Kerry needs a vice

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uselections2004/comment/story/0,14259,1184558,00.html

One notable element in the past week's campaigning has been the full emergence of the vice-president, Dick Cheney. A politician who can "play to the base" as well as any, he has embarked on a series of stump speeches across the battleground states, extolling the virtues of his boss and bashing Kerry at every opportunity.

This is leading some insiders to question the wisdom of the Democrats' own running-mate strategy, which has been farmed out to committee for what presumably will be lengthy consultation.

Douglas Schoen, a New York-based Democratic pollster and consultant, says there is no point in delaying: "Why not pick a running mate now? At the moment it is two against one, and those odds don't work. It makes sense to make a choice sooner rather than later."

So who is the best person to even up the battle at the top of the ticket? Who will fare best against the wily Cheney in televised debate, and deliver votes in key states? Speculation inside America's political class has been relentless.

Seriously, he should get going and pick General Clark. Clark will help tremendously in the South and we won't lose a Senator. And, most importantly, he and Kerry would nail chickenhawk liars and war criminals * and Cheney with the national security issue. Wes is still the best!!

That's a pretty dumb reason compared to the reasons to wait.

The first is yours, and it is very valid. We don't know what will happen right before the election, and therefore who would be the best #2 for Kerry ,regarding terrorism, the economy etc. The second side is that another vocal, visible, and hopefully charismatic presence on the campaign trail will add momentum to Kerry's candidacy. Reminds me of that old saw: two hands are better than one. I'll trust Kerry and his team to make the best decision though.

until the end of May at least, or even into June. It would make the convention seem fresher.

Graham would be the best vp because Kerry and the party could change their minds in 4 years to reassess political needs, it's dumb to "get stuck" with somebody before you have to. All sorts of new, unexpected developements, and research, can happen between now and the convention that will affect both Kerry and his potential picks. It's not as if Cheney and Bush are the only 2 people attacking Kerry and it's not as if Kerry is the only person throwing back.

I like that he doesn't react to everything this administration is doing. It sort of makes him seem above the dirt and confident IMHO. There is a long time till this election reaches its climax and I'm so relieved when I see him he is talking about his ideas and things he wants to accomplish. Bush is going to tire people out and if Kerry keeps honestly campaigning with his message all these dirty ads now I don't think will mean much. Really, the bush administration can only bash him so much without sounding ridiculous.

But, I think it would be priceless to see Edwards go up against the Snear. Edwards is bright, eager, honest, full of ideas and life and he just makes me smile for some reason. That up against snarly old battery operated Cheney ... that would be fun to see.

if kerry picks a vp now they will just use their money to start attacking the vp now. and it's not as if just because kerry picks a vp they will be given the free media bush and cheney always get when they give speeches and other things. maybe in the beginning but it's so early it will go away and then bush and cheney will have months to start attacking the vp through tv ads.

...another target, another person's record to dissect and take out of context? I'm certainly not saying the running mate will have anything bad on his record, but look how the 'Pubs are already taking things out of Kerry's record and taking them out of context, parsing them and distorting them.

Kerry is doing fine all by himself right now. He doesn't have as much $$$ as * so he can't advertize as much, and * and Cheney have the bully pulpit so they're always going to get the more high profile coverage. And still Kerry is neck and neck with them.

We don't need the VP now. Better to use that later to give a boost and keep the VP fresh.

Plus..Kerry has Clark, Edwards and Dean out there for him to help. Not to mention all the 527's putting up ads and such.

Cheney isn't gong to change the views of any Democrat and Kerry isn't going to change the views of the Republicans. It's the independents that we want to reach and a VP now or later isn't going to change them right now.

Let's wait...

during his campaign, * was ALWAYS surrounded by those who covered his base, as well as those who suckered in minorities, liberals, and moderates, as well. He sold many on:

"Diversity, Choice, Responsibility and Bush's Cabinet
Bush's First Step in Ushering in Era of Responsibility- His Cabinet
By: Mary Mostert, Analyst, Original Sources (www.originalsources.com)"

(Snip)
" Responsibility appears to be the hallmark of the people George W.Bush has selected for his top advisors and Cabinet secretaries. His first appointments appear to be clearly designed to create a "responsibility era" in Washington. From his first appointment, Retired General Colin Powell, as Secretary of State, to his most recent appointments, Gov. Tommy Thompson, Health and Human Services, he has chosen people who have already DEMONSTRATED considerable responsibility and competence. Other appointments in top spots include: Condoleezza Rice, National Security Advisor, Rod Paige, Secretary of Education, Gale Norton, Secretary of Interior, Ann Veneman, Secretary of Agriculture, Tony Principi, Veterans Administration, Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, Paul O'Neill, Secretary of Treasury, Alberto Gonzales, White House Counsel, Mel Martinez, Housing and Urban Development, Sen. John Ashcroft, Attorney General, Gov. Christine Whitman, Environmental Protection Agency, Don Evans, Secretary of Commerce.

Those keeping score on such things will also notice that these fourteen top posts are filled with a diverse group. Three of them are black. Four of them are female. Two of them are Hispanic. In short, a majority of George W.'s top advisors are minorities. However, he has not made even a public mention of diversity being a goal in choosing his cabinet. He has made competence and responsibility his goal in choosing a cabinet."
(Snip)

http://www.bannerofliberty.com/OS1-01MQC/1-1-2001.1.html

KERRY MUST GET ON THE STICK, NOW! :shrug:

Lust worked well for Clinton, but it seems hackneyed now. Avarice is Bush's terrain.

Gluttony will work well. Kerry looks too thin; Americans like corpulent politicians. Moreover, by eating vast quantities of regional specialties, Kerry will be able to flatter his hosts wherever he goes. 4lbs of pulled pork consumed in a single sitting will certainly be enough to carry North Carolina. Eight servings of gumbo will bring in Lousiana. I think we can stuff some kielbasa into him too.

I don't have a link but it was in The Note the other day that he was hoping to announce by the end of May.

The negative ads aren't killing him--not even $40+ million worth. He should hold on to what aces he has up his sleeve for later--VP choice is a very important one.

he needs it for the huge bounce closer to election time. he would still get a bounce now as he did with winning the primaries. but after it dies down, there will still be months to go before elections and the gop will use that time to attack kerry and his vp choice. and you are right about the ads not killing him. while it's having some effect, you have to consider the amount of money they spend especially compared to the small amount kerry spend and that it's still a close race with a cbs and la times poll showing kerry even ahead.

so. i guess, what we need, now, is "dark and handsome".:think: