February 14, 2004

BATTLE FOR THE BUCKET:

So Begins the Vice-Presidential Mating Dance (TODD S. PURDUM, 2/14/04, NY Times)

Senator John Edwards used to say he didn't want it, but now he's not so sure. Gov. Jennifer Granholm of Michigan couldn't take it, because she is Canadian-born. Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico has already begun asking people if he should accept it, suggesting he thinks it could be his.

It is the No. 2 spot on the Democratic ticket, and Gen. Wesley K. Clark is said by some Democrats to covet it so much that he no sooner folded his own tent than he endorsed his party's front-runner, Senator John Kerry, in Wisconsin on Friday. Afterward, the general told amused Kerry aides, "You were my pick," implying that had he not run, he would have backed Mr. Kerry all along.

It may barely be Valentine's Day, but the vice-presidential mating dance has begun. [...]

"If anybody tells you they wouldn't be interested in being vice president," said Senator John B. Breaux, Democrat of Louisiana, a potential swing state, "they're not telling you the truth."


Bill Richardson is the best of the lot--particularly since the top of the ticket will be one of the senators, and a governor would bring much needed executive credentials. But John Kerry suddenly has to look even more seriously at choosing a woman running mate, just to make himself appear trustworthy to the fairer sex.

Posted by Orrin Judd at February 14, 2004 9:26 AM
Comments

Agree that Richardson is probably the best pick. I'm not sure Kerry has to pick a women due to the intern issue - I think more women liked Clinton after the intern thing because they found him roguish.
Also, if Louisana is a swing state then Bush is in deep trouble - didn't he win Louisiana by 8-10 pts in 2000?

Posted by: AWW at February 14, 2004 9:43 AM

Clinton is rougish--that's why we all liked him. John Kerry isn't--no matter how many babes he stalked.

Posted by: oj at February 14, 2004 10:00 AM

I keep hearing the female VP idea for the Dems. Who would it be that would add value to the ticket to voters that might not otherwise pick Kerry?

Posted by: Mike at February 14, 2004 10:06 AM

Mike:

Doesn't much matter--it's just exciting; like Gore choosing Lieberman.

Posted by: oj at February 14, 2004 10:14 AM

You guys are crazy. I don't want the excitement of a Democrat in the WH using the appeasement based foreign policy they are all blathering about.

When it comes to national security, boring is better.

Posted by: erp at February 14, 2004 10:33 AM

In a sane world, JF***Kerry has to choose a veteran for his Vice President, or else keep his attack dogs muzzled about Bush's military record.

Posted by: Raoul Ortega at February 14, 2004 12:54 PM

John Breaux would be a solid choice for Kerry. Look, therefore, for him to be passed over.

Posted by: pj at February 14, 2004 3:35 PM

The only woman who makes any sense is Mary Landrieu. But she is a lightweight to the extreme, whose state Bush will win regardless.

Posted by: jim hamlen at February 15, 2004 9:16 PM
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