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So Why Not Richardson?
I'm curious about why Richardson has seemed to drop out of the conversation about potential VPs for Obama lately. He brings two important things to the table: foreign policy experience and the ability to appeal to Latinos.
So what gives? Is this just about the ticket becoming "too ethnic"? And does Obama really have a chance winning those voters who would have a problem with a Latino VP - it would seem those same prejudices would already preclude a vote for Obama. The notion that Obama needs to "reassure" white voters with a clean, white running mate seems both silly and offensive to everyone concerned.
Thoughts?
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I agree that he's attractive. A couple of the issues seem to be potential Bill Clinton-style "vetting" issues, and, less importantly, that as likeable and bright and impressive as he is, he's not a stellar campaigner. I have no personal knowledge of the former issue, and if it is unfounded, he's be on my short list.
May 19, 2008 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree with the choice of Richardson. I sensed that the problem may be just what you mentionned: "too ethnic". I would personally love that ticket. But in the Rust belt parts of the country Obama has a hard time winning, bringing a latino on board apparently will not improve his chances. So maybe that's why it may not work. But Richardson would be a great Secretary of State or Defence though...
May 19, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have heard he has "Bill Clinton-style" issues. But I have also read several sources that say he wants to be Secretary of State, not VP.
May 19, 2008 6:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
And there is the slight problem of the need for unity with Clinton forces and all the anger and "Judas" comments, etc. It would be rubbing salt into wounds to NOT offer the VP to Hillary but give it to Richardson instead. That's why, IMO, the best idea is Biden (very supportive of Clinton in general but hasn't endorsed either)for VP and Richardson for Secy of State. Plus Biden has no "Bill" type problems and would be a heck of a campaigner in the VP slot.
May 19, 2008 6:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Would it be rubbing salt in McCain's wounds not to make him VP?
May 19, 2008 6:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Isn't he still a governor. Perhaps he doesn't want the VP slot and has let it be known.
As for the latino connection, I have a hard time thinking that is a serious issue. The latino community certainly didn't seem to get energized about him before he dropped out why do we assume they will start block voting like that. Richardson deserves to be on the short list because of his own credentials not because he fills some ethnic catagory.
May 19, 2008 7:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
To be honest, how many people would even recognize Bill Richardson as a Latino? I'll be a fair number of Latinos don't even know that.
I could see him in the cabinet, but I would prefer someone else as VP. Still haven't decided on that.
May 19, 2008 9:36 PM | Reply | Permalink