Obama has already chosen his VP?

by Politicalslave, Sun Jul 06, 2008 at 08:08:52 AM EDT

Why do I have this nagging feeling that Senator Obama has already chosen his running mate? I also have the feeling he will surprise us. Adding those two feelings that I can't back up at all. I will make a prediction Senator Obama will choose Senator Clinton. Senator Obama has always said he likes to surround himself with people who have strong even opposing views. Senator Clinton is definitely strong and of course has so much to offer.
I know some of you will say the Clintons have too much "baggage"
but I don't think that would scare Obama off. I personally like Edwards better but Senator Clinton would guarantee a stronger win. I know it's just speculation but I'm sure he decided his running mate a long time ago. Choosing Senator Clinton would surprise a great many people and the down side? We would have nothing to fight about anymore. Well at least for a few minutes.
Has Obama already chosen his running mate?

Tags: Obama Clinton (all tags)

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Probably

or he has it narrowed down to 5 or less.

We don't have any idea if the Clinton's have submitted to the vetting process with regards to their personal financials.

by parahammer 2008-07-06 08:10AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

Like the Clinton library? Or just personal?
Do you think there is a problem?

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 08:15AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

Both.
I don't think there are problems, but if there are we don't want them cropping up in October.

by parahammer 2008-07-06 08:18AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

Yes we don't want bad surprises. On that point lets hope the vetters are doing their job.

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 08:21AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

OMG They found something...

Turns out she had a torrid affair and Chelsea's real father is the greatest economic president of the 20th century!!!!

How would the press handle such a scandal?????

by dtaylor2 2008-07-06 10:01AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

Chelsea's dad is Franklin Delano Roosevelt?

That would be a scoop.

by hello world 2008-07-06 12:33PM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

That's almost the punchline to a John McCain joke.

by MeganLocke 2008-07-07 12:49AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

I guess that would depend on your opinion of FDR and Janet Reno.

by hello world 2008-07-07 08:35AM | 0 recs

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Obama already

has their tax returns dating back to 1979. I suppose he would want to see the list of Clinton library donors but since there's very little chance their identities will be disclosed prior to the election, perhaps that will not be a part of Obama's vetting process.

CBS News has Clinton as the frontrunner, probably because the other candidates are hacks, too conservative (e.g. Nunn, Hagel, Webb), not ready for primetime (e.g. Sebelius), or have more damaging "baggage" than Hillary.

by Blazers Edge 2008-07-06 08:20AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama already

I don't think bill has released his returns.

by parahammer 2008-07-06 08:22AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama already

Actually I didn't know about the CBS poll having Senator Clinton in front. Interesting.

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 08:23AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama already

Do you think that Clinton getting more overall votes than anyone ever in the primaries has anything to do with her being the front runner? The people who voted for her would still like to see her in or they wouldn't have voted for her in the first place. I think it is not a mystery why she is the frontrunner.

by Scotch 2008-07-06 11:53AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama already

That makes perfect sense it's just I haven't heard her name mentioned that often and when it has it was how she could never be chosen.

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 03:17PM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

I would not be shocked that he has had a couple of people in mind for the last year. I would think that that would be one of the main things you would think about during this process. for anyone.

by zerosumgame 2008-07-06 08:22AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

I guess it would be only natural to have a few people in mind. I just wonder when did he decide?
(If he has)

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 03:23PM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

Yep, that's the key for the Clintons. Will they be completely open and transparent with the Obama campaign when it comes to things like the Clinton library donor list, Bill's business dealings since 2001, etc.?

If they're willing to submit to that kind of vetting and be completely open with the Obama campaign, then I'd think Sen. Clinton would undoubtedly be on the short list; if not, then I doubt she would be, nor should she be. You don't want a running mate with skeletons in his/her closet that the head of the ticket doesn't know about. This is too important for surprises.

by mistersite 2008-07-06 08:35AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

Yes I agree. The Obama camp must be absolutely certain whomever they choose has nothing to hide or at least can never be discovered.

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 08:39AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

They don't need to be vetted anymore. Who cares about donors? If it made such a big difference then REZKO would be the biggest hurdle today. That proved to be a non issue.

How about we vet others against Bill's record or Bill's charitable work and money raised?

by roxfoxy 2008-07-06 08:49AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

Wow. That's really deep.

Do you live in a fantasy land where the fact that you (and I) like Bill Clinton a ton means that nobody will bother to bring up his negatives during a campaign?

So we only vet for good things? Why not just vet for kittens?

Criminy. The man has had a life after the presidency. I'm not saying I think he's done much since then to worry anybody (though his business dealings with Ron Burkle may look bad), but anybody would have to be vetted. You are foolish to assume it's unnecessary.

by Reaper0Bot0 2008-07-06 09:00AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

There is nothing to vet with his donors because it is only an issue brought up by the republicans( politicians) and anti-hillary dem club members.

This is man had several allegations, with no effect, thrown against him in his primary run in the 90's and far worse than any list of donors. The donor list is too complicated for the general public to understand and not unlike the rezko issue.

Why did Rezko never take off? Because just like whitewater it is an issue that gets too complicated to parse through the GE voters heads.

If you calm down and think like a student of politics vs. a student of the moment. You will see the wisdom is what I said.

In this modern era- Show me one president where some favorable deals done had ever effected their run. And I 'll show you a President( and nominees) with plenty of such issues thrown at them and they still won the GE.

by roxfoxy 2008-07-06 09:12AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

You toss off that the only people who care are Republicans like that somehow reinforces your point. It doesn't.

Those are the people who would use things like Ron Burkle, if they could, to attack the Clintons and by natural extension Obama.

I'm not saying I'm necessarily opposed to her being on the ticket, but lets be honest here. The Republicans hate her/them. They would use that to drive their base, to energize them.

by Reaper0Bot0 2008-07-06 09:29AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

That is a talking point they try to use and have failed in every instance. I'm talking as a student of politics.

What works is national secruity fear mongering for the republicans.

We have lost the last 2 elections because of national security. Not because our candidates were on the job deal makers to close associates.

by roxfoxy 2008-07-06 09:38AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

Burkle is a big donor to the democratic party in general, not just BC.

They could use Burkle for anything, if there was anything to it. But there isn't

by colebiancardi 2008-07-06 09:39AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

McCain does has 100 burkles in his camp.

It's all a 24 or 72 news cycle talk and then it all goes away. What sticks and has stuck are national security and patriotism allegations against democrats. [ Last victim : Insert John Kerry here]

by roxfoxy 2008-07-06 09:52AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

It's not the donations that concern me - it's the compensation package.

Look, I'm not saying that there's a dealbreaker for me here. I'm just saying that, should she be seriously considered, things like that need to be vetted.

I don't say that out of any particular vendetta either. I want to win. If we're going to win it will be either because we were lucky or prepared. One of those you can take care of yourself, the other you cannot.

I'd rather be prepared.

by Reaper0Bot0 2008-07-06 12:37PM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

oh come on already with the 'financial dealings' bs!

the clinton's have been vetted more than any political personalities in recent if not entire US history. give me a break with this veiled slam on the clinton's. i'd suspect the clinton's would demand a vetting of Obama's financial dealings as well just to make sure they know what their getting into.

by swissffun 2008-07-06 10:00AM | 0 recs

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Re: Probably

The republicans could hardly come after Clinton on that with McCains little financial problems, including his wife refusing to release her taxes.

by Scotch 2008-07-06 11:49AM | 0 recs

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I think Obama

might worry about Bill. He's a wildcard (part of the reason I like him), and I'm not sure Barack would be comfortable with that. Again, I think Hillary could accomplish more in the Senate, but I have to admit part of me would be absolutely delighted to see her on the ticket.

by sricki 2008-07-06 08:22AM | 0 recs

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Re: I think Obama

Well Bill wasn't exactly stellar but I would hope he would behave. The other side of that is Obama could send him all over the world. President Clinton has a lot of prestige around the world.He could do so much good, just keep him busy. Thanks to George we have a lot to clean up.

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 08:29AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

I think that they probably have a handful of people in mind, but that they'll wait until later in the summer to determine which of those candidates helps the most.

by rfahey22 2008-07-06 08:39AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Obama is cautious. He's going to pick someone who will make few waves, who reinforces his basic change through unity message, who he won't have to apologize for (in any way), and who won't overshadow him. It'll be Sebelius (although picking her triggers a discussion about Clinton as well), Bayh, Reed, or Kaine.

by blueflorida 2008-07-06 08:39AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

I don't know if he is too worried about being overshadowed. He of course wants a smooth running
machine without any "drama" I don't know

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 08:51AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Despite all of this, which I generally agree with, I think he's going to pick Clinton.

Obama is consistently ahead in the polls, but should be WAY ahead at this point, IMO. The country is an absolute mess, and typically the party in office gets the blame. McCain being within 5-8 points of Obama is a bit alarming.

Clinton should solidify a victory for Obama by creating a superstar ticket that will bring out Democrats in droves. He'll have to share that limelight, but it might be needed to guarantee a victory.

The interesting twist here is that McCain has been praising Clinton lately, in hopes of getting her voters, which sets her up nicely if she comes on board with Obama. Otherwise it will be yet another flip-flopped position.

Also, IMO, this series of Obama-Clinton appearances (3 in the upcoming week) is testing ground for them.

If they don't mesh, it's over. If they do, I think it's on.

by mjc888 2008-07-06 10:45AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

I think Clark is the front-runner at the moment. I'd rather see Edwards as VP, although I am fine with Clark. This would make him a solid bet to win the presidency in 2016 after Obama's second term. That is, if Obama goes out of office on a positive note.

by MS01 Indie 2008-07-06 08:42AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

I heard Clark speak a few weeks ago. I was impressed with how well he spoke. For some reason I wasn't expecting much but he was very impressive. I wonder how important it is to Obama to have someone with a military background? Your comment is making me think it's very important.

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 08:47AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

I think the military aspect is important. As is the silver hair, maturity, and natural leadership displayed by Clark. I think it would give reassurance to those voters who are still leery of Obama's perceived lack of experience.

If Obama can create the impression with the voters that he is a moderate who wants to bring people together to do what is best for the country and he has someone like Clark standing beside him to reassure those who need reassurance, then I think he is unstoppable.

by MS01 Indie 2008-07-06 09:10AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Thank you for your reply. After your last comment
I started to think more about the military angle.
It makes complete sense to me that this would reasure the public and it's a very strong argument for choosing Clark.

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 03:43PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

I think it's over for Clark, after last week's drama. He even said a few days ago that he plans to get out of the political spotlight and go back to his day job.

by mjc888 2008-07-06 10:48AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Senator Clinton is doing well in this unscientific poll but what about Edwards is he seen as to far to the left?

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 08:42AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Who knows?

Most people who don't know Edwards's positions think they know 5 things about him:

He is a rich trial lawyer who gets expensive haircuts and who has a big hosue.
He has a wife with cancer.
He ran for VP with Kerry and was not a plus, losing the VP debate to Cheney.
He is the son of a mill worker.
He was not one of the big success stories of the primaries in 2008.

None of these is a big plus to Obama in the GE.

by LIsoundview 2008-07-06 10:41AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Really? He was the son of a mill worker? Where'd you hear that?

by Scotch 2008-07-06 11:46AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Edwards totally changed when he ran as VP to Kerry. His whole personality and what he stood for had to be subjugated to Kerry, although Kerry didn't have a personality and didn't stand for much. I can't name anything he really supported at the moment, but anyway, Edwards has failed elections too many times as far as numbers, it wouldn't make sense to pick him. He would be good as the cabinet pick for human services, though.

I am just not getting the vibe for Hillary either, although if she was in it, my enthusiasm would rise to the top of the earth again, otherwise, I'm pretty bored.

Who really knows.

by Scotch 2008-07-06 11:45AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

That's why choosing Clinton would be great then everyone would be excited except for the Republicans of course.

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 03:32PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

I agree with you politicalslave. I have been getting the same feeling over the past week or so. I have wanted to write a diary (so many diaries, so little time) about Hillary as VP. At this point it seems like a no brainer.

by Hollede 2008-07-06 09:15AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Ha ha Yes time does get in the way sometimes.

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 03:49PM | 0 recs

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i think you're right

For the most part his campaign has been about as good as any about trying to look into the future and having a plan for all of the major strategic decisions way before the time for making the decision comes up. Remember the spreadsheet for their wins/losses in specific states during the primary?

For me, everytime I think about the VP I always end up going back to the three candidates from Virgina. If it's not Hillary, it won't be a woman so scratch Sebellius, Napolitano etc. It's not going to be Nunn (too old and hated by gays/lesbians); not Chet Edwards (no one knows him); not Bayh (too boring).

I like the guys from Virginia and Biden.

by highgrade 2008-07-06 09:16AM | 0 recs

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Re: i think you're right

Biden has been making the most sense as a pick recently.

by danIA 2008-07-06 10:09AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

I think Clark now makes more sense then Senator Clinton, especially at the moment.

Wes did a terrific job of keeping his poise through the media's kissing of McCain's ass.

I think, by the end of the kerfuffule, he had the pundits back on their heels, and doubting if maybe their circle-jerking for McCain as some kind of military mastermind is really that deep or just a creation of the press.

Also, the PUMA's have done a lot of damage to the Clinton for VP sweepstakes in my not so humble opinion.

A large % have said even WITH Senator Clinton as VP, destroying Obama and punishing the democratic party is their ego trip de jour.

by WashStateBlue 2008-07-06 10:23AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

This whole PUMA movement is insignificant IMO. Just a bunch of loonies. Every election has a set.

I think picking Clinton would give him the best chance to win but I doubt he will pick her.

by JustJennifer 2008-07-06 10:29AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Not sure if that is really the case, I think right now Wes Clark with his military background brings more; but, to be honest, I think Senator Clinton would be a good VP, the catch is Bill.

The only good suggestion I have heard is, if Senator Clinton is VP, they appoint Bill ambassador to the UN, cause he NEEDS something to fill his time.

Otherwise, as an old time dog person, the true-ism is that, you can't put two Alpha dogs together, and they will get along fine.

Bring a THIRD alpha into the room, there will be a fight within seconds.

by WashStateBlue 2008-07-06 10:46AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

I think, for the most part, that Democrats love Bill Clinton warts and all. He has done a tremendous amount of good since leaving office.

I think choosing Clinton would bring the two "sides" of the party back together like no other choice would. It would certainly energize the female vote like no other choice.

by JustJennifer 2008-07-06 10:50AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

I think the whole "Bill situation" is overblown punditry. The media currently loves the gossip surrounding Bill, but behind the scenes I think there is nowhere near the tension that is being spoken about.

by mjc888 2008-07-06 10:52AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Being a ambassador to the UN is a demotion, you know when he already is a former POTUS!

"cause he NEEDS something to fill his time."

--Thanks Dr.Phil

by bsavage 2008-07-06 01:56PM | 0 recs

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Ambassador to the UN?

I believe Bill has indicated that he'd like to be Secretary General of the UN.

What fun that would be!

by susie 2008-07-06 08:22PM | 0 recs

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Has Obama already chosen his running mate?

by Beren 2008-07-06 11:02AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Me too I have no problem with Hillary or Clark.
I would prefer to Gore above them all.

Obama adores Gov. Sebelius but she is hardly known entity.

by Makey 2008-07-06 11:20AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

I should have added Gore. I think he would be great.

by Politicalslave 2008-07-06 04:01PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Obama has already chosen his VP. But he will change his mind.

by QTG 2008-07-06 11:49AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Webb. Both are against the war, and can use the war as an argument against McCain. Spending all that money in Iraq is a major factor in our weakening dollar, higher gas and energy prices, and higher food prices.

Webb is the best strategic pick.

by HardWorkingWhitePerson 2008-07-06 01:44PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Oh I hope Clinton doesnt get the VP. When Obama tanks he'll bring down Bill and Hillary in his mind game of new politics. We don't need another Jimmy carter.

by bsavage 2008-07-06 01:53PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama has already chosen his VP?

Funny, I've been thinking the past few days as well that Obama might pick Clinton. It's in the natural progression of things that piss off some of his most ardent supporters while looking to the GE.

FISA, guns, abortion, Clinton...yeah, I can see it. I like the idea because I like Clinton...it would certainly make me more enthusiastic. I like it because it makes good political sense. And I like it because of the people it would drive bugfuck.

by InigoMontoya 2008-07-06 03:08PM | 0 recs

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Prepare for Nunn

Clark is too loose-tongued, Clinton too problematic, Webb has that stuff he wrote about the Tailhook scandal being the fault of the victims. He can be sorry and claim to have grown--I believe both--but who needs the dustup?

Nunn will also have to be sorry about past positions, particularly those that have offended gays. In cold hard political terms though, there are a lot more women voters than gays.

Also, since Nunn is too old to run for president himself when Obama is done, he is a good conession choice for the Clinton contingent, leaving the field open for her in 2016.

by Davidsfr 2008-07-06 03:30PM | 0 recs