He Shouldn’t Pick A Senator

Posted on 06/06/2008 at 10:45 am by Bob Cesca

A lot of folks are talking about Senator Obama choosing Senators Webb or McCaskill for the VP slot. Matthews, last night, predicted that it’d be Mark Warner… who’s presently running for Senate and winning.

I repeat: this is a terrible idea.

1) We need every person with a (D) behind their name to remain in the Senate, especially if Senator Obama wins. We also need Democrats who are leading in their Senate races to win. The vote margin is razor thin right now and we’re already (hopefully) losing Senator Obama to the White House.

2) Senator Webb won his seat by the thinnest of margins against George Allen. The last thing we need is for that seat to be open again. Who knows — maybe Allen would try to reclaim it. McCaskill won by similar thin margins. Both are from swing states — states which are now beginning to turn blue.

It has to be either a former elected official like John Edwards, or a governor like Sebelius.

UPDATE: I don’t think Bob Graham is a good idea either. He’s too old-school. And I think the conventional wisdom for winning a tough state is to pick someone with a machine, which means a governor. Senator Clinton kicked ass in Pennsylvania partly because of Rendell’s machine. And if Graham isn’t guaranteed to deliver Florida, what other advantages does he bring to the table?

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  • Terry4505

    Kathleen Sebelius!or John Edwardsor Wes Clarkor Al Gore? (I know that wont happen, but a kid can hope)The list is long, and does not include Hillary Clinton.if for no other reason than she just spent the last 18 months trying (unsuccessfully) to convice voters that he is not fit to lead.

  • midad

    Agreed Bob, even as much as I love Webb. I put forth Chuck Hagel, Jay Rockefeller (my husband’s choice) Bob Graham (absolutely beloved in Florida) just to name a few more acceptable names.

  • http://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/ Paddy

    Chris (or Matt) said over at Open Left yesterday that he had heard Patty Murray’s name bandied around. Rockefeller is a non-starter, he’s f’ng us over on warrantless wiretapping, but Bob Graham is an interesting idea I hadn’t heard before. That actually has the added benefit that other than being one of the few against the war (and beloved in FL), he’s really old (71), so he wouldn’t be in line for the Prez in ’16. leaving it open for HRC if she wants to run (or to step in in ’12 to replace Graham).

  • LiveFreeOrDie08

    Bob Graham is the guy because:1. He’ll carry Florida2. He was on the record as being against the war when no one would listen (judgement and conviction)3. He won’t overshadow with his own agendas4. He’s white (let’s be realistic everyone)5. He’s strong enough to lead and maintain the Obama agenda should it become necessary for him to do so6. His age represents a respectable justification for not serving a second term, allowing the Dems 4 years to groom someone for 20167. His age provides comfort to those concerned that they’re generation would be “forgotten” by a young & hip Obama AdministrationAnyone have a reason why it shouldn’t be Graham??

  • Nanotyrannus

    I second that nod for John Edwards. I think we need someone that can match/compliment Obama’s style. Also, and I know this sounds ageist, it would starkly contrast the Republican Party’s Old Guy As President Fetish. We need a presidential ticket that didn’t frakking “duck and cover” their way through grade school.

  • ceu

    Not Chuck Hagel. Being against the war just isn’t enough – he doesn’t have the same philosophies for the rest of the program. Not Jay Rockefeller – ya think the elitist claims against Obama were bad before?? My sentimental favorites are Jerry Brown (that’s not gonna happen) and Chris Dodd – but there’s that Senate problem again plus CT has a Republican governor…I’d be happy with Bob Graham or Wes Clark.Bill Richardson fulfills Bob’s requirements.What do we know about Governors Joe Manchin (W.VA), Phil Bredesen (TN), and Steve Beshear (KY)?

  • midad

    ceu..Joe Manchin…you just made my husband’s day! He walked out of the room going “Hmmmmmmm..” Can you tell he is a Mountaineer?!

  • ceu

    Acckkk, midad! I wasn’t recommending him! I don’t know anything about Joe Manchin other than he’s a Democratic Governor of a state that didn’t like Obama. But heck, glad I could make someone’s husband happy! :)

  • midad

    That’s OK. A quick google of Manchin shows he has one too many strikes against him. I do like Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.

  • ceu

    Ohhh…Olbermann tonight, Josh Green from The Atlantic suggested Chris Dodd for Senate Majority Leader. I LIKE it!