Skip to content
Categories:

Virginia’s Tim Kaine a leading contender for Obama’s ticket

Post date:
Author:

Barack Obama stopped by the office of his top VP vetter, Eric Holder, late yesterday, and reportedly stayed for about three hours. MSNBC noted that the top members of Obama’s team — Axelrod, Plouffe, Gibbs, and the vetters — were all in the same place at the same time: “The convergence of all the senior staff here with that search committee only further signals that the process is at a critical stage.”

And who are the leading candidates for the Democratic ticket? The WaPo has a front-page story today with some interesting insights, especially regarding the governor of Virginia.

Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has told close associates that he has had “very serious” conversations with Sen. Barack Obama about joining the Democratic presidential ticket and has provided documents to the campaign as it combs through his background, according to several sources close to Kaine.

Sens. Evan Bayh (Ind.) and Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Del.) are also being seriously vetted by the campaign staff, according to sources with knowledge of the process. […]

Although rumors have circulated about former military leaders and other nontraditional contenders, including Republicans, Obama’s pool of prospects is heavy on longtime senators with foreign policy experience. Kaine and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius are the only state leaders believed to be under serious consideration, sources close to Obama said.

Democrats who have discussed possible choices with campaign officials and have knowledge of the vetting process said others being considered include Sens. Christopher J. Dodd (Conn.) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) and former senator Sam Nunn (Ga.). Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel (Neb.) and Democratic Sen. Jack Reed (R.I.) are mentioned as long shots.

The WaPo article comes at the same time as a Politico item that reported, “Kaine has emerged as one of the campaign’s potential finalists.” The Politico quoted a source saying Kaine “ranks very, very high on the short list.”

An announcement is not necessarily imminent. Campaign officials told the Post that we probably won’t learn of the pick until “mid-August, shortly before the Democratic National Convention.”

But in the meantime, given that Kaine is probably the least well known of the nine people mentioned in the Post article, it’s probably worth taking a moment to take a closer look at why he’s a finalist.

Obama campaigned for Kaine in 2005, and by all appearances, the two hit it off. The WaPo’s Chris Cillizza recently said Kaine and Obama “are as close as two politicians can be,” and the two “formed an instant bond” thanks to all that they had in common — including both having roots in small-town Kansas.

Last year, Kaine was the first governor to announce his support for Obama, and became the co-chair of senator’s national campaign.

What would Kaine bring to the ticket, besides a solid relationship with Obama? The Virginia governor has a lot of strong qualities that make him electorally attractive — he’s the popular governor of a swing state and he speaks fluent Spanish. He’s young (50) and a Washington outsider, which dovetails nicely with Obama-driven narratives.

Kaine is perhaps best known for being a deeply-religious Roman Catholic.

The central narrative that emerged during Kaine’s successful gubernatorial race in 2005 was that he was a Democrat who spoke freely and regularly about his faith.

In that race, Kaine was seeking to become the first Catholic ever elected governor of the Commonwealth and, rather than run from his religion, he put it front and center.

“I’m a person of faith, and here’s who I am, and you’re entitled to know who I am because you ought to know about me, what’s important to me,” Kaine told the Washington Post’s Carlyle Murphy in October 2005. “That’ll give you a yardstick for judging my actions.”

There was action behind Kaine’s rhetoric. He has served as a Catholic missionary in Honduras during the early 1980s and in his run for governor had to withstand a withering onslaught from Republicans about his personal opposition to the death penalty — a fundamental tenet of the Catholic church.

In office too, Kaine has shown an ability to speak forcefully about his personal religious convictions in the political sphere.

The most powerful evidence of that ability was revealed in the aftermath of the school shootings last year at Virginia Tech University. Kaine not only delivered a moving speech at the school’s convocation just days after the April 16 shootings but also appeared later that week on Rev. Robert Schuller’s “Hour of Power” — a widely watched program among evangelicals nationwide.

Schuller, a massive figure in the evangelical community, interrupted Kaine in the middle of his remarks to say: “Governor, I want to tell you that I am a specialist in sensing and seeing Christ coming through personalities and lives and voices, and I see Him in your eyes and I thank you that you are allowing, without embarrassment, your faith to come through.”

In this sense, Kaine would reinforce Obama’s qualities — they’re both young, smart, committed Christians, who don’t much care for the traditional ways of doing things in Washington.

What are the downsides? For one thing, there would be plenty of questions about Kaine’s experience in government. He’s worked his way up the ladder — four years as the mayor of Richmond, four years as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, and two-and-a-half years as governor — but by some measurements, that may not be considered a lengthy record.

On a related note, Kaine’s foreign policy experience is limited. He has traveled abroad as governor — both to promote international business in Virginia, and to Iraq — but Kaine’s background is on domestic policy. Kaine has not served in the military.

In terms of national reputation, Kaine’s highest-profile gig was giving the Democratic response to a State of the Union address a couple of years ago. The reviews were less than kind, and one hopes Kaine’s speaking style has improved since.

I’d just add that as entertaining as the parlor game can be, it’s also likely that Obama’s eventual running mate may yet be a surprise. The WaPo listed nine possibilities, and it’s likely the VP candidate will come from that list, but it’s hardly a guarantee.

In other words, stay tuned.

Comments

  • Kropotkin

    says:

    I like the idea of someone that highlights Obama’s strengths being the running mate. That would include being much younger than McCain and being a Washington outsider. Gore worked out pretty well as a running mate for Clinton and Kaine and Sebelius would play a similar role for Obama. Of the senators I really like Dodd for his progressive views. Regardless of who is chosen; it will be great to have a VP that respects and honors the Constitution.

  • zeitgeist

    says:

    he doesn’t have to carry the south. all he has to do is carry Virginia. if everthing else stayed the same from 04 except VA flips and Obama wins Iowa, where he is from a neighboring state and has a big lead, he is the next President. that is all it takes, and if Kaine can do that, he is a pretty valuable pick.

    Clark remains my personal favorite, however. Although he seemed pretty flat on MSNBC’s The Verdict last night – and has ever since Obama hung him out for his perfectly valid commentary on McCain’s being shot down.

  • Steve

    says:

    Kaine could be a workable entity on the ticket. He has qualities that McCain lacks. Now, there’s a soundbyte for the media—even Obama’s VP is better than McLie….

  • stevem

    says:

    If he picks Kaine, I’d say he’s trying to replicate the two-of-a-kind approach of Clinton in ’92 when he picked Gore — but Gore had some foreign policy cred. I’d like this if the Berlin Wall had just come down and smart people thought we’d reached “the end of history,” but this year I think he’s going to get slammed if he does this.

    (Dems have such a weak bench — everyone who’s been mentioned seems really, really flawed. Please, for the love of God, not Wesley Clark — he’s the guy who’s actually treated in the media the way McCain should be treated, as an eccentric old coot/crank, and part of that is his fault.)

  • JRD

    says:

    Where does Kaine stand on abortion? I’m not crazy about the thought of a running mate who might inspire Obama to inject even more of his religious beliefs into his campaign and administration– already his biggest flaw, in my view– but other than that he sounds pretty good, and given the tightness of the race in Virginia he might be enough to put Obama over the top there.

  • zeitgeist

    says:

    i think it is funny how 8 months ago almost everyone on this blog was marveling at how wonderful the Democratic field was, the strongest field ever, numerous heavyweights, every one of our candidates was better than their best candidate, etc. – but now all of a sudden we have a “weak bench”?

    we have a bench we shouldn’t call on because many are Senators (Dodd, Biden, Clinton), but that doesn’t make it weak. yes the process of running in this country is all but designed to tear people down and make them look smaller, but our bench really isn’t so bad. heck, Obama could do a lot worse than picking Richardson, for example, if he wants to stay away from the Senate.

  • Tom Cleaver

    says:

    This is further confirmation of the essential acuracy of Ryan Lizza’s article in the New Yorker about Obama.

    Perhaps the greatest misconception about Barack Obama is that is his some sort of anti-establishment revolutionary. Rather, every stage of his political career has been marked by an eagerness to accommodate himself to existing institutions rather than tear them down or replace them…. He runs as an outsider, but he has succeeded by mastering the inside game.”

    I think this is likely the only kind of Democrat that can give American fascism the whacking it’s going to take (and the real whacking is going to start January 21) if we are to overthrow 40 years of nthis crap. That’s not a reformer, that’s a warrior (who will bring reforms as part of the fight). Thus, I think a choice like Kaine is very much “in character,” and Zeitgeist is right about the strategy. I also won’t be surprised if it’s “Choice 11.” Just as long as it isn’t Sam Nunn for god’s sake. Please let him stay in retirement.

  • Patrick

    says:

    I just don’t see it. I can’t believe he would pick someone that the rethugs would be able to say has very little experience either. It will have to be someone with a longer national resume. For me, in order of choice:
    1. Hillary Clinton
    2. Joe Biden
    3. Wesley Clark
    4. Evan Bayh

  • ericfree

    says:

    Not so fast. The WaPo story concluded with a fearless prediction from William Kristol and, as the Carpetbagger has pointed out weekly for the past few months (but missed yesterday), Kristol has yet to be right about anything. The one point in Kaine’s favor is that most of the others mentioned in the story are Senators, and the Senate may guard its Democrats closely in its try to obtain a procedural majority.

    On the other hand, one of the nonSenators mentioned, Sam Nunn, would be a dead loss, and Wesley Clark, the most attractive nonSenate candidate, was apparently thrown under the train a few weeks ago for the crime of defending his potential running mate against McCain smears. So maybe we’re back where we started, and it’s Kaine after all, in spite of Kristol’s ball.

    For the record, Kristol’s column in the Times yesterday predicted a McCain presidential victory thanks to an electorate panicked by the thought of a “runaway” Democratic congress. Of course the same electorate will be voting for Congress too, and the Democrats are widely expected to pick up several seats in both houses. Makes sense in the fantasy world Kristol lives in, I suppose.

  • OkieFromMuskogee

    says:

    Weak bench? You’re confusing the Democrats with that other party. Whoever Obama picks, he or she is sure to outshine both McCain and his eventual running mate.

    I don’t think the WaPo has any idea what it is talking about. The article seems out of touch with reality, so I’m disregarding the whole thing. Sam Nunn? Like Tom said, anyone but Sam Nunn!

    I still think it’s going to be Wesley Clark.

  • Tom in Ma

    says:

    I think that Biden is not a bad choice — good foreign policy rep, interesting to listen to. And frankly, if he can deliver a line about McCain as devastating as his line about Guiliani (“every sentence has a noun, a verb and 9-11”) he will be worth the pick. Maybe “every sentence has a lie, a non-sequiter, and POW?”

  • Tom in Ma

    says:

    No, make that “A lie, a gaffe, and POW”.
    No, make that “A lie, a creepy giggle, and POW”

  • doubtful

    says:

    Time to let go of the dream Patrick. Clinton will not be on the ticket.

    And I doubt Evan Bayh will be either. Won’t we lose a senate seat if he’s picked? His seat isn’t up for reelection until 2010.

    Add my voice to team Clark, but I count that as unlikely after Obama “hung him out for his perfectly valid commentary on McCain’s being shot down.” (Had to borrow it because of the succinct eloquence.)

    I believe it was Ohioan (forgive me if I’m wrong) who pointed out that Obama-Kaine sounds too much like McCain phonetically. It was also mentioned on that thread that Obama-Kaine sounds like an anti-bacterial ointment. Superficial, but hey, this is America.

    On the other hand, since Republicanism is an infectious disease, we could use a little salve.

  • pol

    says:

    Here in Virginia nobody like Kaine.

    I’m not sure who you’re talking about, Raoul. I’m a Virginian and I like Kaine immensely. I can’t think of a Democrat I know (and I know many) who doesn’t like Kaine.

  • Ohioan

    says:

    “The reviews were less than kind, and one hopes Kaine’s speaking style has improved since.”

    Kaine’s infamous “eyebrow arch” has got to go… then he may have a glimmer of a chance.

    But seriously, I’m not convinced he would be a great campaigner for Obama – we will just have to see…

  • Ohioan

    says:

    #18 yeah that was me, doubtful – although I missed the “anti-bacterial” good one! 🙂

    Of course we are being superficial here, but hey we live in a superficial world…

  • Goldilocks

    says:

    Yes, why buy into this meme (=rubbish) about “lack of foreign policy expertise”? Foreign policy needs, above all else, decency. Decency, respect for others with different cultures, faiths and traditions, and intelligent judgment are what’s needed. Facts and information are changing all the time and are easily acquired. facts without decency = pigs’ breakfast. The Obama team is popular abroad. If people like you they’ll deal with you and pay attention to your opinions and wishes. If you come over as a pugnacious, self-centered ass*ole they’ll reject what you say and stand for and retreat behind barricades of hostility.

    So, let’s give up this self-doubt about foreign policy ‘expertise’. Mr Obama has already shown he has it in trumps. He has all the right ingredients.

  • Raoul

    says:

    POL: I did vote for him and of course he is better than the option. You know the D site Not Larry Sabato? He hates Kaine. Progressivists were unhappy with his lack of support of Leslie. He botched up the abuser fee issue which lead to largest regressive tax in my memory. His abortion views are lukewarm. He is supporting a controversial coal mine and has done nothing for building a tunnel in Tyson. He is essentially a water carrier until we get another Mark Warner. I know some of these issues are tough and being a D with a R House of Delegates is not easy; but he simply has not advanced an agenda. And I might add that perhaps you ought to meet even more Ds.

  • sagacity

    says:

    According to Matt Stoller at Open Left, Kaine is also pro-life. Yikes! I’ll be disappointed in Obama again if he goes in that direction. I’d like Richardson, Edwards, or Clark. The rest are all problematic, some more than others.

  • Litterbox

    says:

    Oh lord, please dont let it be Hillary.

    Thats the one sure way to guarantee that I wont be voting for Obama. Ill be sitting it out. She brings way too much baggage to the campaign and its going to be difficult enough for Obama to do the things that needs to be done without her trying to get noticed day and night.

    On top of it all she is a horrible liar and we have had enough of that for the past 7+ years.

  • Shalimar

    says:

    Biden would be the most interesting choice, though he would be far down my own list. He has a tendency to say really stupid things and I wonder how the media would justify covering his mistatements while ignoring the even stupider things McCain says far more frequently. And I mean interesting in a train-wreck what-the-fuck-is-wrong-with-them kind of way.

  • zeitgeist

    says:

    anyone who can thinks Biden would be the best choice for Obama clearly did not watch the Roberts and Alito confirmation hearings. . . “Mr. Chairman, my time can’t be up, I haven’t finished asking my first question yet!” 🙂

  • Racer X

    says:

    zeitgeist, Biden would make an excellent weapon against the Republicans. Just lock them in a room with him, and after a few hours they’ll gladly shoot themselves.

  • Maria

    says:

    OMG! I agree with every word Tom Cleaver wrote at #10.

    zeitgeist, Biden would make an excellent weapon against the Republicans. Just lock them in a room with him, and after a few hours they’ll gladly shoot themselves.

    And I’d give them the gun, but not before extracting a promise that one of them would shoot me first. JOE BIDEN?!!!

  • hark

    says:

    Part of Obama’s problem is that he is still untried, untested and, paradoxically, despite all the press and media attention, unknown. I think it would be political suicide to choose another “nobody” like Governor Sebelius or Kaine, with apologies to readers from Kansas and Virginia. Obama needs a household name, and no, I’m not running a stealth campaign for Hillary.

    My choice was Clark, because of the national defense angle, and the fact that he’s so much smarter and more capable than McCain, and that he’s a war hero in his own right. But Obama blundered badly and inexplicably by overreacting the way everyone else did and threw Clark under the bus for a legitimate criticism of McCain. So Clark is toast.

    I’d say Biden now. He’s well known and a terrific orator. He’s tough as nails, and I think he can come out swinging against McCain, and get coverage for it. Biden is one of those guys that gets media attention, and God knows, we need a real fighter in this campaign because the Republicans are getting the upper hand in framing the issues again, as usual (drilling and pushing Obama against the wall to admit the surge was “successful” for examples).

    If not Biden, a national figure who can fight.

  • Badass4Peace

    says:

    I remember Kaine’s speech after the SOTU a couple years ago and he did an okay job but he kinda creeped me out. Being a rationalist I don’t like to engage in emotion-based decision-making but he seemed at the time a bit of a spook.

    That said, he’d probably be a decent choice, although there’d have to be such an effort to package and present him on the national stage. This would come from both sides and with media complicity (and not being constrained by nuance) the Republicans tend to have an easier job defining their opponents.

    Clark is RIDICULOUSLY OBVIOUSLY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR VP, he is certain to be overlooked. *sigh*

  • Curmudgeon

    says:

    I’m still betting that Sebelius will get the nod. She has the strongest record of success in actually governing under very difficult circumstances, and from what I’ve seen comes across as a strong and articulate speaker for the most part.

    And wouldn’t it be nice to have someone on board who is actually a decent and competent human being instead of simply the most malicious political assassin since Joseph Stalin? (“Hello, Mr. Cheney!”)

  • Diogenes

    says:

    I like Biden as well. He neatly counters the myth of McCain’s superior experience on foreign policy. Biden sometimes sticks his foot in his mouth, especially in interviews, but in debates he’s really quite good. He knows what he’s talking about, and it’s obvious. Finally, he’s not so worried about saying something wrong that he’ll back down.

    Clark is a possibility, but I don’t think he’ll be a pick. I can’t imagine that he’d be willing to do it after being hung out to dry. Besides, the media seem to hate him, he has no experience in government (which isn’t the same as politics). He brings name recognition and old-white-guy status to the ticket, and that’s it. He’d be good in the cabinet (Sec. of Defense maybe?)

    Byah would be awful. His cheerleading on Iraq is completely counter to Obama’s central message. I’m not against picking someone smart who disagrees with you, in fact, I’m for it generally, but on this particular issue it’s not productive.

  • CJ

    says:

    Kaine’s foreign policy experience is limited.

    With all due respect, it’s the economy stupid.

    Obama needs to be driving the debate back to the economy and, especially, pushback on the “awarding more leases to big oil will solve all of our problems” argument.

    We’re spending too much time talking about foreign policy which means, in essence, we’re playing on McCain’s home turf. We shouldn’t run from such issues, but we need to keep him on the defense on economic issues as well.

  • karen marie

    says:

    my biggest problem with tim kaine is his position in re choice.

    when the democratic party abandons support of a woman’s right to control her own body, i’m absolutely done with it.

  • James

    says:

    being a resident of VA for 33 years i have to say this is a big mistake… Tim Kaine has been nothing but trouble for VA and would ruin the country… i guess that goes for B. Obama also look at his home state… They both need to clean there states up… Tim Kaine has screwed everything up that Mark Warner fixed in the past… Shame on Kaine… I wish he would leave the state

  • joey

    says:

    I still don’t know much about Kaine but trumping his religion in several paragraphs doesn’t do much for me. Being a devout catholic somehow doesn’t equate to good government employees…nor would being a devout Jew or Hindu or Muslim. I would be more impressed by one who doesn’t tout religion as their chief qualification…not that he does but I certaily think you made it central in your discussion of Kaine. Is that all there is? Then you add he needs improvement in his speaking ability…this is the same argument about Sebellius.

    Both relatively unknown (which may be a good thing if they turn out to be positively accepted) and weak speakers which is unfortunate, but Obama can make up for that weakness. Still I’m interested to know more and why. If the two hit it off together that would make sense but campaigning for him means nothing because Obama also campaigned for Lieberman and that Georgia “democrats are cut and run cowards” creep whose name escapes me.

  • chrenson

    says:

    I don’t know about Kaine as a potential VP, but I’m a Virginian and I dig him. As for his speaking abilities, the speech he ad-libbed at the Virginia Tech convocation after the massacre was nothing short of inspirational. Then George W got up after him and croaked some pre-written crap. And Nikki Giovanni tore the house down.

    Maybe she’d make a good VP. Just sayin’,

  • Dr. Ted Baehr

    says:

    Kaine is a poor choice. If Obama wants any chance of winning a state like Georgia (where I live) his VP will have to be a straight white man. Simple as that. We Southerners don’t much truck with a black President, but a white man in the #2 seat is a slightly palatable option. God help us if he chooses a woman or a homoe.

  • Always hopeful

    says:

    Goldilocks, you are right about foreign policy on the whole. When people say they lack foreign policy experience they generally mean they aren’t sure he’s drunk the koolaide on America being supreme, #1, badass and we’re never going to give an inch because that would be pansy…

  • Big River Bandido

    says:

    Seems to me that someone who lets it be leaked that (s)he is being vetted for the vice-presidential nomination…is already out of consideration, or ought to be, on the grounds that they cannot be trusted to be discreet. If I were Obama and woke up to see this on the front page of WaPo, I would drop Kaine from my list like a hot potato.

    A guy that can’t keep things quiet is not a good choice for the ticket. All this leads me to believe that the Obama campaign is just floating Kaine’s name as a foil.

  • luv

    says:

    If Obama selects anyone other than Hillary, I don’t think he stands a chance of beating McSame. If he selects Sebelius from Kansas he’s really screwed and Wesley Clark will do him just as much damage!
    The ideal candidate would be John Edwards, but John’s already said he isn’t interested in the VP role.

    You wait, it’ll be Hillary I can almost bet!

  • scott_m

    says:

    You know who would scare the willies out of Republicans as Obama’s running mate?

    Dick Gephardt.

    Yeah, I know. It baffles me too. But he really does strike terror in the hearts of the Karl Roves.

  • Maria

    says:

    I remember Kaine’s speech after the SOTU a couple years ago and he did an okay job but he kinda creeped me out. Being a rationalist I don’t like to engage in emotion-based decision-making but he seemed at the time a bit of a spook.

    He was worlds worse than Sebelius, which is why the barrage of criticism over Sebelius’ admittedly bad delivery mystified me. Where was all the bitching when Kaine impersonated a zombie?

  • doubtful

    says:

    …i guess that goes for B. Obama also look at his home state… -James

    Okay, what’s wrong with Illinois?

    You wait, it’ll be Hillary I can almost bet! -luv

    Let me know when you’re actually ready to bet. I’ll put my life savings on ‘anyone but Hillary.’ Anyone want to match me, pony up $3.62 and we’re on.

    Let’s be rational about this. Yes, she did quite well in the primary and she’s a good senator and Democrat, but the sliver of a splinter of a slice of people who supported her and refuse to support Obama are not worth the effort.

    Besides, if you are ignorant enough to have been a Hillary supporter and not grvitate to Obama by now, then you would most likely not accept her as second chair anyway. I’m sure there’d be a million excuses.

    Forget the primary, it’s over. Let’s think about winning the actual election. And Ed Schultz needs to drop it. I’m tired of hearing that man wax on about Hillary as VP and his droning on the subject is NOT advancing a progressive agenda.

    One more time Ed, and I’m done listening to you at lunch. I’ll just pop in Weezer or Frankie Valli, instead.

  • Mike Sullivan

    says:

    KAINE FOR VP???? THIS WILL BE A BIG ISSUE – IF OBAMA PICKS KAINE- HE IS IN FOR MAJOR PROTESTS AT CONVENTION AND AT CAMPAIGN STOPS.
    THE GUY IS INEXPERIENCED JUST LIKE BO – AND NO FOREIGN POLICY EXPERIENCE
    IT WOULD BE A DISASTER FOR THE DEMS. THEY WOULD LOSE THE STUDENT VOTE – GAY VOTE – & MANY WOMAN VOTERS.

    Any gay Dem should be sick to their stomach at this pick.

    For gays living under Kaine and his endorsement of a marriage amendment, it’s a clear message that your life partner relationship has no legal footing or recognition in the state — and it will NEVER be recognized. Oh, and keep paying taxes for that luxury.

    Defenders will say: “just ignore that and look at ‘the whole package’ or ‘the long view’. ”

    Kaine ran an unnecessary gay-baiting campaign against an even-worse homo-bigot Jerry Kilgore in the Virginia governor’s race, and Kaine has pledged to sign off on an onerous marriage amendment that enshrines bigotry into the state’s constitution.

    That said, I’m willing to take the gay-baiting of Kilgore issue off of the table, since it’s noise that’s distracting some people from the larger issue, which is what Kaine represents as the new face of the party. The gay residents of Virginia were stuck with two pro-marriage amendment choices for governor because it reflects the political lay of the land there. I feel for folks there.

    Any gay Dem should be sick to their stomach at this pick. Kaine is just another Republican-lite clone from a Red state, and that’s where the Dem leadership has indicated it wants to move the party. We are on notice — homos are going to be tossed overboard — again — in search of the elusive win. They haven’t figured out that voters need and want to see a party that has values it actually believes in and is willing to defend —

    Mike Sullivan

  • Mike in FXBG

    says:

    This just grand: Ordinarily, a presidential hopeful would tend to select a VP that does have the same skill set as he does: no foreign credentials; demonstrated lack of managerial abilities (note that Kaine has squandered the VA general fund); both energetically pursue raising taxes (yes, Kaine regularly engages the VA Legislature to raise taxes); neither have any leadership skills. Please note, leadership and managerial abilities are two distinct skills.
    Consequently, what our nation would get from this “alliance” would be Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle Dumb; or, Mutt and Jeff, perhaps Heckel and Jeckel.

  • luv

    says:

    doubtful

    “Let me know when you’re actually ready to bet. I’ll put my life savings on ‘anyone but Hillary.’ Anyone want to match me, pony up $3.62 and we’re on.”

    I’ll bet $3.62 IS YOUR FRIGGEN LIFE SAVINGS!

    What? You condem but can’t state your piece? What a friggen looser!

    It’ll be Hillary as BO will need those Hillary supporters in order to beat McSame, if you don’t see that your plain out stupid!

  • budo

    says:

    GREAT!! If he chooses Kaine, McCain is a shoo-in. Fraudbama would be the WORST and MOST DANGEROUS thing this country could have.

    Ask the troops who were stationed in the areas where the FRAUD showed up smiling last week. He walked RIGHT PAST THEM with no acknowledgement or notice. This snake oil salesperson is the most FRAUDULENT candidate in the history of our country. Wake up, you cultists, before Mr. What Have I Truly Accomplished has a possibility to make even Bush look good.

  • libra

    says:

    I think Kaine would be a poor pick. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that “nobody likes him” (Raoul, @15) but Mark Warner he’s not; more like “third rinse water”. Little personality and too much religion. I agree with Raoul (@23) that he’s little more than a place keeper, until we can get someone better, more like Warner, again. His ability to bring in Virginia is doubtful; he himself only won on Mark Warner’s coattails and has done little since, to establish his own credentials equal to Warner’s. Add to that his replacement (a Repub) would be even worse (for Virginia), and I can’t stir up much enthusiasm for that VP prospect

    I wish we could clone Mark Warner… Come to think of it, might not be all that difficult; he has that slightly “robotic” look, which means that, somewhere, there might be the original matrix sitting and waiting to be reused 🙂

  • Mabelle

    says:

    PLEASE!

    Tim Kaine has created so much havoc in Virginia (after Mark Warner) that even previous enthusiastic supporters are now against him!

    He’s also rabidly anti-choice and pro abstinence only sex education. These might not be important to men, but they are VERY important to progressive women (and women comprise roughly 60% of the electorate AND the Democratic Party).

    How disrespectful this would be to women and to Dems. Aside from that, after hearing Obama and his surrogates tell us (women) over and over why John McCain is such a bad choice (because of his position on Roe v. Wade, choice and because of that overused scare tactic, SCOTUS, this would be a complete slap in the face.

    Hillary Clinton’s supporters are still having difficulty accepting Obama. You can deride it and snicker at it, but choosing Tim Kaine will NOT go over with these women or any other pro-choice women.

    I always thought Obama was more Republican (Republican-lite, anybody?) than Dem. His constant harping on how he was able to attract Independents, libertarians and Republicans was truly annoying. Now he’s proving just what an anti-Dem he really is. Shit! This is far worse than Clinton’s mistakes. Clinton at least had the good sense to choose somebody who had experience, standing, and was pro-choice! (As is his wife).

    Stop minimizing this fact in your OT fawning over Kaine! I don’t appreciate it and I can tell you, if you take a look around the Internet, I’m not the only one who has real, legitimate concerns about Kaine.

  • terry hockett

    says:

    I am anot impressed. Obama needs to pick someone with more experience. There is no evidence that Kaine would be ready to step in as president. I am very disappointed if this is Obama’s first choice. There are so many qualified candidates. I cannot help but believe Obama is simply trying to reward someone who supported him early in the race. This decision is too important —– Obama needs to pick someone that he thinks is ready to be president………….