Well, the Obama campaign has successfully stumped me on the whole running-mate question. I have no idea. Here’s their schedule leading up to his acceptance of the nomination:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008
Campaign Event with Barack Obama
Old State Capitol
Springfield, IL
Gates open: 12:00 pm
This event is free and open to the public. RSVP is strongly encouraged, please visit www.barackobama.com/springfieldSunday, August 24, 2008
Eau Claire, WisconsinMonday, August 25, 2008
Quad Cities area, IowaTuesday, August 26, 2008
Kansas City, MissouriWednesday, August 27, 2008
Billings, MontanaThursday, August 28, 2008
Denver, Colorado
USA Today reports that Barack Obama has made his selection:
Obama said he wanted somebody who is “prepared to be president” and who will be “a partner with me in strengthening this economy for the middle class and working families.”
He said he was looking for not just a partner but a sparring partner. “I want somebody who’s independent, somebody who can push against my preconceived notions and challenge me so we have got a robust debate in the White House.”
Just look at the adjectives: ‘prepared’, ‘partner (on the economy)’, ‘independent’. I’d expect Obama to argue that any possible running-mate is prepared and good on the economy. But ‘independent’? That might narrow things down a little. Obama seems to be hitting this idea that his partner will not be an ideological twin. Sens. Hagel and Lugar would sure fit that bill. I guess Evan Bayh would, too. But so would someone like Russ Feingold or, perhaps, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. Obama will travel to Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Billings, Montana, which could serve as launching points for the vee-pee announcement. Kansas City could serve the same purpose for Sen. Claire McCaskill, or Govs. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Tim Kaine of Virginia (who grew up there).
I’m not feeling Joe Biden here. But who knows?
So would Al Gore. Don’t count him out. Getting him to run would be the coup of the century. Al is just patriotic enough to do it, too, and would he ever be tough on the stump.
I agree, but there’s no Gore in these entrails.
In another thread someone pointed out Obama made a slip yesterday when speaking of his VP – Obama said he and did not correct to add “he or she”
Dodd, Clinton, Sebelius, Kaine or a dark horse under the radar. Kaine was really sharp on the McCain houses: “he can’t count high enough”
I’m not counting out Gore he lends weight, 90s prosperity an foreign policy creds – Also would be a nice payback…. campaigning on the meme “we have to clean out the muck and mold from the Executive branch.”
It’ll be a total surprise. No leaks. This is on disciplined campaign team.
I get it! Arf arf arf arf!
I thought Obama was supposed to be announcing his VP pick before Saturday – or did that turn out to be just a rumor?
(I’ve been expecting the announcement to come today – I wonder if the big push to exploit McCain’s little house gaffe bumped the big announcement back a bit.)
well, he can announce it in Springfield and then head to KC or Billings to celebrate.
I guess my point is that I’d be more curious about where he’s going to be BEFORE the kick-off in Springfield, rather than after it. If the announcement is going to come before Saturday, it would make sense if it occurred in the VP’s home state (at least to me).
Me too, but today is pretty much over.
I suspect we’ll find out tomorrow. Montana, huh? I still think Schweitzer is a dark horse and the people of Montana would like him to stay right where he is, but hey, I’m not running this campaign. And it’s a good thing too.
it’d be an interesting pick, one l could get behind. but you’re right, the people up there would like to keep him…and he’s running for re-election this year.
another interesting note, his lt. gov., bohlinger is a republican…which in montana is more like the libertarian-lite, classic definition.
I’m just gonna wait for my text message and enjoy hearing Exxon John say that he’ll need his staff to get back us, since he has so many houses he’s losing track of them all.
We were just checking out all the video of the responses to McCain’s inability to remember how many houses he owns… priceless.
I hope that’s being covered in the evening news.
(ps, did you ever get my email?)
No–yikes! Let me go check right now!
It was in response to your September plans, so it’s probably a little old. I’ll send another.
nice to see you CG.
McCain has now turned tables and their response is to link Obama’s house to Rezko, the convicted real estate developer on influence peddling.
Now since Mccain went there, (pot call kettle) Imho it is quite legitimate that Obama hit back at McCain with the Abramoff-Reed and the McCain’s early years -the Keating Five Scandal – that ended up costing taxpayers a not too small change.
I wouldn’t concede that he’s turned the tables, but if Exxon John wants to raise Rezko–something that’s been investigated fully–then bring on Keating, and certainly bring on Abramoff.
Like his multiple homes, he can’t keep track of all his dirt.
I guess we’re moving into high political season now…I think Obama will swing back against whatever McStain dishes out, though.
I’m searching…not seeing it? Was it new mail? Smooches.
Like someone over at Big Orange said, today was a really bad day to be John McCain.
I’m betting the pick comes tomorrow.
“Seven houses” is this year’s “invented the internet”.
No it’s eight: but you’re on to something
A TPM find:
link to
Talking Points Memo
Have you seen the clip where she talks about needing to use a private plane to campaign for his senate seat, and liking it so much she had to go buy her own little plane?
Yep they’re regular folks, those two.
It is Hillary.
i think you are right…
“Just look at the adjectives: ‘prepared’, ‘partner (on the economy)’, ‘independent’. I’d expect Obama to argue that any possible running-mate is prepared and good on the economy. But ‘independent’? That might narrow things down a little. “
there has been enough time for the dust to settle, and for them to kiss and make up behind closed doors.
and much as i am not a fan of hers, she is a fighter.
You are so funny.
Obama-Clinton
Wager?
It’s gonna be Chelsea Clinton.
Or maybe Bubba’s half brother Roger . . . remmember him?
An “independent” who challenges Obama’s preconceived notions…sounds like Joe Lieberman!