing pretty smoke rings.)

    Parent

    I Don't Think So (none / 0) (#34)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:53:19 PM EST
    Biden isn't known for his economic policy. And he doesn't disagree with Obama. I think it's a conservative.

    Parent
    or Hillary (none / 0) (#39)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:55:08 PM EST
    Could definitely be her.

    Parent
    yes! (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by Dr Molly on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:56:25 PM EST
    Hillary fits this description better than any of them. I just can't quite believe he would do it.

    Parent
    I can't imagine who else (5.00 / 3) (#118)
    by MichaelGale on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:38:48 PM EST
    Bayh.  Would he appeal to the middle class nationally? Reed...unknown and only 2 months to get known. We know Biden is not middle class material.

    Some unknown? That would really p+ss people off, waiting all this time for a surprise, someone who has not been discussed.

    This is where I would split with the PUMAS and other groups.  I would vote for him if it's Hillary.

    Parent

    Me too (5.00 / 4) (#120)
    by cawaltz on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:41:25 PM EST
    He still has a window of opportunity with me if he does the right thing.

    Parent
    Hillary (none / 0) (#90)
    by christinep on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:22:46 PM EST
    Because of all the jockeying around, I resist the obvious urge to conclude from the tease about independence and equal interaction that it could be none other than Hillary Clinton. Still, she more than fits that description and--as so many have said/argued/proclaimed here and elsewhere--she clearly would provide the oomph that has been almost embarrasingly lacking this past month+.  The realpolitik of it may lead even the most resistent to Senator Clinton. I believe that she is the only one who will ensure the win.

    Parent
    But you just said... (none / 0) (#111)
    by Nevart on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:35:56 PM EST
    ...about Biden, "It undercuts new politics as a theme."

    That's a perfect description of choosing Hillary.

    My two cents:  it doesn't make a difference.  Other than an horrific choice (Eagleton), VP choices don't matter (see Quayle, Dan).

    Parent

    Let me tell you (5.00 / 1) (#175)
    by Lil on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:10:46 PM EST
    I think this time it definitely makes a difference! Hope it is Hillary; that descrition fits her and his relationship perfectly. I hope he has the brains to do it.

    BTW, in an earlier thread I asked whatever happened to Gephardt (I don't like him at all); I just wondered how someone who ran for President 4 years ago could fade so fast. It is like he dissapeared.

    Parent

    Doesn't the word "He" rule out Hillary? (none / 0) (#112)
    by cpa1 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:36:55 PM EST
    Not necessarily (none / 0) (#125)
    by Lou Grinzo on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:44:30 PM EST
    Given all the other head fakes the Obama camp using right now about the VP slot, I think lying about the person's gender would barely register.

    I still doubt he'll pick Clinton, but it would definitely reshape this entire race from top to bottom if he did.


    Parent

    Quote from above (none / 0) (#160)
    by cpa1 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:02:45 PM EST
    "In an interview with Time magazine yesterday, Mr Obama said he hoped his choice of a running-mate would tell American citizens something about the kind of president he would be. "

    Parent
    Did he mean himself? (none / 0) (#178)
    by Lil on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:11:48 PM EST
    Final Answer: Biden (none / 0) (#169)
    by MKS on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:07:25 PM EST
    Hillary is just not in the running outside those who speculate with nothing to go on.....

    Parent
    We know he should whether (none / 0) (#180)
    by Redshoes on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:13:57 PM EST
    he will or not... well, that's anyone's guess.  Although, I hear she's free on Saturday.  

    Parent
    Which is worse (none / 0) (#43)
    by cawaltz on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:56:13 PM EST
    Biden or Hagel? Does anyone else think this feels like death by one thousand paper cuts?

    Parent
    More like death by a knife in the back. n/t (5.00 / 0) (#61)
    by Lysis on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:05:32 PM EST
    i wonder who texted it to him (none / 0) (#113)
    by sancho on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:37:22 PM EST
    Geraldine Ferraro says he won't announce (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by JavaCityPal on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:35:32 PM EST
    until Saturday.

    She hopes it is Biden, but says she absolutely has no idea.


    Good Grief! (5.00 / 1) (#128)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:46:23 PM EST
    Why this ridiculous wait?!  Talk about LAST minute!  

    Parent
    Don't really care anymore (5.00 / 2) (#158)
    by tlkextra on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:01:30 PM EST
    It feels like the Campaign in general. After too much press coverage people get sick of him/it. Which, is the only reason I wonder if it could be Clinton. The surprise would give him more attention and a more sustaining bounce.

    Parent
    I would assume... (none / 0) (#176)
    by Jerrymcl89 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:11:32 PM EST
    ... that Geraldine Ferraro would not be the first to know.

    Parent
    Not Hillary Clinton (5.00 / 0) (#3)
    by JimWash08 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:35:57 PM EST


    This reminds me of pregnant women/couples. (5.00 / 10) (#6)
    by honora on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:39:10 PM EST
    When you ask if they know the sex of the baby or what they are going to name it, they tell you it is a 'secret'.  The truth is that you don't really care if the baby is a girl or boy or what the name will be.  You are just trying to be polite and make conversation and they act like they have some vital information that they will not share. I do not care who Obama picks, I will not vote for him/them and they will lose.  It will not be entirely due to my vote, but I will have some vindication anyway.

    I agree (5.00 / 5) (#126)
    by CHDmom on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:45:20 PM EST
    and when he says things like this, he sounds like a 12 year old.

    "Wouldn't you like to know?" he said with a grin when an Associated Press reporter asked when the text would be sent.

    Parent

    It fits with the entire campaign (5.00 / 1) (#137)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:52:02 PM EST
    Decisions that sound immature.  This is just another in a series of poor choices.  

    I don't care who he chooses either, unless it's Hillary, which it won't be.  To be Bayh, Biden, and Kaine are all boring choices and all have serious negatives.  

    In keeping with his change theme, Tim Kaine would be the most likely.  He's certainly an outsider, outside the beltway, outside the mainstream,  total unknown with even less experience than Obama.  Who knew that was even possible?!

    Parent

    me too.... (5.00 / 1) (#145)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:54:32 PM EST
    Its like "okay, the gift certificate that I'm getting you from Baby Gap will be a gender-neutral color, if its that big a deal."

    Parent
    I guess I'll state the obvious. (5.00 / 9) (#8)
    by Lysis on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:39:40 PM EST
    He just described Hillary Clinton.

    He did describe Hillary (5.00 / 3) (#10)
    by americanincanada on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:41:35 PM EST
    And I am sure he wants us to think that. I believe he is referring to Biden or Kerry.

    Parent
    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (5.00 / 0) (#11)
    by JavaCityPal on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:41:41 PM EST
    and he doesn't find her attractive, though she is likeable enough.

    We see her differently than he does.


    Parent

    No Java....beauty is in the eye of the (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by PssttCmere08 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:00:28 PM EST
    BEERHOLDER.... :)

    Parent
    or me! (none / 0) (#9)
    by Carolyn in Baltimore on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:41:12 PM EST
    eom

    Parent
    that 's how many of us see hillary, (none / 0) (#183)
    by hellothere on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:14:29 PM EST
    but i don't believe the obama campaign does. so? selibus? no robust debate there! hagel? i can see debate for sure!

    Parent
    He might as well have told us that (5.00 / 12) (#13)
    by Anne on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:42:47 PM EST
    it has to be someone who likes to take long walks on the beach, puppies, the way the air smells after it rains, and hot chocolate on a snowy day.

    I mean, come on - could he be more generic?  

    Yeh, like he was going to say (5.00 / 8) (#76)
    by Cream City on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:15:17 PM EST
    he picked somebody who isn't ready to be president.

    We'll be the judge of that, of course.  And the jury.

    Parent

    "so we have got a robust debate" ? (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by angie on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:43:46 PM EST
    Is that the exact quote? That doesn't sound right -- English majors, help a sister out -- is that future perfect tense or what?
    Anyway  -- it has got to be "Washington way-way insider" Biden -- because he can push against Obama's "Washington outsider" preconceived notions. Blech! That seals the deal for me -- I'm voting for NotMcCain and NotObama.

    It does describe Hillary to a T... (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by Jerrymcl89 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:44:56 PM EST
    But I'm 99.9 percent sure it's not her. Of the frequently mentioned candidates, I'd guess it's Biden. He doesn't really strike me as a great champion of the middle class, but he is someone who won't be a yes-man, or hesitate to speak his mind.

    isn't Biden (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by TimNCGuy on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:01:01 PM EST
    a great champion of the crdit card industry in Delaware?

    Parent
    Why yes..... (5.00 / 4) (#59)
    by Maria Garcia on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:04:43 PM EST
    ...and the middle class have credit cards, right so therefore.....

    Parent
    LOL (5.00 / 0) (#86)
    by cawaltz on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:20:41 PM EST
    Okay stop it right now, you're making me snort! :)

    Parent
    yes and (5.00 / 0) (#89)
    by TimNCGuy on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:21:52 PM EST
    they keep raising rates and fees on them too

    Parent
    Joe Biden speaking his mind (5.00 / 2) (#92)
    by Dadler on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:23:42 PM EST
    Describing Barack Obama: "...the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy."

    I'd almost forgotten about that one.  Hillary's "hard working white people" certainly is no worse, and not picking Hillary gets harder to rationalize since you know -- YOU KNOW -- the press would/will poke him more about this boneheaded quote.

    So...I don't think it's Biden.

    Parent

    Good Lord this is silly (5.00 / 12) (#20)
    by Dadler on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:47:06 PM EST
    What's he going to do next, announce he has an economic plan and that he'll release it bit by bit as part of a civics video game?

    Just announce it already!  Since unless it's Hillary it won't make the slightest bit of difference electorally.

    Weeelllll..... (5.00 / 4) (#21)
    by Dr Molly on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:47:54 PM EST
    The first paragraph does not describe any of the contenders other than Hillary.

    The second paragraph could describe Hillary but it could also describe someone way out of the loop, even a republican.

    I'm scared.

    Hagel? (none / 0) (#27)
    by nycstray on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:49:50 PM EST
    Just shoot me (5.00 / 2) (#31)
    by Dr Molly on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:51:36 PM EST
    We'll need a circular firing squad. (5.00 / 2) (#36)
    by Maria Garcia on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:54:00 PM EST
    that's my fear (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by mary kate on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:52:16 PM EST
    I fear it might be Hagel.

    Parent
    Halperin is speculating the same thing (none / 0) (#38)
    by americanincanada on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:54:10 PM EST
    although he was also speculating Hillary earlier today. That's the problem with taking so long...the MSM starts to throw wild stuff against the wall to see what sticks.

    Parent
    Won't be a republican... (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:08:20 PM EST
    ... neither Hagel nor Lugar were ever "short-listed" in a way that Team Obama could measure opposition to a Republican (let alone their voting records, which are only 'moderate' compared to the rest of the GOP yahoos) within the party.

    Parent
    Oops...Halperin (none / 0) (#45)
    by americanincanada on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:56:35 PM EST
    is speculating Lugar.

    Parent
    a Republican? (5.00 / 1) (#108)
    by christinep on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:34:05 PM EST
    Oh, come on. Did Halperin fall and hit his head? With all of us Democrats chomping at the bit, Obama is going to throw away his "first major decision" and select a Republican (thereby stating that there are no Democrats qualified enough to be his VP???) In my opinion, that would cause the highly-orchestrated convention to come unglued. And, the Chicago crowd knows that axiom of party politics better than anyone else.

    Parent
    It's Bayh (none / 0) (#164)
    by nell on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:04:35 PM EST
    Obama's comment about someone who doesn't want to get into the press or whatever for selfish reasons (I know that isn't exactly what he said, I am paraphrasing), but the basic implication was this is someone who won't upstage me.

    Bayh.

    Biden loves to talk to the press on his own terms and is too blunt for his own good.

    Parent

    Yes, Hagel (none / 0) (#198)
    by miriam on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:29:56 PM EST
    What have we been listening to from Obama but the droning on and on about "bipartisanship" and "getting along" and "working with the other side of the aisle" ad nauseum. Hagel has military background and is anti-Iraq War. Hagel also fits Obama's desciption as someone who will challenge....providing this "robust debate" silliness.  Which very much sounds as if Obama doesn't trust himself to know what to do.  I will not be surprised if it's Hagel.  I will be furious, but not surprised.

    Parent
    Tin Ear (5.00 / 12) (#22)
    by waldenpond on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:48:16 PM EST
    He did not quash the rumors of Clinton.  Disappointing her voters will mean he has a tin ear.

    Clinton is in the media again and he had to know she would be or he has a tin ear.  

    Economy and working class IS Clinton.  If he's trying to talk up someone else with creds Clinton has managed to claim, he has a tin ear.

    If it isn't Clinton at this point... he has managed this very poorly and has a TIN EAR.

    yup, preparing to be angry again here (5.00 / 2) (#28)
    by Dr Molly on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:51:10 PM EST
    I think so... (5.00 / 5) (#29)
    by Jerrymcl89 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:51:12 PM EST
    ... if he's actually picking Biden, Bayh, or Kaine, he should have done it with far less tease and fanfare. None of them are massively objectionable, imo, but they'd all be better received with less buildup. I think the surprise of picking Hillary would be the only think that would live up to the hype.

    Parent
    How about Howie? (none / 0) (#106)
    by Jeannie on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:33:00 PM EST
    the long tease (none / 0) (#121)
    by christinep on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:42:16 PM EST
    I concur that the "long tease" has its real downside. Expectations grow...and, then you have to deliver. The only one who could meet that level of expectation is Hillary Clinton.  Coming back to earth, I would suggest that if we are left with something less dramatic, think about Bayh. As I mentioned above, Biden has heavy baggage that could require the next three or four weeks "unpacking," and Gov. Kaine has so little experience. All the time in Virginia could be both a head-fake and a back-up strategy. If Bayh brings the state of Indiana, think about the numbers and the general calculus. E.g., the prep work has been done in Virginia with lots of fanfare and it may come through without Kaine (who may not add that much to the equation.) Working the three states--Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada--in the West could produce the two states the campaign needs. So, with Indiana.... Just think about the numbers.

    Parent
    The way this situation is being handled seems less (5.00 / 3) (#123)
    by DeborahNC on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:43:56 PM EST
    than professional. If he's trying for the suspense angle, then he missed the boat, because the process has gone on too long for that to be effective, especially, if it's not Clinton (I'd be very surprised.)

    What does he hope to gain by putting out these "descriptions" of his VP choice? By doing so and framing it so that it could be Clinton, then it's like he's building up some the hopes of the pro-Clinton faction only to be let down if she's not the choice.

    That's like infusing an incendiary situation with oxygen. I was basically apathetic about his choice, taking a wait-and-see attitude, but now this game-like approach has become annoying.

    To me, that's not good strategy!

    Parent

    It's like that prank in college of (5.00 / 3) (#206)
    by zfran on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:37:20 PM EST
    the guy who's trying to get into the car, and the car's driver keeps moving it slightly forward at the same time. This goes on ad nausem for a while, funny at first, annoying time after time until he'll finally just stop and let the guy in the car.

    Parent
    Strike "some" in the second paragraph. (none / 0) (#131)
    by DeborahNC on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:48:00 PM EST
    what's new? he has had a tin ear (none / 0) (#186)
    by hellothere on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:17:33 PM EST
    and managed badly for awhile now.

    Parent
    I Called My Shot Long Ago (5.00 / 4) (#23)
    by BDB on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:48:42 PM EST
    It will be someone with no real base of support outside of being tied to Obama - Biden, Bayh, Kaine, etc., etc.  Someone who couldn't upstage or challenge Obama or his leadership backers.

    I'd love to be wrong and have it be Clinton, Feingold, or Clark, but that isn't who Obama is or who the leadership wants him to be.  

    The Case for Biden (5.00 / 3) (#26)
    by BDB on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:49:49 PM EST
    is that he would look like someone who could challenge Obama, but he really isn't.  Sure, he's run for president several times, but he's never built any kind of national base.  

    Parent
    Could Biden have a (none / 0) (#88)
    by JavaCityPal on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:21:50 PM EST
    political career higher than Senator without hitchin' his wagon to someone else's star? He certainly has had higher ambitions.

    Parent
    It's Bayh, and heres why (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by DandyTIger on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:52:22 PM EST
    precisely because he isn't ready to be president, he won't help with the economy, and he certainly won't have debates or challenge him or anything like that. And no, I'm not making fun here. Wish I was.

    on paper... (none / 0) (#77)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:15:19 PM EST
    Bayh is, in fact, ready to be president (with the Bill Clinton "no one is ever really ready" caveat).  He has executive experience (two term governor) and US Senate experience (including key 'national security related' committee assignments.)

    Parent
    Indiana's electoral votes (none / 0) (#127)
    by christinep on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:45:20 PM EST
    I think that Senator Bayh can deliever that. If so, it shifts some important electoral vote dynamics.


    Parent
    Wouldn't be the first time (none / 0) (#163)
    by tlkextra on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:03:42 PM EST
    Obama does something that makes no sense

    Parent
    I agree (none / 0) (#168)
    by nell on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:06:21 PM EST
    though Bayh is far more qualified than Obama.

    But Obama basically said he wants someone to help with the economy (Bayh did good in Indiana as a 2-term governor) and someone who will not upstage him...Biden will upstage him and he loves to talk to the press.

    Parent

    The sign maker (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by BarnBabe on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:53:36 PM EST
    So when does the sign maker start making all those signs they hold up? And the signs Obama/Biden? Or whoever? They will have to know first. Ha.!

    The way Obama goes thru money, (5.00 / 0) (#48)
    by honora on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:59:02 PM EST
    he could easily make all the combos and send the rejects to poor countries.  I have heard that that is what the NFL does with all the t-shirts they make declaring the losing team 'world champions'.

    Parent
    I can almost believe.... (5.00 / 3) (#72)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:12:33 PM EST
    ...that Obama thinks he could convince striking Malaysian textile works that "Obama-Biden" means "fair wages" in English...

    Parent
    Yup. (none / 0) (#95)
    by nycstray on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:26:54 PM EST
    I do some home furnishings work with NFL/MLB. Playoff time is crazy. You have to do some domestic or offshore it early. Can't miss the window. Luckily, home furnishings have a longer shelf life so we can still sell the baseball champs at x-mas. And the previous season's NFL champ sells through fall (blankets and throws etc). All else goes to charity or resalers depending. All my personal samples go to new mothers and animal shelter charities.

    I think the wrong champ stuff has to go out of the country. For me it's easy, I cut stuff up and make beds for the shelter animals  ;)

    Parent

    I run a battered women's shelter (none / 0) (#191)
    by Lil on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:20:49 PM EST
    love to have some stuff.

    Parent
    The signs are just waiting for that last element (5.00 / 1) (#114)
    by JavaCityPal on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:37:54 PM EST
    So when does the sign maker start making all those signs they hold up? And the signs Obama/Biden? Or whoever? They will have to know first. Ha.!

    They won't be needed until mid-late week.

    Speaking of signs, though, I did hear today that they are controlling how many Clinton signs are available during the roll call.


    Parent

    Control...Why am I not surprised? (none / 0) (#136)
    by DeborahNC on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:51:28 PM EST
    Since all Dem (none / 0) (#103)
    by txpolitico67 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:31:52 PM EST
    signage has to have "the bug", i.e., union label, they will be rip-rearin' to go the minute the announcement is made.

    Parent
    I doubt that it will be (none / 0) (#110)
    by Jeannie on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:35:46 PM EST
    Bayh or Nunn - just because the bumper stickers write themselves.
    Obama Bayh Bayh...... No Nunn Obama

    Parent
    Several are made up already i imagine (none / 0) (#150)
    by wasabi on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:58:03 PM EST
    I heard a representitive of kerry say that they had 4 sets of signs made up with different names and that they had confidentiality arrangements with all vendors so as not to leak any of the names.

    Parent
    You mean back in 2004, right? (none / 0) (#193)
    by JavaCityPal on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:23:23 PM EST
    I'd hate to think his campaign is paying for that kind of waste in this economy.

    Parent
    Too me (5.00 / 3) (#37)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:54:09 PM EST
    that whole statement is so generic it could be anyone. And Obama thinks that he himself relates "to middle class values" (according to polls that's not true) so he could very well see any of the names in that vein. The fact that many posters here see Hillary is just playing Obama's game i.e. the Obama Blot test.

    It does feel like a game, as I noted upthread! (none / 0) (#139)
    by DeborahNC on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:52:56 PM EST
    I Presume (5.00 / 10) (#40)
    by BDB on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:55:23 PM EST
    that whoever it is will have voted for the AUMF and so once and for all we can lay to rest the idea that Hillary was unacceptable only because of her war vote.  That, in fact, every other (male) person who voted for the AUMF will be forgiven and admitted to power in the next administration.  

    For some reason - maybe I need more (5.00 / 14) (#42)
    by Anne on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:56:13 PM EST
    sleep - this:

    "I want somebody who's independent, somebody who can push against my preconceived notions and challenge me so we have got a robust debate in the White House."

    sounds like the political equivalent of "Do these pants make my butt look big?"

    I know he's trying to say that his WH won't be an echo chamber, but given the indecisiveness, the penchant for "me, too," the tendency to hang back before charging to the front to take credit he doesn't deserve, it sounds more to me like he needs someone to help reassure him that he's making the right decisions.

    I can kind of imagine Biden saying, "Come on, man - you're the freakin' president; just make a g-dd-amn decision, will ya?  We're all growing old, man."


    lolol... (5.00 / 3) (#55)
    by Teresa on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:02:26 PM EST
    "Do these pants make my butt look big?"

    I can also see Biden saying that. He speaks and then thinks. Obama thinks and thinks and thinks and then reads a speech.

    Parent

    not Kaine... (5.00 / 4) (#46)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:57:11 PM EST
    that's for sure.

    My money is still on Bayh.  

    And I don't think its Clinton -- the whole "challenge me" stuff says "not Clinton" because he seems to think he's entitled to the support of Clinton voters.

    And if its not Clinton, I'm going to be really annoyed because of how much effort Obama took to avoid using gender specific pronouns.  That would be just game playing at this point, IMHO.

    Obama doesn't strike me as (5.00 / 6) (#63)
    by Anne on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:06:59 PM EST
    someone who appreciates being challenged by a woman - I can imagine him "joking" that he gets enough challenge from Michelle, but I've heard too much talking down to women from Obama to believe that he is talking about a woman as VP - and we all know what he's said, so I won't repeat it.

    I can't see him going from clearly getting his back up with Clinton in the primary to welcoming her challenge in the WH.

    Parent

    Why not Kaine? (none / 0) (#146)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:55:46 PM EST
    He fits the no ego thing, unlike Biden, or even Bill Clinton.  

    Obama will say that whoever he picks is someone who will challenge him but the really will be he would never pick anyone who would challenge him.  That's why I think it's Kaine.  

    Parent

    not kaine because... (5.00 / 1) (#173)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:10:04 PM EST
    ... he's not 'ready to be President'.  

    He's still in his first term as governor.  No national experience.  

    (of course, I keep forgetting that Obama thinks spending a couple of years as a back-bench state legislator makes you 'ready'...)

    Parent

    Experience in Obama Years (none / 0) (#190)
    by JavaCityPal on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:20:48 PM EST
    is different. Remember, it only took 7 days to create the world.


    Parent
    Obama is in his first term as a Senator (none / 0) (#196)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:27:53 PM EST
    He could say that Kaine was a Mayor of a big city, Richmond, and a state legislator, just like Obama, and now he's been Governor for a few years.   Obama may think that Kaine has a lot of experience because he has more than Obama.  Or maybe Kaine figures experience in dog years.  Every year counts as 7 years.  

    BTW, every Governor in Virginia is always in his first term.  They can only be elected to one term.  A Virginia Governor can't run for a second term.

    Parent

    Bloomberg (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by Josey on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:58:02 PM EST
    Obama's hyped VP circus is similar to the Obama Girls gimmick he rolled out early in his campaign which conveniently distracted from his lack of focus on issues and solutions.


    No (none / 0) (#75)
    by nycstray on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:15:14 PM EST
    No way would Bloomberg play second fiddle to Obama. Notice he never endorsed? Also, I doubt all of Obama's half-a$$ed answers and flipping have endeared him to Bloomberg. Why get saddled with Obama when he can make things happen on his own? His new goal is to make NYC the greenest city in the USA. He'd like part of his legacy to be the turnaround of the schools here. He's not do yet. Not by a long shot. Man has plans :)

    Parent
    OK - thanks (none / 0) (#174)
    by Josey on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:10:43 PM EST
    the way he's playing this (5.00 / 14) (#52)
    by Turkana on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:01:49 PM EST
    is like a coy high school kid on his first date. seriously juvenile. hate to say it.

    The decision is going to be (5.00 / 10) (#58)
    by chel2551 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:04:06 PM EST
    anticlimactic, and the resulting influence in November predictably depressing, I'm afraid.

    Parent
    Turkana....I said that on an earlier thread... (5.00 / 3) (#65)
    by PssttCmere08 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:07:19 PM EST
    coy does not suit obama...

    link

    Parent

    Even if he picks Hillary I'll be annoyed (5.00 / 8) (#71)
    by catfish on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:12:19 PM EST
    at the way he dragged it out. It's been on the Google News headlines every day this week.

    Monday: Obama May Pick Veep This Week
    Tues: Obama Hints At Veep Pick
    Wed: Obama Will Announce Veep Thurs or Fri, Definitely by Saturday
    Thurs: Obama Says He's Decided on Veep

    And the way he's hemmed and hawed should I pick coat-hanger Kaine, should I pick a Republican, should I pick Sebelius. Yuck.

    Parent

    Everyone is hating it!!!! (5.00 / 3) (#155)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:59:31 PM EST
    He has WAAAAAY overplayed this.  Everyone is screaming,
    JUST CHOOSE SOMEONE already!!!  We're sick of your coy act!  We're over it.

    Parent
    Palomino....Do we honestly think that even (5.00 / 4) (#53)
    by PssttCmere08 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:01:51 PM EST
    Hillary can help him at this late date; and after all that was said about her and Bill courtesy of his camp?  I find that hard to believe.  It will, however, provide much fodder for the GOP.

    But I, for one, (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by Jeannie on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:30:41 PM EST
    would be so disappointed in Hillary for joining the crew on the Titanic it would lessen my opinion of her. It means she would put Obama ahead of ever being president herself - and knowing that she would be far superior. What a rotten decision that would be for her. Stupid, actually - and I don't think Hillary can be called stupid.
    Unless..... and here I put on my tinfoil hat - they know something about Obama that would disqualify him, and that would leave her in the driver's seat. Do you remember what Bill said about presidents having to qualify through the Constitution?

    Parent
    Sounds like... (none / 0) (#116)
    by Nevart on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:38:22 PM EST
    ODS to me.

    Parent
    This doesn't say anything (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by TheRealFrank on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:02:16 PM EST
    It's just generic talking points. It could be anybody.


    incremental nothingness -- (5.00 / 2) (#184)
    by Josey on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:16:18 PM EST
    designed to keep the unknown VP in the headlines.
    Helps to distract from Obama's position on Russia distancing from NATO and other "trivial" world and national situations that are beyond his paygrade.

    Parent
    Dick Cheney (5.00 / 7) (#57)
    by lambert on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:02:46 PM EST
    For the "robust debate" part, and also the total awesome post-partisan-age.

    And he's family. ;-) (5.00 / 4) (#62)
    by Maria Garcia on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:06:21 PM EST
    Heh! (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by snstara on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:16:56 PM EST
    I had the exact same thought.  Because Cheney would be oh, so much more palatable than Hillary Clinton.  

    Ugh.  I really hold no hope for any change here...

    Parent

    He could have had a robust debate (5.00 / 10) (#82)
    by Cream City on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:18:27 PM EST
    in North Carolina.  But he canceled it.

    So I find this line of his rather funny.  In a very sad way.

    Just more fodder (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by txpolitico67 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:32:46 PM EST
    for Camp McCain.

    Parent
    Headlines and games (5.00 / 8) (#83)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:18:46 PM EST
    These games means that there will be one of two headlines...

    Clinton Picked for VP

    and

    Clinton Not Picked for VP

    I get a suggestion of pro-life (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by MarkL on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:20:10 PM EST
    from the description, with the "robust debate" line.  

    Robust debate is worrisome. (none / 0) (#99)
    by Joan in VA on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:30:33 PM EST
    Not really (none / 0) (#187)
    by echinopsia on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:19:17 PM EST
    Obama is so "fluid" he never takes a stand on anything. He can't pick someone to debate hm robustly because his style is to just give in.

    Parent
    Tim Kaine (none / 0) (#161)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:02:47 PM EST
    Pro life (but not really) and anti death penalty (but not really).  

    Parent
    Uh huh. Stand us up once, guys (5.00 / 4) (#91)
    by Cream City on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:23:03 PM EST
    and we can be forgiving sorts.

    Disappoint us a couple of times, and we will not be sweeties.

    This I know (5.00 / 2) (#94)
    by Prabhata on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:26:49 PM EST
    If it's not Hillary (I hope she's not the VP), watch his polls sink.

    The update does make me think Bayh. (5.00 / 0) (#105)
    by Teresa on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:32:58 PM EST
    He voted for the Bush tax cuts and the war, though. Won't that ruin Obama's ads? Blah Bayh.

    What are the odds (5.00 / 2) (#107)
    by snstara on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:34:00 PM EST
    that he picks a conservative, anti-choice male from a red state?  

    Seriously: I don't see him selecting someone who would actually challenge him - as Hillary Clinton certainly would.  Rather, I see him selecting someone either ideologically different, or with different views on 'social issues'.

    Not a ticket I would ever vote for - and a damn sad day for democrats.

    Right, he would never pick someone who (none / 0) (#166)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:05:38 PM EST
    would challenge him.  But Kaine is from a red state, tending purple, pro life (sorta) and anti death penalty (kinda).  Virginia is the state most likely to be the Ohio of this year.  It's a dead even tie and Obama might think a sorta conservative democrat from a red state would help him carry not only Virginia but other conservative states.  But Obama would be wrong.  Again.  

    Parent
    I will really be tickled if it is (5.00 / 1) (#132)
    by MarkL on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:49:17 PM EST
    Daschle.

    Oh, dear Lord... (5.00 / 9) (#133)
    by Anne on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:49:44 PM EST
    this:

    "That I think through big decisions. I get a lot of input from a lot of people, and that ultimately, I try to surround myself with people who are about getting the job done, and who are not about ego, self-aggrandisement, getting their names in the press, but our focus on what's best for the American people," he said.

    made me laugh out loud.

    It translates to:

    I think things to death, check to see what everyone else is thinking and saying, make sure there are enough people around me who can take the fall when it turns out all wrong, and who will never, ever stand in my light, block the camera or fail to mention my name when the press is around.  Who understand that any aggrandisement will be done on my behalf, and will always, always make sure that all decisions are best for me.  Me, me me.

    Is he kidding?

    No (5.00 / 1) (#156)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:59:37 PM EST
    he's not kidding. And I agree with what you are saying. Once again what did Obama mean? I finally watched the clips from Saddleback and I've never seen another politcian who can talk forever and send you away more confused than you were when you got there. He's got some serious communication problems. How can you win an election when you can't answer a question in a way that people know where you stand?

    Parent
    Yes, totally confusing (5.00 / 1) (#177)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:11:44 PM EST
    I was very disappointed.  I didn't agree with McCain, but I understood each of his answers.  No problem.  I listened to Obama and usually had no idea what he was trying to say.  I understand why his handlers do not want him to do any debates.  He'll talk forever, use lots of big words with lofty sounding ideas, but never get around to answer that the voters can understand.  

    Parent
    i have this picture in my mind (5.00 / 1) (#195)
    by hellothere on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:25:33 PM EST
    of michelle mentally going lalalalalala while obama is talking and talking and talking.

    Parent
    And thinking of England? (5.00 / 2) (#199)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:30:01 PM EST
    Well said! (none / 0) (#170)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:09:00 PM EST
    That's exactly right.  

    I'm telling you, it's Virginia's own, little Timmy Kaine.  He adores Obama, and would always remember to put Obama first in every discussion.  He's perfect to play the little backup guy to Obama's ego.   Unfortunately, he will do nothing for the ticket, but that's not really the priority, is it?  

    Parent

    Jesse Ventura? (5.00 / 1) (#142)
    by goldberry on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:53:26 PM EST
    You gotta admit he's robust and would make a great sparring partner.  Plus, he's an independent.  


    It's Big Tent Democrat (5.00 / 2) (#143)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:54:03 PM EST
    Come on, BTD, fess up!

    ALRIGHT! (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by cawaltz on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:58:31 PM EST
    I wasn't sure there was a choice I might find as palatable as Hillary but if it's BTD sign me up for the Unity Tour.

    BTD, for your first official act as VP could you duct tape Donna and Nancy's mouths shut?

    Parent

    Heh. (none / 0) (#157)
    by A little night musing on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:59:46 PM EST
    You know, I just might vote for that ticket, though.

    Parent
    If it's not Clinton... (5.00 / 4) (#149)
    by Addison on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:57:53 PM EST
    ...the build-up and that comment were a terrible mistake. As noted above, just judging on the hype/release dynamic alone, I think only Hillary would do it.

    Or, as noted, a surprise person familiar to billions.

    If it's Bayh -- or even Biden after last Tuesday's Biden-stalking media debacle -- the "twist ending" is going to be deflated.

    It's overhyped (5.00 / 3) (#159)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:01:34 PM EST
    and will be anticlimactic when it's announced.  The only candidate that won't lead to anticlimax is Hillary.

    However, the Obama campaign is tone-deaf enough that they probably believe that any announcement they make will fall upon resounding applause and chants of Obama-Obama.  The masses will be happy with whatever he does.

    But what will really happen is folks will yawn and look the other way.

    I actually had the thought (none / 0) (#194)
    by ccpup on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:25:29 PM EST
    that there would be footage of people wandering away out of boredom half-way through their big VP Announcement Speech.  Or a noticeable downtick in applause as the VP Pick takes the stage ... and it's not Hillary.  Maybe a collective "wha?" or "who?"?

    If it isn't Hillary -- and I seriously doubt that it is --, anyone else will be a pale shadow by comparison.  And with his poll numbers already heading the wrong direction, a ho-hum choice which brings little to the ticket other than Making Obama Feel Good and Safe and Respected will only make those numbers continue downward.

    It's frightening to me that these Professional Politicians on his campaign who should KNOW this kind of stuff seem to be absolutely, stone cold politically deaf!  I mean, do they WANT to lose in November?

    Parent

    Gosh (5.00 / 1) (#179)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:12:58 PM EST
    does anyone even care who Obama picks at this point? The top three that are being reported are pretty lousy choices IMO though hearing repeated clips of Biden from earlier thie year about how Obama's not qualified would at least be something to talk about.

    How big are their houses ,and how many do (5.00 / 2) (#181)
    by MarkL on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:14:15 PM EST
    they own?
    Geez, people---you need to ask the serious questions!

    Another juvenile campaign idea that backfired (none / 0) (#189)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:20:15 PM EST
    on the Obama campaign.   No one cares how many investment condos McCain has, just as no one cared about all of the Kerry homes, or the Kennedys' houses.  The Obama campaign needs to get some grownups to run his campaign.  

    Parent
    Evan Bayh (none / 0) (#5)
    by GOPmurderedconscience on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:38:51 PM EST
    Is there anyone out there who'll produce a big bounce for Obama?

    Clinton (5.00 / 5) (#12)
    by cawaltz on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:41:56 PM EST
    other than that I really can't think of very many that would illicit more than a yawn and certainly no one that I saw on the short list.

    Parent
    I don't think so (5.00 / 2) (#19)
    by JavaCityPal on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:45:59 PM EST
    He did nothing to encourage the media, and the DNC to end the primary. The Obama and Clinton supporters are reluctant to join forces. He needed to announce her the day after the primary to benefit from her as his VP.


    Parent
    I agree (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by cawaltz on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:49:10 PM EST
    The primary was ugly. That said, I still think that Clinton is his best chance. Yesterday they are saying 27% of her folks are holding out as undecided. I beleive those are the people that Obama could potentially get by picking Clinton.

    Parent
    Some are undecideds (5.00 / 2) (#70)
    by JavaCityPal on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:11:52 PM EST
    because they are waiting to see both candidate VP picks, then they will decide whether to vote at all.

    Parent
    But he'd lose... (none / 0) (#124)
    by Nevart on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:44:02 PM EST
    ...a whole bunch of independents and Obamacans who can't stand her.  Jest stating a fact.

    Parent
    Actually you're stating an opinion which (5.00 / 1) (#130)
    by MarkL on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:47:06 PM EST
    is in error.

    Parent
    The indies are about 10% (5.00 / 2) (#144)
    by cawaltz on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:54:10 PM EST
    and Obama fans seem to be starting to realize that they need Hillary if they want to win.(Plus the polls actually supported the idea that Obama folks would be more likely to vote for her over her base voting for him).

    I feel confident that Hillary, deft politician that she is, could make a real good case for herself and for Obama.

    Parent

    Well if true then..... (5.00 / 1) (#147)
    by Maria Garcia on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:56:49 PM EST
    ...he's in a serious bind because he needs her voters.

    Parent
    yep (5.00 / 2) (#171)
    by cawaltz on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:09:37 PM EST
    and the Dem party by virtue of the ugly primary lost 21% of her voters to the GOP. It appears the Dem party is run by a bunch of morons determined to lose at all costs.

    Parent
    That's who I think it is (none / 0) (#18)
    by nycstray on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 08:45:12 PM EST
    Biden is too experienced (Oh noes!) and has a personality. Bayh seemed pretty good when he was campaigning with Hillary, but don't know if that will translate with Obama. Didn't work with Casey in PA, bus tour and all.

    Parent
    Only Gore, maybe Clark, definitely HRC (none / 0) (#197)
    by Lil on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:29:36 PM EST
    My read on this earlier was Chuck Hagel (none / 0) (#60)
    by andgarden on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:05:17 PM EST
    But of course, it could also describe lots of other people--Hillary included.

    Please no (5.00 / 2) (#135)
    by mmc9431 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:49:54 PM EST
    I thought the same thing but then I thought what Democratic presidential nominee would be stupid enough to put a hard core right winger on the ticket? Obama? Aside from Iraq, Hagel is 99% right wing material. If they think the polls are down now they haven't seen anything yet if it's Hagel.

    Parent
    Why in the world would (none / 0) (#64)
    by americanincanada on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:07:04 PM EST
    he pick a republican? Especially after saying it is someone who was ready to be president? does his unity schtick mean that much to him? Is he that clueless?

    Parent
    Maybe. We'll see. (none / 0) (#68)
    by andgarden on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:08:48 PM EST
    To please (none / 0) (#138)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:52:30 PM EST
    Markos, Aravosis and Huffington?

    Parent
    You think (none / 0) (#73)
    by JavaCityPal on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:13:00 PM EST
    Caroline and Ted Kennedy would even run the vetting process on a Republican?

    Parent
    If they drank enough kool-aide (5.00 / 2) (#81)
    by nycstray on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:17:59 PM EST
    sure, why not. After all, Nancy's running around saying he's a gift from G-d . . . .

    Parent
    Perfect Republican framing (5.00 / 2) (#141)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:53:26 PM EST
    I can see the commercials now:  "Would you vote for the war hero or Nancy Pelosi's gift from Gawd?"

    Parent
    Talkin' about Hagel, not Obama (none / 0) (#93)
    by JavaCityPal on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:25:25 PM EST
    Right. If they think he's a gift (5.00 / 0) (#98)
    by nycstray on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:29:31 PM EST
    and all that other crap they've bestowed upon Obama, why wouldn't they vet his "great vision of Unity®"?

    Parent
    Because they are (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by JavaCityPal on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:39:15 PM EST
    Kennedy democrats.


    Parent
    Trying to get the jump on McCain/Lieberman? (none / 0) (#96)
    by davnee on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:28:55 PM EST
    It would be a riot if Camp Obama picked Hagel in order to out-unity McCain.  Maybe the leaks of McCain tapping Joementum were really all about baiting Team Obama.  LOL!

    Still thinking it is one of the trio of Biden, Bayh or Kaine.

    Parent

    I did wonder if McCain (none / 0) (#101)
    by nycstray on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:31:16 PM EST
    was trying to bluff Obama into a Repub.

    Parent
    McCain (none / 0) (#153)
    by mmc9431 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:59:28 PM EST
    Is more than welcome to Lieberman. He did such a bang up job for Gore that he didn't even carry Florida. If Obama does go with Hagel, our only hope on winning would be for McCain to pick Lieberman. (The Republican's would tear down the convention center!)

    Parent
    Actually (none / 0) (#162)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:03:37 PM EST
    the Republicans like Lieberman more than we do. The Hannity/Rush crowd loves him. The Bennett guy loves him too. Now how much influence they would have over the rest of the party would be a question.

    Parent
    Yes, lots of conservatives love Joe (none / 0) (#182)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:14:19 PM EST
    Sean Hannity! (none / 0) (#74)
    by RonK Seattle on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:13:06 PM EST


    Sounds like Bayh. (none / 0) (#80)
    by MarkL on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:17:11 PM EST


    Hmm, where's Chuck Hagel tonight? (none / 0) (#85)
    by MarkL on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:20:26 PM EST


    This is now the script for the pundits (none / 0) (#87)
    by Cream City on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:21:39 PM EST
    to analyze and dissect his decision.  And Obama is giving them a goodly day or two to turn the credentials that he has listed here against anyone he picks, if they don't like it.  Or even if they do.

    So it better be somebody who lives up to this -- a robust debater who would challenge him, someone ready from day one to be CinC and so much more, etc.

    Independent is the most interesting (none / 0) (#97)
    by Joan in VA on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:29:16 PM EST
    word to me. Definitely not Hillary as she is considered a part of the heinous Clinton wing and not as herself alone. Hmmmm....Ron Paul!

    Hmmm. (none / 0) (#102)
    by chel2551 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:31:45 PM EST
    It also doesn't sound like Kathleen Sebelius, who told reporters today that she will let the campaign make the announcement but shes "an enthusiastice supporter." Sounds like she knows who it is and it isn't her.

    That would seem to rule out republicans, too.

    Is it Hillary (none / 0) (#109)
    by lilburro on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:34:27 PM EST
    in the voting booth with the poll numbers?

    "No ego?" Hmmmm . . . (none / 0) (#115)
    by angie on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:38:15 PM EST
    it is definitely NOT any elected politician.

    I think (none / 0) (#117)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:38:48 PM EST
    it's going to be Kaine because of VA. I doubt even putting Bayh on the ticket would help in IN. Bayh has been vetted numerous times before by Gore and Kerry and for some reason didn't make the cut.

    I wonder what would happen if McCain did pick Lieberman? It would kind of make all those scotus arguments go down the drain wouldn't it?

    Interestingly (5.00 / 1) (#172)
    by nell on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:09:42 PM EST
    Bayh was not chosen for Kerry largely due to protest from Planned Parenthood because he opposed partial birth abortion and voted for a bill that does not allow an exception for the life of the mother. Planned Parenthood lobbied Kerry hard and got his way....

    And now, they have a nominee who wavers on choice and Planned Parenthood is so desperate after 8 years of GWB that they are not only willing to accept his wavering, they will help fund his campaign, and happily sit back with any VP he chooses, ranging from Bayh who has wavered to Kaine who is anti-choice.

    Ridiculous.

    Parent

    Um, isn't Obama's (none / 0) (#122)
    by MarkL on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:43:50 PM EST
    "I think by big decisions" pretty much the same as Bush's self-professed reliance on his gut?


    I read (on Daily Kos) that Andrea Mitchell (none / 0) (#140)
    by Teresa on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:53:16 PM EST
    said that #'s 4-6 on the list have all told her it is not them. We think the top three are Bayh, Biden and Kaine. Is Hillary not even in the top six? If she is, she hasn't told Andrea anything or she'd be shouting it from the rooftops.

    Hillary was in Florida today and if it isn't her, they should have had her make some kind of statement or hint that she isn't it.

    Richardson said on Larry King that he doesn't know if he is or isn't. I sure as heck hope he is #7 or lower if Andrea is right.

    Does Andrea Mitchell think she's that important? (5.00 / 1) (#152)
    by Addison on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:58:51 PM EST
    That SHE would be the one they leaked too?

    Parent
    Um (none / 0) (#165)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:05:03 PM EST
    yeah, she's the one they leaked that stupid cheating story to.

    Parent
    Addison, do you see Sibelius's comment in (none / 0) (#167)
    by Teresa on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:06:00 PM EST
    Jeralyn's update as eliminating her? I don't and now I'm worried that it is her. I like her but I know some Hillary supporters who have come around to Obama that will change their minds if he chooses her.

    Parent
    Yes, she thinks she's THAT important (none / 0) (#185)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:17:16 PM EST
    It was she who accused McCain of cheating at the Saddleback interviews.   From what I am hearing, that backfired.  Mitchell seems to think she can help to get Obama elected by doing this stuff.  She's wrong.  

    Parent
    Casey could be his pick (none / 0) (#154)
    by txpolitico67 on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 09:59:30 PM EST
    considering that Obama is all about that elusive faith/evangelical vote.  Casey is ProLife, so that would give him some type of cover.

    But to me, that would be a detriment to all those pro-choice folk out there in voterland.

    So you write (none / 0) (#188)
    by sas on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:19:37 PM EST
    "here's how he describes him."

    Great- a man picks another man.....same old, same old, ....women are left behind again.

    Makes me physically sick......

    The Page says... (none / 0) (#192)
    by Teresa on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 10:21:18 PM EST
    Romney and Biden

    I guess we'll know soon.

    Unless (none / 0) (#207)
    by chrisvee on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:06:19 AM EST
    he's absolutely clueless, he knows that description will scream 'Hillary' so I think it's got to be her.  The only other person who might fit that description is Edwards and we know it can't be him given his personal situation.

    The long drawn-out tease is all a way to build up the surprise. I initially thought he was trying to delay things to avoid the 24x7 media frenzy over why it wasn't Hillary but between this and the way he's drawn things out, I now think it's definitely Hillary.  Who could possibly use those terms to describe Joe Biden? Or Evan Bayh? Or Tim Kaine?  And it certainly sounds as if it's not Kathleen Sibelius given her remarks -- although it might be more likely to fit her as description.