"Senator Russ Feingold will be Obama's VP."

From a post by josephcast on TPM Cafe:

(snip)

Caroline Kennedy is the VP vetter. Russ Feingold, along with John McCain were recipients of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award for their work on McCain-Feingold. Caroline Kennedy was part of that decision and clearly she has a high regard for Feingold. I'm sure he is very much on her radar. Kennedy could have even been placed on the committee to help legitimize the decision. Obama knowing he wanted Feingold, knowing Kennedy would draw the parallels of Obama, Feingold, and her father. Just as she had drawn the parallels of her father and Feingold, and her father and Obama previously.

Third, the issues. Feingold has co-sponsored numerous bills that would help Senator Obama. He voted against the war, Patriot Act, FISA (bring in libertarians, independents), immigration bill. He has recently introduced the Use It or Lose It Oil Bill. The list goes on. Also, Feingold is a great public speaker. He is very intelligent and thoughtful when speaking. He explains complicated issues in a simple, easy to understand manner, as seen here. However, he speaks his mind and can speak forcefully, but I've never heard a gaffe. He'd be a great outspoken attack dog. Also, he has a plain and folksy delivery and loves to reference Wisconsin. He travels to each WI county (all 72) at least once a year.

Clearly, he is popular with libertarians and Independents in Wisconsin. (2004 exit poll results here). Oh, and even Republicans admire his tenacity and his principles. Of course, he also reminds them of the McCain-Feingold bill, which they hate McCain for. Also, important is the possibility of campaign finance violations by the McCain campaign gaining tranction in the traditional media. Feingold would be great to have on hand in that event. Finally, he managed to grab some Bush voters in the 2004 election (5 to 6%).

He is also a budget hawk, sits on the Select-Intelligence Committee (which is HUGE--privileged information), the Judiciary Comm, Budget Comm, and the Foreign Relations Comm, among others. The Select Comm. on Intelligence is really a big one. These Senators have had access to some of the knowledge that has been stinking up politics for the last 7 plus years (see FISA, scandals, etc).

Finally, if you want an outsider, you've got one in Feingold.

More: http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/08/scooped-obamas-vp-choice-solve.php

Thoughts?

There are some red-state voters out there who might disagree with me, though.

Feingold, for progressive Democrats and independents, would be an exhilarating choice.

A true liberal would be a refreshing break and no one could discredit McCainus better than Russ when it comes to reform.

How COOL would that be :)

the great defender of our Constitution

I'm about to cry, and burst with immense joy. And, if it does happen ... well, I will burst!

I would love to see Vice-President Feingold, AKA President-of-the-Senate Feingold in charge of restoring the U.S. Government to an honest and honorable working government that repairs and protects and defends our Constitution.

I'm dreaming, and hoping ..... and imagining ......

Us cheeseheads loves us some Russ.

n/t.

Still Wisconsin's loss would be a national gain. Russ is a GREAT choice!

:applause:

Russ is a fighter, a real person, a man with the fortitude to attack the issues and support us, the American people, not the "them", the American corporation.

I hope this comes to pass.

What a team they would be. What changes I could envision.
Keeping my fingers crossed.

That is what VPs used to do. I believe Nixon was the first VP to be given executive duties. Probably because Ike saw Truman ascend to office in the midst of WW-II and have to catch up on everything in a hurry.

With the assumption that a nuclear first-strike from the Soviet Union would start with an assassination against the sitting President, it made sense to have someone ready to step into the president's shoes immediately who had been attending the same national security briefings, etc as the president.

will be Obama's VP." "Evan Bayh will be Obama's VP." "Wesley Clark will be Obama's VP." "Mickey Mouse will be Obama's VP."

Can we give it a freakin' rest, people?

I know that talk about the Veepstakes ain't worth a bucket of warm piss, but it's fun for some.

I think I would pay to see that

Hm.

Discussion of potential VP nominees...during a presidential election race...on a Dem-oriented board.

Yah. Crazy, obnoxious stuff.

:eyes:

He won't bring Obama a state.

Richardson could deliver a few Western States.

more on topic- Russ Feingold would be a perfect VP.

He works for one of the most vile right wing companies on the planet.

You don't know and your "strong" language just makes you look like a jackass.

Still, I don't want to see an active Senator on the ticket if we can help it. We need everyone in the Senate working against these thugs and their filibusters.

of choices for VP yesterday.

I would have definitely ranked him at the top 3 choices.

That's my humble opinion... we shall see.

Watch how fast the right tries to pin that label on Feingold even though they've already said the same thing about Obama.

Here I am trying to work up enthusiasm for Evan Bayh or even Chuck Hagel and you have to come along and throw out a choice I'd
be absolutely thrilled, ecstatic and overjoyed over--which probably means it ain't gonna happen.

Talk about a dream ticket! Which is why the cynic in me is certain it couldn't happen.

Could it?

I wish.

I wish in vain, though.

I saw it in the New York Post ...

But so many old Washington ways/strategies to not pick him
he's a senator
he's from a state adjacent to Obamas (my state)so no regional pickup
he's Jewish
he's divorced
he's short

Will Obama keep his idea of "change" of how to run a campaign with this pick? I hope so, but I don't know if it would work.

But as much as I'd love to believe otherwise, an African American and a divorced Jewish man on one ticket is probably too much for the country to get their arms around. Especially when so many (on both sides of the isle unfortunately), blame Israel for much of what is going on in the Mid-East. Anti-semitism, like racism, still exists here- maybe it's more subtle then previously, but it's here. Furthermore, Russ is I think, a bit too far on the left (which is why I am such a fan). Nice vision however- sure would be inspiring to have them on the ticket together.

He is one of the best things about (living in) Wisconsin. A couple of years ago in early December he appeared on c-Span. Every third call started, "Happy Hanukkah, Mr. Feingold." None were sincere good wishes. He even had to respond to someone asking why the network had so many "jew guests." Feingold's response was, "we like to talk.":)

Antisemitism, like racism, is alive and well.

counts as much a anyone else's, even more so where Republicans control the voting mechanism. So, to appeal to swing voting bigots, Obama should pick someone like Himmler or Eichmann or David Duke or Billo The Clown O'Reilly. Hey, Cheney can even run for VP again.

His marriage ended in a decent and amicable way, not with him running off with a trollop.

and divorced twice. Personally I have no problem with it, but I do have to wonder if it would be an issue.

The other problem is that of two sitting senators on the ticket.

I'm not against Feingold. If that's who Obama picks, I'll support him.


Edit: I'm actually on Feingold's Progressive Patriots email list.

was said with tongue in cheek. I would hoop-n-holla if Feingold was the VP pick. :thumbsup:

Interesting, Will Pitt... Those HRC supporters still having difficulties reconciling might take to this choice as well?

Isn't that a better spot for kicking ass and taking names Feingold-style?

I don't want to lose him as a senator, as much as I'd love to see him on the national stage. (I'm in Wisconsin) Would he have anything to actually do as vp? I hate to think of Russ not having anything real to do.

Bear in mind these are all just my "I just got out of bed and am sleepy" responses to a hypothetical scenario.

Although I would hate to lose him as our Senator

I love that idea. Russ would definitely be a surprise and if they pick him I'd party like it was...well, 2008 :)

:applause: :woohoo: :bounce:

Feingold excites the base of the party more than Obama himself does.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/9/224553/5381/79/549119

He's an overwhelming favorite as of now.

I was kind of surprised it had disappeared. I think he would be one of many good choices!

We'd definitely get rule of law back with Russ!

and, is the governor of Wisconsin a Democrat who could appoint a Democrat to replace Feingold?

then, Feingold would be a good choice then.

Fighting Bob Lafollette and the Progressives made sure our federal replacements are all elected in a special election. It could be very bad for Wisconsin to lose Sen. Feingold.

Who the hell could we run to replace him? Obey's too old--

Just as I was typing this, it hit me! TOM BARRETT! I think he's the only Brewtowner that could carry the rest of the state, and for my money, he should have been governor anyway. (Thanks for nuthin,' Kathleen Falk.)

Which brings me to another awful thought. It's really a good thing Doyle doesn't appoint the term-filler, 'cause sure as hell he'd appoint his stalking horse Kathleen.

Woohoo!!

Which likely means it won't happen. I say "Run, don't walk, to that VP pick!"

Wisconsin polls:

Rasmussen O +4 (8-5-08)
WPRI O +6 (8-4-08)
Quinnipiac O +11 (7-22-08)

If Obama picks a real progressive VP, I will eat my hat with honey mustard and salt and pepper.

Russ was my choice for pres at the start! Was disappointed when he bowed out right after the 2006 election! But always kept in the back of my mind he'd be a great VP slot! Hopefully we can keep some good leadership in the Senate. Perhaps this was also done to clear the way to make Hillary Senate MAjority Leader though. If it weren't Russ who got the VP slot, I would have DEMANDED that he got that position. But if he's VP, it opens it up a bit. Would prefer someone like Chris Dodd, but we'd have to wait and see.

just like Clinton/Gore.

He would be somewhat of surprise pick. Another farm state candidate.

The racists of the world would go nuts with Obama and Feingold.

I'm sure we can expect the same from the wingnut message boards if Feingold is the VP pick. :eyes:

He fits all of Obama's requirements (as does Dean, BTW)

Works across the aisle
Had good Judgment on the war
Not afraid to call bullshit on bad decisions.

He would also help shore up Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.

There's a correlation between the downfall of professional news outlets and the lack of vetting to determine whether someone they're hiring to go to print or on air has a tendency to talk out of their ass.

If Obama is going to name Russ, what was the point distancing himself from Wright, and of moving to the center right on FISA and offshore drilling? Do they really think swing voters are going to buy, or wink at, the farce?

(1) Obama sees a need to shore himself up with the Democratic base.
(2) He wants to solidify a growing lead in the midwest.
(3) As someone not on the short lists, his choice would get more attention and coverage (see: Clinton/Gore and Gore/Lieberman).
(4) He puts qualifications and suitability above politics.

K and R

Russ would be a GREAT VP. But I fear it's going to be Bayh :(

First, because I am not thrilled by the "short list." I'd be accepting of any of them, but not exactly happy about any of them. Second because I think the "story" would get a lot of additional free publicity. Third, I like the idea of picking Feingold!

..."too liberal"...

... but it's a great thought.

Perhaps if Feingold had voted with the remaining democrats instead of this 'President deserves the people they want to serve' mentality we'd be a different world. We would have handed Bush a major defeat and he would have realized that congress was not a group of folks to fuck with.

I'll still vote for an Obama-Feingold ticket, but I'll still bitch about that one fight that I think was our first step downhill. We should have held our ground with keep Ashcroft out as AG - it would have told Bush immediately that he needs to work with congress.

That would be wonderful.

he's far too progressive to be a viable choice.

Personally though I believe that Americans in general are far more Progressive than the MSM, the GOP, or the Blue Dog/DLC Democrats would like us to be aware.

great pick. :shrug: why not?

I can imagine the vicious right wing racist lather this would produce.

K&R!

kool.

I have no doubt he could pass the vetting process
as would his spouse and family.


I bet most of you didn't know this fact:

Russ does not accept pay raises during his term in office.
When his colleagues in Congress vote to increase their pay,
Russ returns his share to the U.S. Treasury.

Russ has one of the highest lifetime voting records
of any seated U.S. Senator from the League of Conservation Voters,
a bipartisan group that advocates for environmental conservation.

Russ is a great Bulldog and doesn't take any crap from news pundits
and repuglicans....... He would be a great choice.

Don't you think he'd be blackmailed by now, like the rest of the Democratic Congress, if they had anything on him?

If that happened, I would die of joy.

YES!!!!!!

:woohoo:

The right wing wouldn't want Feingold as President, so Obama would be safer from assassination...

qualification for Obama's vp.

First she was key to making Obama a viable choice nominee, now Feingold, V.P. How inspired! Caroline is carrying on the great JFK legacy.

What a marvelous choice that would be !!

Oh me oh my - :toast: :applause: :kick:

I could not think of a better way for a TRULY unified Democratic party than Russ Feingold as VP.

Whether by design, or by media smearing, Obama has been seen as pandering to the right since sealing the nomination. It's about time to remind REAL Democrats that they are part of this, and Feingold symbolizes that better than anyone else in the Senate.

the VP will be Biden. Or Clinton. Or Clark. Or Bayh. Or Feingold.

Perhaps we wait and see...

another senator doesn't seem to matter when Biden, Clinton, and Bayh are being seriously considered.

Seems they have all had experience as a VP or governor. That being said, a senator will be elected this cycle.

What about two senators on the ticket? Obviously it depends on who the senators are but it's not the norm. McSame will probably pick a senator as VP too. So this issue doesn't work to anyones advantage or disadvantage.

Not really a statistical trend.

and elected president while an incumbent.

Those nominated but who were losers since 1960: Goldwater, McGovern, Dole, and Kerry.

Then Wes Clark can start clearing out lunatics from The Pentagon....

Its just not nice. :spank:

Obama needs southern support. Edwards was/is hugely popular, can be very strong as VP.

I have always pictured either Russ or Sen. Whitehouse as AG in a Dem win.
Would depend on their rankings in key committees next term,and whether staying in Senate would be more valuable.
Anyone consider Gore or Kucinich as a viable choice?

Edwards current issues with the affair rumors would offset any potential strength he'd bring in the south I think. He might not deserve the crap he's been getting from that, but that's the political reality at the moment.

Kinda hard to go after Feingold for having an "affair", when he's not even married at the moment.

I've been away from the puter for most of day, then read of the affair here on DU... :wow:
naturally that would happen just after I was praising the guy.

WTF is the matter with these guys?????

:spank: :spank: :spank:

with this affair. Sadly, I think he's toast politically.

These guys just can't keep it zipped! Disappointing.

I will be shocked if this happens but will certainly be ecstatic if it does. The reasons why he would be a great pick have already been brought up in this thread I'm sure, but I'd just love to see Feingold debate whatever tool McSame picks for VP. Can you imagine a Feingold-Romney debate? That would be amazing.

I was very worried about impeachment/assassination insurance. Feingold would be perfect as a guarantee of Obama's good health. Freepers would send him vitamins.

Any problems with the elderly Florida Jews would evaporate. And I'd be fascinated to see how my rightwing brethren deal with it. They wouldn't be able to argue anything about a Republican being better for Israel than a Jewish Veep.

And the "Obama is a Muslim" crap would crash and burn. What better endorsement of his Christianity than a Jewish Veep.

Of course, it would take less than two seconds to turn it into a "walked into a bar" joke...which is not necessarily a negative.

And I'm opposed to raiding the Senate without a firm majority. But Feingold presiding over the Senate? Oh, I'd pay cash to see that.

But we're two percent of the population. Two minorities on a ticket? Honestly, it would be like putting up a French candidate in New York. Are there really enough votes to justify it?

eom

the same old political game that a lot of Senators are. Picking him would be a bold move.

as they seem to be for Feingold in this thread.

Don't forget to have your say in the Feingold for VP poll going on over at the Daily KOS

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/9/224553/5381/79/549119

:bounce:

and brings over crossover votes.

No other VP can do that.

but hope you are right.

Never thought of Cheney continuing as VP, after his end of term pardon by B*sh.

:bounce: :kick: :headbang: :woohoo: :applause: :patriot: :bounce:

While it would be a great add to the campaign, 'twould be a great loss for Wisconsin which is currently struggling with the "Pub's" for local control.

Premature unfortunately.

Hell the guy even took Langlade county in the last election, that's unheard of for a dem historically.

I said, that while I don't think it'll happen, that I would LOVE to see Russ Feingold as VP. So for me, at least, it would be a dream team. :)

When asked at a listening session in Waukesha County (by a DUer even).

He ASSURED us that Obama would not me making this call.

we need him in the Senate....

that topic came up when Jerry Brown was running for president (he was single at the time) and some people made a big stink about it in that he "never had to face the responsibilities" of having and raising a family.

Not that I'm bitter about some of our former candidates or anything . . .

I would love to see it.

But I don't think it will happen :(

I damn sure hope I'm wrong about that.

For whatever reason, he's been off my VP radar lately, but the more I think about it....what better way to win back the liberal base? The two men practically speak with one voice and have the same constitutional objections to Bush's crimes.

My only worry is there is not much daylight between them; he doesn't add much more than what Obama's already got. It's like Obama with an exclamation point. Still, it is a very, very strong ticket for making Obama's case for change and helping describe where the country should get back to its roots.

Personally, Obama/Feingold would get me off the couch and going door-to-door, with enthusiasm, every spare moment!

A lot of people tried to sway Bill against Al because they said he would be too similar, states too close together, etc.

But I have a feeling Bill would've won no matter who his running mate was.

That's why it's a winning ticket. Their similarities reinforce everything Obama says with actions.

Loves it!

Damn now my hopes are up.

because I'm out of the loop. But as the best ethical REAL Dem choice-that's as good as Kuchinich or Conyers in my book. I hope it's TRUE! Also would raise Obama in my eyes. He's not done so well lately on staying true to the base.

I would love him as VP. However this is the 1st I ever heard of this idea and is it realistic or just an idea you came up with???

PS: Richardson is my top choice for VP.

son coming home to san diego from boston this month - surfing is not quite the same on the east coast...cheers from kp and mr. kpete

Ok, they're both brilliant Harvard lawyers, but there is absolutely no question to those of us who know and love him best that Feingold has much more experience and better judgment than Obama. He may not have a "Feingold girl" video, but he's the one who is truly qualified, and there is no question about what he stands for.

when Obama decided to run. That was a sad day for me. And what you say is 110% correct.

about the direction we are going in above any possible choice.

not only would it be an inspirational throw to the left, or really, most Democrats and many Indies, but it would signal to people Obama means business when it comes to cleaning up Washington, honesty, respect for the law and the Constitution. One of my theories why Congress's approval rating is so low is not only the war, but that they're not going after Bush and Cheney hard enough, letting them off the hook. That in itself is criminal. Feingold would be a fine example of a Democrat who didn't roll over and show his belly.

you can't have him, we need him in WI! Unless of course you are right, then hooray for Russ! :applause:

It'd put the "big states" issue to rest as well. Let's start printing the buttons now!

you can get!

J

But I can't see it because he's so liberal. I hope I'm wrong about that though.

Also, are we guaranteed a Democratic Senator in Wisconsin if he moves up the ladder? That's worth considering, too.

Sorry if someone already mentioned that.

will happen.

But I suppose Feingold might be considered the compromise party-insider choice. :woohoo:

would pick a senator, especially one so influential as Feingold. Personally, I couldn't think of a better choice, but pragmatically speaking, I just don't see it.

I would be very happy to vote for Feingold for president after he's served his two terms as v/p. He's actually about the only pol. I can say this about at this time.

would rekindle some of my lost enthusiasm for this election.

...If only it were true!

Someone has to say this, so I will----
Being Liberal,
Feingold would be good "assassination Insurance" for a President
Obama, as well as being a super-high quality individual himself.

Howard Dean, baby.

And a middle finger to all the
rightwing scum of America!!!!!!!!!

:)

Progressive as they come, and has stood up to those who loath the constitution.

This is from a basically anonymous blogger (josephcast?) who thinks "Obama knowing he wanted Feingold, knowing Kennedy would draw the parallels of Obama, Feingold, and her father" and "Just as she had drawn the parallels of her father and Feingold, and her father and Obama previously" are complete sentences.

I love you, Mr. Pitt, and I always click on your threads, but ... if you're going to present something that was pulled out of someone's ass, couldn't it at least be something that was pulled out of your own?

Especially since you are. A great writer who knows. The difference between a phrase and a sentence.

:rofl:

I love Feingold, and like everyone else, I assumed he was too "liberal" to be veep.

But strategy-wise, what could this do for Obama? Well, he would instantly get a big boost among older Jewish voters who may be leaning towards McCain (as has been previously mentioned). This would be huge in Florida, and might even clinch the election for him.

Additionally, having an iron-clad lefty like Feingold on the ticket would give Obama the ability to run hard to the center while keeping the liberal base (read: you and me) happy and energized. I know personally, I would be willing to forgive a whole lot of centrist election-year pandering if I knew that Feingold was on the ticket. Call me a sucker, but I would be all smiles.

Oh, yeah, and I hear Wisconsin might be some kind of swing state or something... :D

As the other half of McCain-Feingold, he is in a position to totally destroy McCain on his hypocrisy re: lobbyists, telecoms, etc. He could be really devastating.

Honestly, I'm so used to being disappointed I don't really know what I'd think if it actually happened. I might have... hpoe? hoep? Whatever that word is.

Sounds good to me.

What a ticket that would be! What a great day for America!

... so I'd be happy.

But the best part of it would be hearing Obama start off a speech with: "Okay, have you heard THIS one? So, a black dude and a Jew walk into the White House ..."

Oh no you di-int...

:)

She shoots, she scores.

Punchline:

"Shalom? I thought he said Shakira!"

*ba doom boom tsssss...*

Thanks, I'm here all week, try the veal, be sure to tip your waitress...

*fleeing*

;)

:woohoo: O8) :woohoo: O8) :woohoo: O8)

him than for Obama actually. He seems to be more principled, more willing to not cave on important issues like FISA, Iraq, etc.

I hope Obama will seriously consider him as VP. Feingold adds immeasurably to the ticket. I'd not hold my nose and vote for Obama if Feingold were the VP choice.

That could be a 16 year lock on the White House...and congress!

this country needs. Of course profit-mongering corpmedia would raucously brand him TOO LIBERAL so it won't happen.

That means we don't lose a seat.

I'm totally on board with Feingold as VP.

Fox News would need a muscle relaxant!

Russ would be a great V.P.choice!