Has Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine made Obama's final cut?
That's the buzz in the blogosphere today. Politico reports:
Kaine, an early Obama supporter whose biography nicely dovetails with the Illinois senator’s, "ranks very, very high on the short list," said a source who has spoken recently to senior Obama aides about Kaine.
Kaine "is getting a critical examination," the source said.
Kaine, however, isn't talking:
It's "flattering to be mentioned" as a potential vice presidential candidate, Kaine said. "My mom loves it. She calls when she sees it. But that's for the campaign to decide. And the campaign has made very good decisions thus far and I think, however they decide, they are going to make a very good decision."
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Where's Jim Webb?
Posted by: Tim Cavanaugh | July 29, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Looks like even Republicans are ousting each other- selling their 'Young'...
Posted by: ljeff18 | July 29, 2008 at 04:01 PM
NONE BEAT NUNN
Posted by: Jeugenen | July 29, 2008 at 04:42 PM
It seems clear that given the amount of leaking on this story, and the fact that Kaine is actually somewhat moderate on some issues, this is a trial balloon.
Obama wants to see if the far left pitches a fit about Kaine. If they do, no Obama-Kaine ticket, if they don't, Kaine is in.
That's from Not WRIGHT for America (www.notwrightforamerica.com), and it makes perfect sense.
Posted by: Gypsy Man | July 30, 2008 at 01:12 AM
Kaine, Warner, Sebelius, Napolitano, Biden, Dodd, Bayh, Hillary - ALL DLC.
You mean to tell me there's not one vice-presidential candidate outside the DLC that's worth even perusal?
Posted by: Dave from NY | July 30, 2008 at 09:36 AM
I think that since Tim kaine's name was out to be the VP, Obama's polls started going down down down!
Reason is very simple!
A pair of inexperience is too much for the ticket!
The smart choice would be Hillary Clinbton, but if Obama is afraid of her, than I;d say Joe Biden!
Posted by: Pamela | August 06, 2008 at 07:34 AM
While Barack Obama likes Tim Kaine, Virginia's governor brings little to the ticket. The polling numbers, in response, to his name being floated, remain flat. Hillary Clinton will not be his running mate. The Senator has made all of his concessions to her in he intends to. John Edwards has committed political suicide. Not only did he knock himself off the short list, it is unlikely he will ever hold elective office again. Edwards will most likely return to his life as a malpractice attorney. Here are the top three choices that could provide the huge bounce that Obama needs.
Virginia Senator Jim Webb would literally bounce the ticket right into the Oval Office. Only two U.S. Senators were awarded the Silver Star. John McCain is one and Jim Webb is the other. Senator Webb was a former Republican and was the youngest secretary of the navy, serving under Ronald Reagan. His military and government experience will level the playing field against McCain. Webb is also a giant killer having unseated Senator George Allen, in a complete upset election. Finally, Senator Webb is the author of the new GI enhanced benefits bill which has been opposed by Senator McCain and the GOP US Senate leadership. He is a powerful presence and can play the part of the attack dog if needed.
U.S. Senator Evan Bayh would also be a powerful running mate. In addition to having been a popular two term governor, he now occupies his father's senate seat which he was elected to in 1998. Birch Bayh was a presidential candidate for the Democratic nomination and lost in an upset election to Dan Quayle in 1980, Quayle went on to become vice president in 1988. Our nation watched Evan Bayh's mother fight a heart breaking battle against breast cancer. In 2000, Senator Bayh made the final three list of Al Gore's running mate list. Gore has since stated in interviews, had he selected Bayh, he believes he would have been elected. Evan Bayh was one of Hillary Clinton's most visible and dynamic supporters. His selection would help unify the Democratic party and put the red state of Indiana into play. Bayh has shown an ability to attract large numbers of independent and Republican voters.
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson brought quite a bit of excitement into the race for the Democratic nomination. He is the only former member of Bill Clinton's cabinet to go on to a successful political career of his own. He would also be the first Hispanic on a presidential vote. Merely having a candidate who is fluent in Spanish, in and of itself, will not significantly impact the race. In several key states, a strong Latino vote for an Obama-Richardson ticket could swing several states into the blue column and have some coat tails as well.
The question is does Barack Obama want a running mate he like or one who will help him win. Time will tell.
Posted by: Paul | August 17, 2008 at 08:53 AM