Home

Forget moving to the center: who would you want Barack Obama to choose as VP?

Submitted by Chad on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 10:11am.


pictures from here, here, and here

Russ Feingold, Lynn Woolsey, Dennis Kucinich: why couldn't any of these three be vice president?

Over the last two days, I put together serious analysis over what Barack Obama should consider in selecting a vice presidential candidate. But let's have a little fun, too. Forget the pundits. Forget "oh, that person has no shot." Tell us who you would love to see as the vice presidential candidate.

Think about this: when Republicans choose a VP candidate, they never worry about moving to the center. Dick Cheney, Dan Quayle, Spiro Agnew -- none of them were accused of being a compromise candidate.

So why can't Obama pick someone as far to the left as Cheney was to the right? Sure the pundits will slam the pick, calling that person "left-wing" or "liberal." But standing up for integrity might impress the MSM.

I would love to see Russ Feingold. The Feingold of McCain-Feingold would make a great symbol in the campaign. Feingold has experience, but is still seen as an agent of change.

Another great pick: a former presidential candidate who lives in a key state (Ohio) in November. Someone with experience but truly is for change: Dennis Kucinich. You could have a candidate with a "Muslim name" run with a VP candidate with a British wife - a melting pot of opportunity.

Or how about Bernie Sanders - Independent Socialist Senator from Vermont. How about either of the co-chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus -- Lynn Woolsey or Barbara Lee, both from California?

The pundits never criticized Cheney as being too far to the right for Bush. Cheney voted against Head Start. Cheney voted in 1986 against a resolution calling for the release of Nelson Mandela and recognition of the African National Congress. Wouldn't it be great if Obama could pick someone who is as far to the left as Cheney or Quayle are to the right?

So don't worry about the center. Go off on a tangent of your choosing.

(A few ground rules: play nice, say something positive about a candidate, not negative against someone else. Also, nominate someone at least 35 years old and a U.S. citizen. And as always, this does not necessarily reflect the editorial opinion of BuzzFlash.)

Bookmark/Search this post with:
buzzflash buzzflash | delicious delicious | digg digg | technorati technorati
Technorati Tags:

» login or register to post comments | printer friendly version

Obama's VP

Submitted by boboh7 on Sun, 05/18/2008 - 2:53am.
John Edwards is the man who is best able to help Obama with his insurmountable task of undoing the Bush/Cheny destruction of our Republic.
» login or register to post comments

Obama's Vice President

Submitted by petsr4ever08 on Fri, 05/16/2008 - 10:54pm.
Dennis Kucinich, for sure
» login or register to post comments

Vice President...

Submitted by redqueen on Fri, 05/16/2008 - 9:50am.
Joe Biden is my pick. He's the man when it comes to foreign policy knowledge.
» login or register to post comments

Obama's VP

Submitted by revolution9 on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 10:54am.
For some reason, my comment was deleted from the who-not-to-pick colum, but he should not pick ANY sitting member of Congress. We need every seat we can get. Personally, I believe Richardson is the best choice (although Caroline Kennedy is an intriguing one).
» login or register to post comments

I agree - we need to keep all the congress members we have.

Submitted by GwenP on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 1:11pm.
Though I LOVE the idea of Kucinich or Feingold as VP's, we simply can't afford to lose any of them in congress. With that said, there are quite a number of very good people left. Richardson and Edwards would be two options and both would do a great job! No way should Obama try to find someone who's "in the middle". Rubbish! It's time for the progressive agenda to shine. If anyone complains - simply state that the working man obtained the most from those presidents who were progressive - FDR, Kennedy, etc. I'm sooooooo sick and tired of the democratic party acting like it's a crime to be "liberal". Dukakis made the biggest mistake when he was called liberal and didn't hold his head up high and say, "Damn right and here's the reasons..........!"
» login or register to post comments

My Choices

Submitted by exposer on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 9:32am.
Bill Richardson, John Edwards or Joe Biden. I don't believe we need someone extremely liberal, just someone with seasoned experience and foresight to ASSIST and LEAD us in getting us out of this quagmire; domestically, economically, militarily and most importantly, diplomatically. I believe any one of these three individuals would meet that requirement and would aggressively promote Obama's vision for our country. I'm not negating Hillary Clinton, but I am concerned that her addition to this ticket, though probably successful, would also be self-serving and adversarial. That's the last thing we need right now, or in the future. A female President is definitely in the future, I'm sure; I just don't believe it should be Hillary Clinton. The next thing that should come forth is for EVERY ONE of us getting involved in putting our country back on track, through whatever means necessary to acheive the greatness and honor we once emulated worldwide, but that which the Republicans have wilfully destroyed. We cannot depend on a few individuals to pull us out of this abyss, however; we must all become actively enganged in defining who and what we are and represent.
» login or register to post comments

Hillary Clinton!!...for Obama V.P.

Submitted by RedBaronSIU on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 6:32am.

No chance in Hell! But I knew it would get you to read my post---- :D )

BUT, of course...PAT BUCHANAN thinks its a good idea---so you know we gotta do it! :(

» login or register to post comments

3 choices ?

Submitted by rainingwolf on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 9:20pm.
I like either Richardson or Al Gore-both have high integrity and popularity. Though the suggestion of Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg is an interesting and viable choice.
» login or register to post comments

Obama VP

Submitted by halhackett on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 9:18pm.
Hal Hackett Shorewood, Wisconsin I think Russ Feingold would be an excellent complement to Obama's candidacy. He is a proven progressive, and his integrity and credentials are unassailable.
» login or register to post comments

Dream Ticket

Submitted by regis18 on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 8:03pm.
While originally for Edwards, I came to support Obama several weeks after Edwards dropped out because of Hillary's distortions of Obama's statements and record. I became a strong Obama supporter. Obama/Edwards is my version of the Dream Ticket.
» login or register to post comments

Kucinch's Fire Is Just What the Obama Campaign Will Need!

Submitted by bobregl on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 6:04pm.
Dennis Kucinich is idealogically in tune with Obama and has the street fighter instinct that Obama seems to lack. I'm sick and tired of the Democratic party "triangulating" to "please" everyone and ending up losing.
» login or register to post comments

I'm for Feingold or Kuchinich

Submitted by drprodny on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 6:01pm.
Genuine progressives, with no love for or connection with the corrupt "Bidness as usual, and don't forget to Hug a Rethug!" Clinton-Lieberman DLC Axis of Evil Enablement....
» login or register to post comments

VICE PRESIDENT

Submitted by bluewhitered on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 5:31pm.
I would very much like to see Joe Biden or Jim Webb as Vice President
» login or register to post comments

OPRAH!

Submitted by cagey on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 5:19pm.
...but seriously, I say Jim Webb has the cred.
» login or register to post comments

Obama VP

Submitted by bacigalm on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 5:04pm.
Why not make it John Edwards? His position might be considered even more favorable than Obama's concerning healthcare and other things. And making him Veep preps him for the logical presidential follow-up in 2016, or am I looking to far ahead?
» login or register to post comments

Naw,.....with all due respect

Submitted by RedBaronSIU on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 6:27am.

Obama should go with Kucinich----and make Edwards his Attorney General over the Justice Department.

'Cause we're gonna need the ferocity of TWO pit-bulls when they start investigating the dastardly doings of THIS administration!!

» login or register to post comments

Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg

Submitted by myyeti on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 4:57pm.
She can help restore the Bill of Rights, has even written a book about them. Everyone already likes her. If Ms. Schlossberg is not available, how about Kansas' Governor Kathleen Sebelius?
» login or register to post comments

VP - AL GORE

Submitted by sunny steve on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 2:46pm.
Al Gore is the obvious choice: Most experience of all Democrats. Scandal-free. Widely respected and well regarded. Could counsel Obama on any situation. Why would he accept? VP spot would be the best possible position to forward his cause of halting global warming. He does not want the presidency, but would be best able to step in, if necessary. He was an active VP under Clinton, and Clinton had the smarts to give him a real job in the areas selected. Obama would need to do the same. == Sunny Steve
» login or register to post comments

RICHARDSON

Submitted by codypup on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 2:19pm.
pick up the southwest grab onto the hispanics a gov... with a good appeal
» login or register to post comments

More left is more better

Submitted by obamabeliever on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 12:45pm.
How about George McGovern or Jimmy Carter. America is ready for a total left wing anti-war party. Even though Obama has voted for every bill to give more money to Bush for the Iraq war, if he had a real anti-war running mate then no body will notice. This could be real hope and change for America. But mostly he needs to pick someone that would make the Clinton supporters get sick and die and never try to vote again.
» login or register to post comments

You are so annoying!

Submitted by Gregory Lynn Kruse on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 1:16pm.
Why don't you just shut up?
» login or register to post comments

Not A Bad Theory....

Submitted by RedBaronSIU on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 6:37am.

But, it would be hard to campaign ON CHANGE--with EITHER of these two. They would have everyone conflating (confusing) Vietnam (and Iran), with Iraq!

» login or register to post comments

Are you kidding?

Submitted by Missfitz on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 12:33pm.
Are we choosing people we personally like, or people whom actually stand a .0001 chance of being considered as a candidate for vice president?
» login or register to post comments

Wesley Clark

Submitted by razorgirl on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 12:26pm.
Balances out Obama in age, experience, international recognition, military credentials - plus he was against the Iraq invasion from the start.
» login or register to post comments

definitely wes clark

Submitted by Nephwrack on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 3:47pm.
agreed. choosing wes clark would completely void out mccain's "millitary" advantage.
» login or register to post comments

NIX....

Submitted by RedBaronSIU on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 6:39am.
Too closely aligned with the Hillary camp, for Obama's comfort; He'd have to be "negotiated" into this one!
» login or register to post comments

The funniest thing is that Obama has to name Hillary

Submitted by alibe50 on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 12:13pm.
It makes me laugh at all the original assumptions Obama has made and has now had to back away from. 1. His voters won't vote for Hillary but hers will vote for him. New polls show the opposite. 2. He felt if he won the nomination he wouldn't have to name her but if she won she would have to name him on the ticket. Not true now. It appears he is doomed unless he names her and can attract her voters that he mocked and insulted. He acted like he could win with out whites, women, seniors, hispanics, asians, blue collar workers and the less educated. What fool would have made those assumptions? 3. He could transcend race...no need to go there 4. He could just forget about getting the nomination and go straight to the General Election and pretend he has it wrapped up and force Clinton to drop out. Oops, had to go to WV. 5. His speech on race was all that was needed to make people forget about Rev Wright. 6. that women would not mind if he used sexist terms and insulted women, seniors, and those who were not the wealthy elite numbskulls. OOPS....A really BIG OOPS. 7. A speech is the same thing as actually doing something. And when questioned about anything, just respond that you gave a speech about that. Can't back away from that because that is all he has...a speech and a ...lie. 8. He has brought so many new voters into the race that....they don't vote for him? Do I understand the logic the Obamaloons use? 9. People don't care about his associates who are suspected of strange terrorist ties....so Obama just lies about his associations 10. It is perfectly alright to insult groups of people whom you will need to win in the General Election...OOPS I guess Obama has some work to do to fool those groups to support Obama for the GE.
» login or register to post comments

No, the funniest thing is.....YOU!!

Submitted by RedBaronSIU on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 7:00am.

It makes me laugh at all the un-original assumptions you have made and now have had to (or will) back away from.

1.-10. You're just an invading Dumb-Ass wannabe regurgitating (oh, I forget, I have to talk to a dumb-ass), "spitting-up", the same ol' desperate, right-wing hates, arguments talking-points and fears.

11.-100. None of your comments or opinions will save ANY of you from the most profound and extensive ass-whupping EVER to be delivered to your party. I can't wait for November 5th, IF for no OTHER reason, so that people like you can see the unbridled HATRED we feel for stupid, ig'nant Ass-holes like you, who have caused all of us to live under YOUR fascist, militaristic madness of American "Empire", because you all were so foolishly duped by that weasly, insane little clown you call "W"--WE call "Witless". Then, after you see the monstrous totals tabulated against you---- it'll FINALLY sink into your stupid-ass, little pea-brains that the Hillary supporters hated YOU ALL--ALMOST---as much as we Obama supporters.

Then, I'm going to read these threads and see what 50 alibi's YOU come up with to explain my foot in your ASS! Savvy?

» login or register to post comments

Who Are You?

Submitted by Carol Burns on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 4:53am.
From your comments, it appears you're just some right-wing blogger, typically hate-filled remarks ala Limbaugh. Why don't you get a life?
» login or register to post comments

You DARE say this, after all the racist insults

Submitted by drprodny on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 5:58pm.
you Hillary Supporters have flung since January at Obama and his supporters?

Go away - and vote for the McCain/Lieberman ticket you've been REALLY praying for all these years....

You and all you DLC Rethug Lite Clinton Surrogates Make. Me. Sick. Period.

» login or register to post comments

Just on the topic

Submitted by kichigai_usagi on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 11:32am.
Either Gov Richardson or Senator Dennis Kucinnich!
» login or register to post comments

Why not a progressive/lefty?

Submitted by nasrudin on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 11:16am.
"Why can't Barack Obama pick someone as far to the left as Cheney is to the right?" Because he's pro-war, promises to expand the military, supports the PATRIOT Act, promoted "tort reform", says a 30% cap on interest is too low, is opposed to single-payer healthcare, promotes DLC economics and Brzezinski foreign policy, praises Bush41 and Reagan, etc, etc. And he knows that most self-described "progressives" will vote for him no matter how odious his policies, simply because he's a Dem.
» login or register to post comments

Cynthia McKinney

Submitted by mguttor on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 10:39am.
I was very moved by Cynthia McKinney's Announcement speech on YouTube. She's running for president as the Green Party candidate. She expresses the frustration with the Democrats' behavior in congress since '06 that we've all experienced. She reveals a true understanding of the problems and a vision for the solutions. I think it would be so promising to see Barrak reach out to Cynthia, and thereby all the disaffected progressives in this country, counteracting the DLC and forming a true progressive Democratic party which the nation WILL rally around, and put the country back on the right track! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03cOM9r51Nw Peace, Mike G. If someone has lost their smile, give them yours. http://quadkite.com
» login or register to post comments