Breaking: Obama Considering Edwards and Nunn as Running Mates

by mefeck, Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:15:57 PM EST

The AP is reporting that Sen. Edwards is on Sen. Obama's short list for Veep.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080619/ap_o n_el_pr/obama_veepstakes

More below the fold...

In a lot of respects, Edwards is a natural choice for Obama because he appeals to white working class votes and may help Obama go over the hump in the south.

On the other hand, Edwards did not earn many points in his last quest for the vice-presidency.

What are your thoughts?




Tags: John Edwards, Sam Nunn, Barack Obama (all tags)

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Re: Breaking: Obama Considering Edwards and Nunn a (none / 0)

I actually like the idea of Edwards on the ticket.  While Nunn will help with national security, his views on gays are backward.


United we stand, divided we fall.
by mefeck on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:18:59 PM EST

The vice president isn't going to have any say (none / 0)

on gays at all.

No way in hell it doesn't require 60 votes in the Senate to repeal DOMA (i.e. there's no way in hell Republicans don't filibuster).


by bobdoleisevil on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:22:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The vice president isn't going to have any say (none / 0)

The reason a liberal VP is needed is so that we know for sure liberal policies will continue if anything were to happen to Obama.

I'd very much prefer have Edwards replace Obama rather than a person like Nunn or Hagel.


by Aris Katsaris on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:31:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Don't matter (none / 0)

Nunn on the ticket would show incredible insensitivity to the gay community. I don't think he'll do that.


by mikeinsf on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:40:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Nunn is getting play because of Georgia polls (none / 0)

Obama will never pick Nunn.  He's floating his name to get some free publicity down in Georgia and to generally freak McCain out that Georgia might be in play.

I don't think he'll pick Edwards either.  Nor Clinton.  Change is his brand, so I expect someone new--think of Clinton's picking Gore in '92.


by maconblue on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 09:32:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Breaking: Obama Considering Edwards and Nunn a (none / 0)

It sounds as if he has backtracked on some of his stances from the 90's.  Remember Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act or whatever that stupid law was named... I think he has changed his views on several of those issues as well.  Still very low on my totem poll, but do some googling and read some of Nunn's interviews on DADT


http://www.imvotingrepublican.com/ McCain Sucks!
by yitbos96bb on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 11:10:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

No more DINOs or conservatives (2.00 / 2)

Sam Nunn would be very close to a dealbreaker for me. I have deep concerns (they may be unfounded, but who knows) about Obama on social issues regarding GLBTs. I might still vote for him, but it would be very very tough to do more than that, and it would make me very tempted to go vote for McKinney or Nader. Same goes if he picks Hagel--we can find more progressive people that can win states too.


Hillary supporter for Barack Obama in 2008
by zcflint05 on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:21:18 PM EST

Re: No more DINOs or conservatives (1.75 / 4)

Yeah, and McCain will do WONDERS for the GLBT community.  You vote anyone other than Obama, and the Supreme Court gets locked up for decades.  Why vote against your own self interests?


Ornithological Vaccinations and Aviary Heuristics
by OVAH on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:41:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No more DINOs or conservatives (1.00 / 1)

Let me guess, you have reading comprehension problems.

Point me to where in that post I said that I would not vote for Senator Obama, or, converseley, where I would vote for Senator McCain.

TR'ed.


Hillary supporter for Barack Obama in 2008
by zcflint05 on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 08:21:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Ratings abuse by zcflint05 (2.00 / 1)

What is wrong with you?


by turtlescrubber on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 08:47:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No more DINOs or conservatives (2.00 / 1)

What did you mean by "dealbreaker" then?


by sneakers563 on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 08:47:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No more DINOs or conservatives (2.00 / 1)

TR'd for tr abuse.  What did you mean by 'dealbreaker'?


Ornithological Vaccinations and Aviary Heuristics
by OVAH on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 08:52:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No more DINOs or conservatives (2.00 / 1)

He meant that he might not vote for Obama and that he would more than likely go third party. Then he insults you. I don't get it, he must be having a  bad day. That troll rating was completely uncalled for.


by turtlescrubber on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 08:56:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No more DINOs or conservatives (none / 0)

Obama has supporters on all sides of all issues and advisors as well.  He is a man who listens to a lot of opinions and then makes his decision.  He has supported pro-GBLT legislation in the past, and other than the "Supports Civil Unions but not marriage" crap nearly all Dems publicly spout, has a very good record if one researches... on GBLT issues.

Nunn is a bad choice I agree... My hope is he doesn't pick him.


http://www.imvotingrepublican.com/ McCain Sucks!
by yitbos96bb on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 11:07:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Breaking: Obama Considering Edwar (none / 0)

My thoughts:
VP does not matter very much electorally.
VP means a lot in terms of who the likely nominee is when Obama is done.
The primaries are over!
Focus on McCain
by really not a troll on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:21:30 PM EST

If the VP was Nunn, it would mean nothing (none / 0)

about future presidents. The only reason Sam Nunn isn't too old now is that he's two years younger than John McCain. He'd be 78 in 2016.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Nunn


by bobdoleisevil on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:27:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If the VP was Nunn, it would mean nothing (none / 0)

He is not going to bring someone on board who isn't a good fit to continue his policies if needed.

My guesses are currently Clinton, Rendell, or Edwards (but who knows how wide open the field might really be.)


ENOUGH!
by JDF on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:42:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If the VP was Nunn, it would mean nothing (none / 0)

Maybe... he might also bring on someone who WON'T run, like Cheney, and give Hillary a clear path in 2016... it might have been part of the deal they made.


http://www.imvotingrepublican.com/ McCain Sucks!
by yitbos96bb on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 11:11:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If the VP was Nunn, it would mean nothing (none / 0)

Hillary would be too old to run (without even being VP either) for president in 2016. It's either now, or 2012, or never for her in my opinion.


by Quinton on Fri Jun 20, 2008 at 12:13:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If the VP was Nunn, it would mean nothing (none / 0)

I tend to agree with you, but I would not completely rule it out either.


ENOUGH!
by JDF on Fri Jun 20, 2008 at 02:00:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

If the VP was Nunn, it would mean nothing (none / 0)

about future presidents. The only reason Sam Nunn isn't too old now is that he's two years younger than John McCain. He'd be 78 in 2016.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Nunn


by bobdoleisevil on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:28:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If the VP was Nunn, it would mean nothing (none / 0)

Besides, I think only 5 former VPs have successfully run for President in History.  VP does not mean the presidency or nomination.


http://www.imvotingrepublican.com/ McCain Sucks!
by yitbos96bb on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 11:13:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

FOR GOD'S SAKE, PICK EDWARDS! (none / 0)

You are proving you don't necessarily need a strongman to make you look strong. In all seriousness, and with the utmost respect for Edwards (being a HUGE champion for a long time), having John Edwards around you will make you appear stronger by comparison. I suspect that's why he kicks ass in all those polls. It's not just demographic appeal. Edwards provides enough heart that Obama can be tough.


"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."
by vcalzone on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:24:21 PM EST

Re: FOR GOD'S SAKE, PICK EDWARDS! (2.00 / 1)

The conventional wisdom about John Edwards not having support is wrong, dead wrong. The people who like him are the same ones who don't trust Obama. Blue collar workers. Edwards's credibility in this regard is unquestionable. They'll attack him as a pretty boy lawyer, but with Obama's response team, I'm not worried. Edwards is one of the few in Washington to walk the talk.


"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."
by vcalzone on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:29:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: FOR GOD'S SAKE, PICK EDWARDS! (none / 0)

Edwards wasn't really getting the blue collar votes in the primaries while he was in there , it was Clinton who was pulling them in.

Edwards really does nothing for me.

If it is a blue collar voter situation you are trying to rectify Clinton should be the obvious choice .


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:34:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: FOR GOD'S SAKE, PICK EDWARDS! (none / 0)

You may be right, and she was never listed in more than one poll. But Edwards beat her in that poll. Honestly, I'd be pleased as punch with either. But I'd feel better about our chances with Edwards on the ticket.

I honestly think that Hillary is too big for the spot. If the title was co-president, she'd be it in a heartbeat. But as vice, it's trickier. Also, would she actually fall in line with Obama's comprehensive message control?

Am I to take it that your family doesn't think much of Edwards? Do they know his history? Where he came from, where he went to school, why he became a lawyer?


"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."
by vcalzone on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:43:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: FOR GOD'S SAKE, PICK EDWARDS! (none / 0)

Nope , when i talk about a politician not doing much for me it usually has to do with his ideology.

By the way Edwards was my candidate in 04 , but the Edwards of 08 was different ideologically and it turned me off.

He actually said in a debate there was " no war on terror ".

That right there i would think ruled him out as VP , Obama rejected the idea at the same debate .

Obama is already suffering an experience deficiency compared to Mccain , Edwards does nothing to reassure anyone.


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:51:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: FOR GOD'S SAKE, PICK EDWARDS! (none / 0)

True. But I think that's why he'd be a better VP pick. He doesn't get elected on his platform, it's on Obama's. But it's kind of a damned if you do, damned if you don't. I honestly don't know why Edwards did so well in the polls, but I know he did and I know that he pretty much consistently beat Obama standing alone. What do you think caused that?


"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."
by vcalzone on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 08:04:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

really, just bad choices (none / 0)

because Nunn will piss of the gay community and is as old as John McCain, which takes the issue away, and last time Edwards was a VP nominee, he didn't exactly help John Kerry win, or even get close in North Carolina. I say Mike Easley should be his VP, as Edwards has an image problem amongst the non-liberal crowd, with that haircut, and looks like a "sissy." Easley got elected to two terms there, and is popular in that state. He's not another beltway insider like John Edwards was.


by Lakrosse on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:29:12 PM EST

Re: Breaking: Obama Considering Edwards and Nunn a (1.50 / 2)

If this got "leaked".

It means their is NO CHANCE of it being real.

Check out my sig.

WOOT!

WOOT!


Mooseburgers? Careful Sarah. Moose bite back!
by spacemanspiff on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:29:16 PM EST

Re: Breaking: Obama (none / 0)

I like Sam Nunn.  I realize that many of you guys don't.

He belongs on the shortlist.  Even those who don't want him picked should acknowledge that.


by Reaper0Bot0 on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:35:12 PM EST

Re: Breaking: Obama (none / 0)

Why do you like Sam Nunn ??? .

Up until the vetting process began I had never heard much about him.

Why all of a sudden should Sam Nunn be the VP.

As soon as the press announces that Obama has made his VP choice and he was about to announce it , the whole country gathers around  , Obama comes out to the podium and says I have picked my VP choice and its

SAM NUNN.

I can hear a collective who the f**k is he from 200 million people.


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:42:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Breaking: Obama (none / 0)

People over 40 should remember him very well.  He was a very prominent Senator who absolutely owned defense issues, especially nuclear proliferation.  He was also well known in the 1980's for his slapping the Blue around (Blue Cross and Blue Shield is actually a series of dozens of separate companies) when they were going bankrupt through stupidity and malfeasance.

There's a lot to like about him, and he's better known than Dick Cheney was prior to his selection.

He may not be the best pick, but the guy has serious foreign policy and national security chops.


by Reaper0Bot0 on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 08:01:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Breaking: Obama (none / 0)

I think he'd be excellent on the cabinet... maybe as Sec of Def or State.  I just don't like him as a VP.


http://www.imvotingrepublican.com/ McCain Sucks!
by yitbos96bb on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 11:19:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Breaking: Obama Considering Edwards and Nunn a (none / 0)

He can choose whoever he wants, but it's a myth that he appeals to working class, as was polled after the Edwards endorsement.


by NY Writer on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:39:26 PM EST

Re: Breaking: Obama Considering Edwards and Nunn a (2.00 / 1)

Did you look at the 15 or so Survey USA polls that show him to be stronger than virtually any Democrat you can name in Michigan, INCLUDING Al Gore and Hillary Clinton? How do you explain that otherwise?


"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."
by vcalzone on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:46:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You mean the poll (none / 0)

that had him down only 11 points in Kentucky?

Yep, no appeal at all


The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.
by nrafter530 on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 10:19:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Breaking: Obama Considering Edwards and Nunn a (none / 0)

not really breaking, since this has been talked about. but, Edwards just doesn't seem right, as he is not really attractive to those blue-collar workers. plus, he can go overboard and finally, he is not the best attack dog, saying that the war on terror is a bumper sticker.

I like the idea of Nunn. Georgia, good!


by American1989 on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:40:31 PM EST

I would be fine with either of them (2.00 / 2)

But I still think Hillary would be the best choice for VP.


by libertyleft on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:42:37 PM EST

I saw John Edwards in Erie, Pa Last night (none / 0)

and he was not speaking like potential VP in my opinion


ENOUGH!
by JDF on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:44:20 PM EST

Nunnimpressed (none / 0)

Edwards -- meh.
Nunn - Oh God, No.
"If you don't care about everybody, you don't care about anybody." --Ethan Mordden
by prodigal on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:54:03 PM EST

My Choices (none / 0)

  1. Bill Richardson
  2. Ted Strickland
  3. John Edwards
  4. Joe Biden
  5. Kathleen Sebelius
  6. Chet Edwards
  7. Even Bayh
  8. Joe Manchin
  9. Bob Graham
  10. Wesley Clark
  11. George Mitchell
  12. Tim Kaine
  13. Ken Salazar

by RandyMI on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 07:56:01 PM EST

Re: My Choices (2.00 / 1)

The day he picks Bill Richardson is the day he loses the election .

Judas , err Richardson couldn't even handle himself against silver tongue Carville , he looked like he had just received some lashes when they both appeared on TV together .

That aside the guy is the worst on the stump and on TV debates I have seen.

I would make the prediction here and safely that no one on your list will make it as his VP.


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 08:01:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My Choices (none / 0)

Richardson and Salazar would be horrible choices. Strickland has strongly taken himself out of consideration. Tim Kaine brings nothing much to the ticket - limited experience, won VA the same way as Webb with strong turnout in urban areas, not the way Warner (who also took himself out of consideration) did by connecting strongly with the rural voters. Biden is bright, but a gaffe machine. Graham or Clark would be good choices. I'm especially partial to Wes Clark. I love Edwards, but I'm not sure he's the best choice for VP for Barack, but it could work very well.


by Quinton on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 08:19:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re:Obama Considering Edwards and Nunn (none / 0)

I like the idea of Edwards, liked the idea of Strickland even more before he withdrew from consideration.  

Richardson seems so wimpy and scattered I don't particularly think he would be a good VP candidate.

Nunn, though, might actually be a dealbreaker for me in voting for Obama, or I would have to hold my nose while I did, and I am the strongest of Obama supporters.  He is very, very right wing, not just a moderate. I can't imagine that he will end up the VP nominee.  The heartbeat away from the presidency thing, Nunn is just not acceptable to me.


by mady on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 08:16:32 PM EST

No Nunn (none / 0)

and no Webb either.  I am "meh" on Edwards.  I think Clinton is a close call.  Sebelius looks like pandering and may backfire.  Plus I was unimpressed with her SOTU response.

I don't see a really good pick out there.


by JJE on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 08:49:46 PM EST

Re: Breaking: Obama Considering (none / 0)

Wow. Edwards would be a HUGE mistake. Electorally, no one gives a shit about him. I know people on here like him and all--but he is not a plus. If not Hillary, then Clark is the one.


by linfar on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 09:59:15 PM EST

Re: Breaking: Obama Considering (none / 0)

Quite a few polls disagree with you about Edwards. Adding him as VP polls stronger than adding Hillary or Gore for that matter. He has real appeal without the Hillary baggage.


by Quinton on Fri Jun 20, 2008 at 12:10:24 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I think Edwards lost his chance (none / 0)

by waiting so long to endorse. I also think Obama needs a VP pick who has a lot of "experience," and if he's going to pick a relatively inexperienced running mate it should probabaly be Hillary Clinton.


by Mystylplx on Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 10:15:51 PM EST


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