Democratic VP: Kaine... or Warner?!
Just read David Leonhardt's extensive piece in the NYT on Obamanomics. There's a passage where government investment in Virginia is put forth as a model to revive the national economy, an idea pushed by Governor Tim Kaine. So... does this mean Tim Kaine could be the VP? I think Obama did say he wanted
someone furious about the state of the economy and who would help fix
it...
On the other hand, I just had this idea - perhaps others have thought of it, but I haven't seen it. Former Governor Mark Warner is easily coasting to the VA Senate seat, and is enormously popular - more so than Kaine. Could Obama pick Warner? If the Democratic Presidential ticket reads Obama/Warner, it is quite likely that VA will turn blue, giving Obama the election (even without OH). And Governor Kaine would nominate another Democrat to replace Warner, retaining that gain... Is that such a crazy thought?
[Kaine could be given a high administration post once his Governorship is complete...]
On the other hand, I just had this idea - perhaps others have thought of it, but I haven't seen it. Former Governor Mark Warner is easily coasting to the VA Senate seat, and is enormously popular - more so than Kaine. Could Obama pick Warner? If the Democratic Presidential ticket reads Obama/Warner, it is quite likely that VA will turn blue, giving Obama the election (even without OH). And Governor Kaine would nominate another Democrat to replace Warner, retaining that gain... Is that such a crazy thought?
[Kaine could be given a high administration post once his Governorship is complete...]
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Yes, Obama could pick Warner.
I outlined why I believed he would some months back.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/05/obamas-vp-out-of-sight-out-of.php
There have been numerous hints since (most of which I kicked around here), but no announcement.
I suspect the Monster Mob has something to do with this. Did they send a horse's head to Warner? An incumbent Warner would end Hilliary's chance to ever be President.
August 21, 2008 9:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
Warner is my first pick. So I would love for that to happen. But he has vigorously declined the position. Do you think he might be posturing a little to throw off the scent?
August 21, 2008 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
I had never heard Kaine interviewed until this morning. I was quite surprised by how engaging he was and how well he handled the questions. I'm not saying he's my choice, but I was pleasantly surprised.
August 21, 2008 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Kaine desperately needs a better haircut, though.
August 21, 2008 12:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, Isabelino, for that insightful post! Warner does seem the outrageously obvious choice :-) And Warner as VP would be a fitting answer to President Clinton's recent backhanded support of Obama...
@creo13: Nobody refuses the VP position... Besides, Obama has already done the hard work of earning the nomination, so Warner doesn't need to lose two years of his life. And you are right, the posturing is par for the course.
Here's keeping my fingers crossed - Obama/Warner '08! We'll find out in a day or two, for sure.
August 21, 2008 12:57 PM | Reply | Permalink