Obama-Whitman and other combos thread

[vinea]

Sounds like one of the usual bizzaro political rumors but that would be an interesting ticket if true...female moderate republican running mate.

Odds 1000 to 1 longshot. More likely McCain-Whitman but still...that would really amuse the hell out of HRC which would be worth quite a few bonus points in my book.

Of course, if she did this, she wouldn't be burning her Republican bridges as much as atomizing them and screw up her daughter's political future in the process. 10000 to 1.

Still...the heart attacks across the convention floor would be amazing and you'd likely get another Howard Dean Yell. :lol:

So what other matchups, realistic or oddball, do people fancy?

[@_@ Artman]

Clusterfuck...

[@_@ Artman]

http://graphics.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/03/21/1206153132_6475/539w.jpg

And if you're talking about Christine Todd Whitman, forget it. After her debacle as head of the EPA in handling the post 9|11 mess (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_Todd_Whitman#September_11_attacks) it makes her eligible only for a night janitor position at Motel 6.

[sammi jo]

http://graphics.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/03/21/1206153132_6475/539w.jpg

And if you're talking about Christine Todd Whitman, forget it. After her debacle as head of the EPA in handling the post 9|11 mess (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_Todd_Whitman#September_11_attacks) it makes her eligible only for a night janitor position at Motel 6.

Whitman was the fall girl in the post 9/11 toxic dust scandal. The EPA originally tested the air in the days immediately after 9/11 and their results were not good (read very scary). It was the White House, specifically the CEQ (council on environmental quality) headed by James Connaughton who instructed the EPA to "tone down" the report, in order (1) "not to distract from the 'war on terrorism", (2) to reopen Wall Street as soon as possible, and (3) not to alarm the public (!!!!!!) The order was approved by Condoleezza Rice and most likely originated in the office of the Vice President. ''

It's hard to solely blame Whitman, especially in the hysteria that gripped the nation and reduced common sense to "follow my leader or be name-called a traitor, or worse". One has to wonder what would have happened if Whitman had stood up for the people of NYC instead of capitulating to her bosses?

[groverat]

I will be sorely disappointed if Obama selects a Republican as his running mate. Fuck that stupid party until it gets its shit together.

[Northgate]

Never. Gonna. Happen.

Based on the exit polling in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, the American people are still as fearful of brown people as they've always been. Okay, maybe things have improved a little. But when it comes to electing a president, white folks in the bible belt are NOT comfortable pulling the lever for a black man...even if he is half white.

So...

Obama absolutely, unequivocally, MUST pick a white male as his running mate. That white male MUST have strong military and security credentials. Someone like Jim Webb or Wes Clark.

[Jubelum]

Someone like Jim Webb or Wes Clark.

Webb only after he gets taken to the woodshed by Sharpton or Jesse for how many times the word "nigger" appeared in his books... and the whole "Women Can't Fight" thing will sound wonderful to former HRC voters. Not to mention the resurrection and republishing of his wonderful literary passages on incest and pedophilia, wether grounded or not. He'd at least be somewhat of a southern RKBA foil for the gun-grabbing BHO.

Clark would have to endure his own complimentary comments about the neocons, as well as the "I would have voted for [the war]" that would inevitably come up, for better or worse.

... and speaking of The Big O... in West Virginia...

On electability, 6 in 10 voters said Clinton has a better chance of beating McCain in November than Obama does. Indeed, in the heat of battle, fewer than 4 in 10 of Clintons supporters said they would vote for Obama in November.

Yeeouch. Of course, that is in the land of Robert "Sheets" Byrd (D-WV).

[franksargent]

Never. Gonna. Happen.

Based on the exit polling in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, the American people are still as fearful of brown people as they've always been. Okay, maybe things have improved a little. But when it comes to electing a president, white folks in the bible belt are NOT comfortable pulling the lever for a black man...even if he is half white.

So...

Obama absolutely, unequivocally, MUST pick a white male as his running mate. That white male MUST have strong military and security credentials. Someone like Jim Webb or Wes Clark.

He fits your white male metric and would solidify the midwest and rust belt.

And I do think HRC will also be given serious consideration.

I also like Richardson in my Final Four.

And Ted Strickland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Strickland) would complete my Final Four.

I'm thinking a blue state governor from the midwest, mid-atlantic, or rust belt is necessary for an Obama victory this fall.

List of current United States Governors (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Governors)

This is the current map of U.S. Governors;

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/United_States_Governors_map.svg
28 D's and 22 R's

[@_@ Artman]

... and speaking of The Big O... in West Virginia...
Yeeouch. Of course, that is in the land of Robert "Sheets" Byrd (D-WV).

Ah yes, a fine hamlet of southern hospitality. Same place where one small town has invited Obama to prove he's not a Muslim (http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-05-08-westvirginia_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip)...

Local politicians say it will take more than a well-decorated storefront for Obama, the Illinois senator, to make headway. "He's going to have to visit," says Bob Pasley, who adds that Obama should come prepared to answer "tough questions," including some about his religion.

"Is he Islamic or is he not?" Pasley says of Obama, who is Christian. "I know he's tried to talk about it but he hasn't looked anybody in Wayne in the eye and told them."

Demanding that a presidential entourage make it up the tricky switchback roads that lead to this town of 1,144 isn't as farfetched as it seems. No Democrat has won the White House without winning West Virginia since 1916, and at least one made it to Wayne.

You'd think that all this stupid coverage of Obama's PASTOR would at least silence these stupid morons.

They have TeeVee down there don't they? :rolleyes:

[Jubelum]

They have TeeVee down there don't they? :rolleyes:

Must be a bunch of bitter, racist assholes there in WV. :smokey:

The funniest part of the whole thing is... this was a DEMOCRATIC primary... I mean... :lol::lol: with all :lol::lol: these racists every :lol::lol: where... who are DEMOCRATS...

[Samnuva]

The Obama Cabinet- I've covered all areas

President: Obama
Vice President: Stickland
Secretary of State: Richardson
Secritary of Defense: Clark
Secritary of the Interior: Clinton (Hillary)
Atorney General: Someone awsome
Secritary of Veterans affairs: Bill Clinton (Just had to add that one in there)

[Samnuva]

I have one question:
Even if Obama is a muslim, which he's not, what is so wrong with that? I'm not a muslim, but I have many friends who are, and they are very nice people. Islam is not a violent religion, it's just that some fanattics have used it to expalin their horribal behavior. Christian fundamentalists have done horribal things to.

[franksargent]

Ah yes, a fine hamlet of southern hospitality. Same place where one small town has invited Obama to prove he's not a Muslim (http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-05-08-westvirginia_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip)...



You'd think that all this stupid coverage of Obama's PASTOR would at least silence these stupid morons.

They have TeeVee down there don't they? :rolleyes:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/55/Appalachian_region_of_United_States.gif

Poverty in Appalachia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachia#Economy)

Poverty in this region has been a problem for many years but was not brought to the attention of the rest of the United States until 1964 when US President Lyndon B. Johnson delivered a speech from a sagging front porch in a poor Appalachian mining town.
.
.
.
Nevertheless, after 40 years poverty remains undefeated in Appalachia. Martin County, Kentucky, the site of Johnson’s 1964 speech, is currently ranked as "distressed" by the ARC. (Distressed is the worst ranking.) The per capita income in Martin County is $10,650, and 37% of its residents live below the poverty line.

This is something I learned somewhere in my youth, of coal miners, federal revenuers, and moonshine. If Obama doesn't address this area in a somewhat serious way, I think He'll have a serious problem in the fall election.

Obama should forget about a southern strategy as it will remain red in the fall election.

[vinea]

Obama should forget about a southern strategy as it will remain red in the fall election.

All depends on money. If he can outraise McCain he can do a full court press across the country forcing McCain to spend in areas he normally wouldn't diluting his budget in swing states. Voter turnout isn't likely to be high given the lukewarm feelings about McCain so he'd have to spend some effort there.

My only concern with Obama on his muslim heritage is that since he IS a christian now he's not likely to ever meet directly with any muslim heads of state. Whether the muslim countries can get over the heresy is still TBD. US relations with them may not be much better under Obama for that reason than it was under Bush despite his intentions.

[franksargent]

All depends on money. If he can outraise McCain he can do a full court press across the country forcing McCain to spend in areas he normally wouldn't diluting his budget in swing states. Voter turnout isn't likely to be high given the lukewarm feelings about McCain so he'd have to spend some effort there.

My only concern with Obama on his muslim heritage is that since he IS a christian now he's not likely to ever meet directly with any muslim heads of state. Whether the muslim countries can get over the heresy is still TBD. US relations with them may not be much better under Obama for that reason than it was under Bush despite his intentions.

And, of course he will. But it still comes down to the EC in the end.

Obama should steer clear of the "muslim issues" as much as possible prior to the general election. I'm not quite sure how that would help him overall otherwise.

BTW, I voted for Obama in the MS primary. MS and LA have the largest African American populations (low to mid thirties, percentage wise). But getting them to show up in large enough blocks to overcome the white vote down here, is in one word, one of sufficient access to transportation.

And I'd really like Obama to win in MS, it would be the first time, since I've been here, thay my vote for POTUS would actually count (EC wise). :)

[@_@ Artman]

[CENTER][IMG]This is something I learned somewhere in my youth, of coal miners, federal revenuers, and moonshine. If Obama doesn't address this area in a somewhat serious way, I think He'll have a serious problem in the fall election.

Obama should forget about a southern strategy as it will remain red in the fall election.

I recall another charismatic Democratic senator and presidential candidate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_F._Kennedy#Senator_for_New_York) who did so...

During his years as a senator, Kennedy also helped to start a successful redevelopment project in poverty-stricken Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn in New York City, visited the Mississippi Delta as a member of the Senate committee reviewing the effectiveness of 'War on Poverty' programs and, reversing his prior stance, called for a halt in further escalation of the Vietnam War.

As Senator, Robert endeared himself to African Americans, and other minorities such as Native Americans and immigrant groups. He spoke forcefully in favor of what he called the "disaffected," the impoverished, and "the excluded," thereby aligning himself with leaders of the civil rights struggle and social justice campaigners, leading the Democratic party in a pursuit of a more aggressive agenda to eliminate perceived discrimination on all levels. Kennedy supported desegregation busing, integration of all public facilities, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and anti-poverty social programs to increase education, offer opportunities for employment, and provide health care for African-Americans.

Kennedy's presidential campaign was powered by an aggressive vision on behalf of African Americans, who flocked to his banner.

And this... (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89365887)

But the tables have turned now.

http://scienceblogs.com/bushwells/obamonkey.jpg

Norman said he sees nothing wrong with depicting Obama as Curious George. "Look at him . . . the hairline, the ears, he looks just like Curious George," Norman said. He said he did not design the shirts himself but bought them through a Web site.

He said he views it as just coincidence that the character on the T-shirt is a monkey. Norman also said proceeds raised from sales will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Why we could use another William Tecumseh Sherman (http://www.scienceblogs.com/bushwells/2008/05/why_we_could_use_another_willi.php)


Sometimes I'm embarrassed to be white. :\

It is a revolutionary world we live in. Governments repress their people; and millions are trapped in poverty while the nation grows rich; and wealth is lavished on armaments.

For the fortunate among us, there is the temptation to follow the easy and familiar paths of personal ambition and financial success so grandly spread before those who enjoy the privilege of education. But that is not the road history has marked for us.

The future does not belong to those who are content with today, apathetic toward common problems and their fellow man alike. Rather it will belong to those who can blend vision, reason and courage in a personal commitment to the ideals and great enterprises of American society. - Robert F. Kennedy (http://www.rfkineky.org/project/1968-tour.htm)

[franksargent]

I recall another charismatic Democratic senator and presidential candidate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_F._Kennedy#Senator_for_New_York) who did so...



And this... (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89365887)

Tables turned now. Sometimes I'm embarrassed to be white. :\

I actually saw him in the United States Capitol rotunda (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Capitol_rotunda) in the summer of '67. Burlington, VT YMCA stamp club week long trip to DC. Can't remember exactly if it was Aiken or Proudy we were with at the time, but I think it was Aiken.

Even though I was only six years old when JFK ran for office, I distinctly remember those times, as I was raised a Catholic by my mom who always voted a Democratic ticket.

And I know exactly where I was on 11/21/63 seeing as my birthday was the next day, in addition to the obvious event of that fateful day.

And I know I was at the Burlington VT airport during one (or more) of LBJ's visits (http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=26538).

[@_@ Artman]

I actually saw him in the United States Capitol rotunda (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Capitol_rotunda) in the summer of '67. Burlington, VT YMCA stamp club week long trip to DC. Can't remember exactly if it was Aiken or Proudy we were with at the time, but I think it was Aiken.

Even though I was only six years old when JFK ran for office, I distinctly remember those times, as I was raised a Catholic by my mom who always voted a Democratic ticket.

My parents were Catholic, Democrat too. Switched to Republican in the 80's (Reagan). Then back to Democrat (B. Clinton).

I was 8 years old in 1968. I recall many times the excitement for RFK that year, and the end of it in June...

What happened to us, we all looks so different those days... (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/onassignment/rfk/st/front.html)why does tragedy bring us together? Was does it fade away?

And I know exactly where I was on 11/21/63 seeing as my birthday was the next day, in addition to the obvious event of that fateful day.

April 4th is my birthday. In 1968 my best friend at the time didn't come to my birthday party. He's black. His mother stopped by later that evening to apologize and give me my present. She explained to me why (I sort of knew anyway), I understood.

And I know I was at the Burlington VT airport during one (or more) of LBJ's visits (http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=26538).

My brother recalls LBJ's speech on the tarmac when they touched down with JFK's body from Dallas. He recalls my father pointing to him and saying, "He did it, that son of a bitch did it."

Off topic, carry on...:\

[BRussell]

People always talk about veep choices from the other party - there's really no chance of that, unless the veep actually switches parties. Even in the case of McCain-Lieberman, where Lieb is now technically an independent, it doesn't make sense, because outside of foreign policy, Lieb would do a 180 policy change on everything else McCain had done.

I could (theoretically) see Obama-Bloomberg, because Bloomberg is a genuine RiNO - he's a lifelong Dem who switched to Republican only to run for mayor, and has now again left the Republican party. But if someone is genuinely of the other party, like Whitman, it just ain't gonna happen.

[tonton]

It's gonna be Edwards. You've got to admit those two look good together. At least some of the Hillary supporters will swoon over the haircut with Edwards on the ticket. And you can't get much whiter than him either.

[Flounder]

It's gonna be Edwards. You've got to admit those two look good together. At least some of the Hillary supporters will swoon over the haircut with Edwards on the ticket. And you can't get much whiter than him either.

I hope not. He was terrible as a VP candidate last election.

[tonton]

I hope not. He was terrible as a VP candidate last election.

That's just the thing. I think it's great to bring the last election into this. We need to point out to the Bush voters that they picked the wrong guy last time around, and we're giving them another chance to get it right. A huge number of those who feel they were let down by Bush in the last 3 1/2 years would identify with this.

[e1618978]

It's gonna be Edwards. You've got to admit those two look good together. At least some of the Hillary supporters will swoon over the haircut with Edwards on the ticket. And you can't get much whiter than him either.

http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/POLITICS/05/14/edwards.obama/cnnpt1.0514.edwards.jpg

Doesn't he kind of look like Buddy Christ?

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~hick0088/images/blog/buddy-jesus.jpg

I'll admit, that I hate him a lot less then Hillary - I would much prefer Obama/Edwards over Obama/Clinton/Clinton

[@_@ Artman]

Obama.........and.............Biden (http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/0508/Biden_Bushs_comments_were_bullshit.html).

[Northgate]

Edwards would be a bad choice. The Kerry/Edwards ticket failed. Barely. Regardless, they failed. We don't need any failure associations on this ticket. I really like Edwards. He'll make an excellent cabinet member. But don't put him on the ticket. His negatives are too high with conservatives and swing voters. Apparently, they have a real fucking problem with his hair.

I like Biden's big mouth. I do. But he often shoves his size 12 minty shoes in it. Too risky. And, do I dare say it, he's balding. I personally don't give a crap about physical characteristics of a candidate. But man oh man Republicans and the media LOVE to harp on stupid shit like Al Gore's weight, Hillary's pant suits, looking French-like, and wind surfing in the Hamptons.

I like Jim Webb. But as one of our friends just pointed out he used to write fiction. Apparently you can't be an author or a movie star and run for office ... unless you're a Republican named Lynne Cheney, Ronald Reagan, or Fred Thompson. So, I guess Webb can't run. :\

Obama/Clark

[Samnuva]

That's just the thing. I think it's great to bring the last election into this. We need to point out to the Bush voters that they picked the wrong guy last time around, and we're giving them another chance to get it right. A huge number of those who feel they were let down by Bush in the last 3 1/2 years would identify with this.

But then why not put Kerry on the ticket?

[tonton]

But then why not put Kerry on the ticket?

Because Edwards doesn't look French. He'll appeal to at least some of the Hillaryettes. He's more liberal, and thus further away from the Bush clusterfuck. And he's already buddy-buddy with the Big O.

[franksargent]

Because Edwards doesn't look French. He'll appeal to at least some of the Hillaryettes. He's more liberal, and thus further away from the Bush clusterfuck. And he's already buddy-buddy with the Big O.

... he has no interest in the VP slot (he might take the AG position though :D when :D Obama wins in the fall).

Edwards still says 'no' to VP slot (http://www.veracifier.com/post/7600/edwards-still-says-no-to-vp-slot)

And besides, Edwards doesn't really fully address the main problem here ...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/55/Appalachian_region_of_United_States.gif

[tonton]

... he has no interest in the VP slot (he might take the AG position though :D when :D Obama wins in the fall).

Edwards still says 'no' to VP slot (http://www.veracifier.com/post/7600/edwards-still-says-no-to-vp-slot)

And besides, Edwards doesn't really fully address the main problem here ...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/55/Appalachian_region_of_United_States.gif

haha maybe the Dems should recruit this guy...

http://www.johnschneider.tv/photos/brucepre.jpg

[@_@ Artman]

New Pennsylvania General Election Poll has Obama beating McCain by 8 Percent.

With Edwards as Vice President? 12-17 Percent. (http://openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=5909)

Interesting list to say the least. Rendell? :lol: :wow::D:lol:

OH. And here's the whole thing, polling questions and all. (http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=162d4baa-59af-4ec5-9d9b-eb6e658e86c5)