UK Guardian Predicts Richardson for Kerry's VEEP

[BurtWorm]

For what it's worth...

Must register to see full article, alas:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uselections2004/comment/story/0,14259,1165744,00.html


At the moment, Senator Kerry appears to be absorbed in choosing a running mate. After consulting our own occasionally reliable sources, we have compiled our own shortlist for the No 2 spot, but to save time for the Kerry team, we have also culled through the lists of possibilities for the lesser offices to produce a faux cabinet. (Readers' alternatives welcome. See the email address below. [e-mail])

First, the vice-president, even though it is not a Plum assignment. Conventional wisdom says the governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson (Hispanic), or the Florida Senator Bob Graham (a southerner). Hillary often mentioned but negative poll numbers too high, worse than Bush's. Save her for the supreme court, maybe even chief justice. The thought of working for her might be the only thing that could drive Clarence Thomas to early retirement.

Evan Bayh, the former governor of Indiana and now a senator, could help bring in the swing states of the midwest. Because the current Indiana governor is also a Democrat, he would appoint a fellow party member to fill Bayh's term and so would not hurt the Democrats in the Senate. John Edwards, the favourite of the Democratic right, could deliver North Carolina and Tennessee to the Democrats, if not the old core Confederacy. He could humiliate Dick Cheney in a debate. Even if Cheney goes at the last minute in favour of Condoleezza Rice because of bad poll numbers, Edwards's warm TV looks could make her seem an ice queen by comparison. But we will save Edwards for another job.

So Richardson, Bayh or Graham. Democratic party demographics demand Richardson. Bayh to housing and urban development or another department. Graham retires from the Senate this year and so could fill any number of posts....

[Padraig18]

1. Not ..... gonna ..... happen.

He's said clearly, publicly and repeatedly that he will complete his term as Governor of NM, which ends in 2006.

[buddy22600]

2. Im not a big fan of Hillary

but there is no way she will ever get on the supreme court, even with only a couple repubs in the Senate, they would fillibuster for the rest of their lives and then blow up the Supreme Court with another airplane attack

[BurtWorm]

3. I think you're right about that.

That's why I think she'll stay in the Senate for at least one full term before she makes her next career move. Perhaps after one term of her voting a third of the time like a Republican, they'll be ready to support her for the Supreme Court. ;)

PS: make that "half the time." Or more.

[Kahuna]

5. What if his constituents "draft" him to run.?

It could happen.

[Padraig18]

6. Don't think so.

I think they'd REALLY have to agree on a grass-roots level, before he felt it possible to release himself from his committment to the voters of NM. He's been very firm about wanting to see through the reforms and changes he's initiated in NM. :)

[SangamonTaylor]

4. Justice Edwards....I like the sound of that

From the same article:

"Attorney general: Edwards. Trial lawyer, concern for civil rights and human rights. Good holding pen while he awaits appointment to the supreme court."

[Mattforclark]

7. He's a pretty good age too

50 years old. That means he would be serving for a while. Of course, someone who is 40 would be better.

And we need to get back in the habit of appointing people with political experience to the Supreme Court. Like Earl Warren, the biggest damn fool mistake Ike ever made.