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A Quick Thought on the VP Debate
I second the thinking of Josh Patashnik over at TNR: the Democratic nominee shouldn't just pick a VP that helps win in 2008. He or she should pick a VP that can win in 2016, and that the Democratic Party sees as a future standard-bearer. As Patashnik notes, "One of the most important things a party does is cultivate talent for the future... There is no shortage of promising prospects who could achieve much if given that level of stature (the vice presidency)--why pass up the opportunity to put one of your rising stars in that position?"
I think that consideration effectively eliminates Sam Nunn, the oft-lionized foreign policy guru of the left who was born in 1938 and will be 78 in 2016. It probably also eliminates Joe Biden, who will be 74 in 2016, and Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio, who will be 75.
Comments
I think Obama should pick who helps him in an Administration that begins Jan. '09. Personally, I think Nunn is a great pick. I'm even warming up to HRC on the ticket, assuming she can talk her most ardent supporters off the ledge.
That we should choose a VP in order to have a ready-packaged nominee for 2016 is the kind of hubris that is normally reserved for the GOP.
I don't know why people think this is so hard to figure.... back in Jan it was clear McCain would beat Mitt, it was clear Huckabee would be his VP in Feb. It was clear Obama would win by mid-Feb, and it's clear his VP will be (wait for it...) Bill Richardson. Is this really so difficult?
Posted by: eh on 05/27/08 at 2:06 PM Respond
Richardson will help consolidate the Hispanic vote for Democrats for 30 years, which is at least as important as having a leading presidential candidate for 2016.
Posted by: awmarch on 05/27/08 at 6:49 PM Respond
Senator Jim Webb would be a great pick for VP, as would John Edwards.
Posted by: MarthaA on 05/28/08 at 12:01 PM Respond
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Posted by: Egalitare on 05/27/08 at 10:41 AM Respond