Barack Obama is ready to announce his running mate.
There’s a media whirlwind of speculation gathering around Joe Biden. Like Fay … it too will pass. The Delaware Democrat isn’t likely to be the choice. He’s smart, but with a trail of gaffes almost as long as his three dozen years in the Senate. Remember the one about Indians and 7-Elevens. Or, the one involving the candidate himself … in which he mused that Obama was the first “clean cut” black to make a serious run for president. Biden may be the pit bull Obama needs to go on the attack. But, like a pit bull, Biden is probably too difficult to control.
Old line media types like Sam Nunn. Please. Barack Obama isn’t picking the former Georgia Senator. He’s a one issue man (nuclear proliferation) who’s out of the loop on everything else. I’m guessing Sam Nunn was a fine dinner guest back in the day. Old line media types like fine dinner guests.
Evan Bayh’s name is mentioned a lot. He brings only mythical strengths to the table. I love the one about him helping Obama carry Indiana in November. Doubtful. And, Bayh is anti-energy. His position of barely upright won’t do much to win over swing voters. He’s allegedly full of experience. And, his judgment led him to a calculated alignment with Hillary Clinton, designed to win him the VP nod. Only problem … she lost.
Let’s get serious.
Obama could decide to be daring. Chuck Hagel would fit the bill. Picking an anti-war Republican would ruffle some feathers in the near term, but in the end, probably do more to solidify Obama’s image as not the typical politician. So, we’ll call Hagel a plus.
Kathleen Sebelius is a better choice. But, she’s not worth the trouble. Obama would have to suffer the whining of still angry Hillary supporters, who’ve staked out the illogical position that picking any woman other than the Queen would be a slap in the face. So much for women’s rights and judging each person on his or her merits. Basic fairness doesn’t apply in the eyes of the pro-Hillary crowd, as if I needed to tell you that.
Dorothy is probably staying in Kansas. Probably good for Obama because McCain could outflank the pick with Sarah Palin. Alaska would likely win the battle of female governors on the debate stage, for a whole host of reasons.
So, it’s Tim Kaine. Like Obama … He’s relatively young … just three years older. He’s new on the scene … in his only term as Virginia governor. And, without decades of political experience … so no truckloads of troublesome votes. Kaine is said to speak fluent Spanish … a skill the media types say could prove helpful with one of Obama’s troublesome demographics. Being Catholic is a plus in this regard as well. He’s kind of a Southerner. And, Kaine’s selection would reinforce Obama’s message of change. Joe Biden can’t do that.
It’s Clinton/Gore for a new century … Obama/Kaine. And, lots of tongue slips in the media as Kaine/McCain confusion reaches an all-time high.
Tags: Bayh, Biden, Election 2008, Hagel, Kaine, Nunn, Obama, running mate, Sebelius, VP
