As Nominee - Kerry VP Pick Prediction

[jmaier]

Ok, here is my guess along with the reasoning should Kerry win and after he confers with the DNC crowd: Dick Gephardt

Why?

- a solid, non-flashy Dem who won't upstage the top of the ticket
- a credible counter to Cheney
- In some minds, will make a fight out of Missouri and help in midwest
- Doesn't drain any seats from the Senate or governships

He won't pick Dean.

- perceived high unfavorables, a maverick.

He won't pick Edwards.

- charming, glib and smart and might upstage Kerry when campaigning
- if he finishes behind Clark in TN and/or Va undercuts his argument
of strength in the south

He won't pick Clark.

- no political chits to call in; a maverick.

[slinkerwink]

1. yes, a safe, boring President Kerry goes with a safe, boring VP Gephardt..

[D G]

4. Gee, I'd love four "safe and boring" years

after the "excitement" of radical neoconservatism.

[jmaier]

5. Sadly, Slink

Both the party and the larger democratic electorate seem to believe that solid (stolid) and safe is the way to contend with Bush in '04. I think aggressive and exciting is a better strategy, myself. I guess that's why I'm not a paid pundit.

[bushwakker]

11. Preferable to 4 more years of daily crimes vs the USA

[oasis]

2. Kerry/Edwards and that's my final answer.

[MoonRiver]

7. YOUR final answer?

Does Kerry, if he gets the nomination, have anything to say about this?

[mlawson]

12. That is a good question.

Does Kerry indeed have any say in this?? Or has the decision already been made, in some "smoke filled room", i.e., "It's Dick's turn, John, get with the program!!".

OMG, this could turn out worse that Dukakis/Bentsen. I need a drink...

[oasis]

3. Kerry/Edwards (a dupe by mistake) but same answer.

[mot78]

6. I hope not

Kerry/Gephardt is better at curing insomniacs then it would be as a ticket. Kerry/Edwards is my personal pick if Kerry gets the nomination. Gephardt would make a great Secretary of Labor.

[Leilani]

8. I tend to agree

Kerry has never been interested in winning the South; he said as much, & then denied it.

I believe he will go after the Midwest; the big industrial states are in trouble because of job loss, & who better to rally the Midwest than Gephardt?

Gep has a squeaky clean reputation personally; no skeletons to worry about.

He will bring labor support, & the establishment loves him. He has paid his dues.

As far as excitement factor? I guess they figure so many people hate Bush, that will be the motivation.

[woofless]

9. I am still hoping for Edwards.

Gephardt would be my second preference. SC Rep Jim Clyburn (sp?) really got me thinking about the Kerry/Edwards ticket during the SC primaries.

[childslibrarian]

10. I really really hope not

there are so many better choices.

[RegenerationMan]

13. Max Cleland of Georgia

The southern, veteran and disability vote, endorsed Kerry early, helluva speaker, especially in his wheelchair. Wronged in slimiest race in Georgia in a long time, impugning Max's patriotism. That story alone will make southerners gravitate toward him.

First Disabled VP candidate with an incredible comeback story. War hero who is an anti-nuclear weapons and chemical weapons crusader.

The media will be bowled over every time they interview him in his wheelchair and he will run rings around Cheney and he was a member of the 9-11 Commission.

Former head of the Veteran's Administration!