do we need a VP from the south or the midwest?

[WI_DEM]

A case can be made for both regions.

The South--if we can take a couple of states away from Bush it is doubtful that Bush will win.
targets: Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, North Carolina.

The Midwest--this is the region the election is usally decided in. If the south is solid for Bush we need to pick up ground here.
targets--Ohio (some say this is the Florida of 2004), Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan.

Your thoughts?

[Gildor Inglorion]

1. Go for the Midwest

the South is hopeless, in my opinion. Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia is where we should concentrate.

[jmoss]

2. Senator Bayh would be intersesting--but Edwards is our guy

This is a letter I have sent to whoever will read it (John Kerry, Jim Johnson, etc.):

March 3, 2004

Dear Senator Kerry,

I am a born & raised New Yorker (Bethpage, NY), who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill, and now lives in North Carolina with my wife of 2years. Senator Edwards' announcement as a presidential candidate, emergence as a contender, and subsequent solidification as an eloquent, powerful, national-public figure has meant so very much to my family and me.

I support your campaign 100%. My entire family and I, both here and in New York, WILL be voting for you--regardless of whom you ask to be your running mate.

The reality, however, is that the Tar Heel State, for reasons unbeknownst to me, has traditionally voted democratic for Governor, but GOP for President.

I am writing to you, with my heart on the table, asking you to strongly consider selecting Senator Edwards to run for Vice President, along side you in this campaign.

Granted he only "won" 1 Primary. But I hope and pray that you consider the unexpected success he generated, and the buzz that has been created about him, particularly in key swing States as TN, GA & OH. And all else equal to the outcomes of the 2000 election, is that if the Honorable John Kerry & the Honorable John Edwards were to run in NC, together, THIS could become an unexpected "blue" State come November. That would have been enough “swing” for Vice President Gore, and could win you the White House!

Beyond the data you and your advisors consult on such decisions, rest assured--John Edwards is "very" popular down here. I won't quantify that for you--yet, just ask that you consider this as fact.

In closing, I want to pass on our deepest congratulations on a fantastic campaign. The only other person I ever wanted to win the nomination besides Sen. Edwards was you! J

Sincerely,
J. Moss
-Special Ed. Teacher, age 27

[Donna Zen]

3. South and it's not about the states

A few weeks ago, Moyers had a brilliant guest on who discussed this in great detail. So aside from a firm belief that we cannot just write off all of those states, without making george work for them, I will paraphrase what the Moyers' man said:

The GOP have been highly successful in using the cultural wars in framing the debate in the South. The only problem with their formula is that it uncovers an agenda that while it wins the South, it doesn't sell well at all in Northern swing states.

If we fail to do all we can in the South, george will be able to sell the "compassionate" crap and we will lose votes in the north, east and west. This is about forcing george's message to the right....far right. And that is the message that will scare the pants off the soccer moms.

We need to remain a national, not a 3/4 national party.

[BL_Zebub]

4. How about a VP from the "DEEP" South?

I'll keep Kerry in line :evilgrin: