Did you pick up any hints about who will be the VP from "Unity" meeting

[kentuck]

last night? I noticed that almost all the guests, and former Presidents, mentioned Howard Dean in very complimentary tones. Although I did notice that Kerry forgot to mention Dennis Kucinich when he was naming all primary candidates. Clinton said that John Edwards could talk an owl out of a tree. He also called Wes Clark a citizen soldier whom he had known for 37 years. Jimmy Carter and Al Gore also mentioned Howard Dean as very instrumental in forming the Democratic message. I think even John Kerry mentioned the fact one time also.

However, that probably means nothing as far as who will be the VP but I think most people would be very happy with Howard Dean as the VP. Any thoughts?

[truthspeaker]

1. The problem with Dean is geography

two New Englanders on the ticket would cause problems in the southern states. Conventional wisdom says Kerry should pick a southerner - Clark, Edwards, and Graham all fit the bill, and I'm sure there are others under consideration.

I'm pulling for Clark myself. I'm not sure we should have two senators on the ticket, and Clark has credibility on national security.

[onehandle]

2. Kucinich is still running...

That puts him out for good.

[Killarney]

3. When they were all on stage together holding hands

Kerry was next to Edwards.

It looked good!

[kentuck]

4. Good point killarney !

That's the kind of hint we were looking for. Excellent!

[cmayer]

13. Kremlinology

I noticed that too. Al Gore was on the right, passing the torch to Kerry in the middle, Edwards was on the left.

U.S. intelligence used to study the arrangement of the Politburo during the annual May Day Parade to try to determine the relationships and changes that were going on in the Kremlin.

[Catch22Dem]

5. I think most people

Would be happy with any of the folks you just mentioned. I know I would.

[Florida_Geek]

7. I am for Clark over Edwards because of Edwards

Senate Seat.

[cmayer]

14. John Edwards is not running for the Senate.

If he were a VP candidate it might boost Democratic performance in NC, helping the Senate candidate, presumably Erskin Bowles.

[kentuck]

6. The "Unity" meeting was so unusual for Democrats...

Usually when a Democrat loses an election, he is shoved to the back of the bus never to be seen again. Yet, there was Al Gore, Jimmy Carter, and George McGovern all there last night. That was such a good thing to see, for me as a Democrat.

Also, I think most of the primary candidates should be rewarded in the new Administration...especially those that have thrown their support to Kerry in a public way. This would be such a great gesture for our Party and would build us into a stronger Party, IMO...

[BootinUp]

11. I likened the opening bit

to a scene from the movie "The Right Stuff". Clinton's speech was masterful. Gore did ok. Kerry was fine.

[mmonk]

8. Either Clark or Edwards

though I prefer Clark because he will be the most critical of bush foreign policy.

[seabeyond]

9. dean is a leader

wouldnt work well in number two at all, imo

[patricia92243]

10. I agree. Dean is too strong a personality for #2. I had thought of him..

as secretary of health ed. and welfare.

[mouse7]

12. I see Dean in the Senate in '06

I'm pretty sure I saw a Jeffords quote saying that he was serving his last term. Dean is a perfect fit for that Senate seat.

[Sinistrous]

15. Carol Mosley Braun.

Just remember whom Bill Clinton was talking about when he made his little stumble last night.

[Kong]

16. Clark .... nmsg

[magnolia]

17. My take....

The fact that Howard Dean got so much attention was made clear by Clinton...who saved him for the last. The reason we are enjoying this incredible unity in our party and maybe the reason there was this fundraiser at all, is at it's core due to Howard Dean. He took all of the energy the party had going in every direction and focussed it in one direction. For that he deserves recognition, gratitude and a big role in the campaign.

Now that we are focussed on beating Bush:

1) Two New Englanders aren't going to work. For that reason, I don't think Dean would accept even if it were offered to him.

2) The VP needs to add something that the presidential candidate doesn't have. We don't need two military men. Although I love Clark, he isn't the best campaigner/speaker.

3) Edwards is the guy who comes from a working class family to balance Kerry's wealth. Edwards is from the south which balances the New England liberal label. As much as I disagree...Edwards is for the death penalty...whereas Kerry against. Kerry is an excellent speaker...but...doesn't exude charisma. Edwards has charisma coming out of his ears. I've always thought Kerry looked too serious and glum at times. Edwards has the sun shining on his face.

If Dean is the jumper cables that gave the party the juice to get going...then Clinton is the steering wheel. So I believe it's entirely possible that he purposely put Edwards next to Kerry.