Democrat Running Mates

David Zannucci – In the Democratic Presidential field, although we don’t know who the nominee is going to be, it is not too early to begin talking about possible running mates. In fact, whether Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, is the nominee, the short list of running mates is the same: New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, former Virginia Governor Mark Warner, Virginia Senator Jim Webb and Florida Senator Bill Nelson.
Of course there is also the possibility that the winner of the Obama/Clinton sweepstakes will offer the Vice-Presidency up to the loser as a kind of consolation prize. Proponents of this plan say this would heal any split in the Democratic Party and form a sort of unbeatable “Dream Team.”
If Hillary Clinton gets the nomination, I don’t believe Obama would accept a spot on the ticket. He doesn’t need to play second, or even third fiddle to Hillary and Bill, and he could further enhance his resume by running for Governor of Illinois in 2010. If Clinton wins, he bides his time until 2016. If she loses, he comes back stronger in 2012.
On the other hand, if Obama gets the nomination, he doesn’t need to add the Clintons to his ticket. Once again, it is competition for the spotlight that isn’t helpful. Hillary Clinton also brings the baggage of being especially disliked by many in America and Obama is trying to transcend party.
Having eliminated the “Dream Team,” let’s look at the other possible choices.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. The sixty year-old Richardson would bring wide experience to the ticket, having served in the House of Representatives, Ambassador to the United Nations and Secretary of Energy under Bill Clinton. Well-respected by his peers, Richardson is from California and hails from the all-important mountain west, where the Democrats need to make gains if they plan to win the election. In addition, Richardson is Hispanic, a key segment of the voters in California, Arizona and Texas as well as battleground states such as Florida, New Mexico and Nevada.

Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner. Warner has perhaps removed himself from the proceedings by announcing his bid for Virginia’s Senate seat, but I still list him as a possibility because he would be such a good choice. Warner would interrupt the Republicans southern strategy by placing Virginia in the Democrats column. In addition, he is very popular in the surrounding ‘red’ states of West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina. However, as I said, it seems unlikely that he would accept the position. Mark Warner has laid out his own path to the White House.

Virginia Senator Jim Webb. The sixty two year old Webb is a graduate of the Naval Academy and a Vietnam War hero. He served as Secretary of the Navy under Ronald Reagan, and defeated the popular George Allen for his Senate seat. Webb would help in Virginia as well as the rest of the South and would also garner votes with military veterans. In general, he would improve the tickets' national security standing, something the Democrats would be conscious of.

Florida Senator Bill Nelson. Bill Nelson, 65, would be a fine choice if we assume he would help the Democrats carry the state of Florida. Alas, if McCain chooses Florida Governor Charles Crist, the strategy would be wasted. A career politician, Nelson really has little to recommend him other than being from Florida.

So it seems to be down to Webb or Richardson. Given his broader experience and his appeal to Hispanics, I would have to go for Richardson, whether Clinton or Obama is the nominee.

Obama-Richardson '08