If Dean is The Nominee, Who Should Be His Running Mate?

Either Gen. Clark or Hillary Clinton.

Clinton or Clark.

Definitely not Clinton the republicans would make her the focus of the campaign. Richardson would make a good VP possibly also Edwards.

On the face of it Clinton and Clark seem the most obvious candidates. However, Clark is still largely untested as a national candidate and IMO is not ready for prime time.

The truth is that we still don't know a whole lot about him other than the broad outline of his military career. I am concerned that he is too unused to the ways of politics, the press and of Washington and he could stumble badly.
I also wonder about the size of his ego. Could he be a good team player or does he have the potential to be a prima donna?


Re Hillary:
Acquiunk's point is a good one.
Also Hillary is very strong with the democratic base and might help increase Dean's percentage of the womens vote. On the other hand, the last time I checked she had high negatives as well and as such might drive away some independents and undecideds.

Dean has said he would seek a VP with solid foreign policy experience and credentials. Richardson fits that description. Edwards is a first term senator. Although he is a quick study, I think he would be seen as not sufficiently butressing Dean in the area of foreign affairs.

Besides, I have this fantasy (ok, ok it's just a fantasy) that Richardson would so inspire and motivate the hispanic population that he'd help Dean win Texas.

Wouldn't THAT be delicious!

Clark. He can't be a worse screw up than the current VP, now can he? I would hope Dean is smart enough to limit him to the funeral circuit.

Bob Graham hasn't been mentioned and I've heard his name bandied about.

I'm personally not interested in speculating this early, though it should be a Southerner for balance.

Everyone have a marvelous Christmas.

I think Clinton or Clark would give the Dean nomination the best chance at GWBush.

Richardson! We can spare him for 4 or eight years, or whatever.

As VP, I think Clinton would have the bigger impact. While Clark, would definately help, I don't think he would be as effective at capturing votes. People just don't vote based on the VP. Only a big name like Clinton would have a significant impact.

Can Dean announce Clark as his secretary of defense before the election?

President Dean
Vice-President Clinton
Secretary of State Richardson
Secretary of Defense Clark

ye, Very good choices.

While I don't personally dislike Hillary, I also thinkthat her position on the ticket would guarantee its failure. It would do a few things, among them it would make Dean appear to be a puppet of the Clinton machine.

Oh and Attorney General Edwards.

hobit, You under estimate Hillary Clinton's drawing power. That's the reason she won the NY senate seat. Most people know how to separate Hillary from Billy's escapades. She's a very smart lady, and really think she will attract many middle-of-the-roaders.

What ci said!

AND...I don't think Dean can be made to look like a puppet of the Clinton machine or any other machine. What I like about him is that he is Dean...all the way -- and no matter how it plays.

My guess is people are going to respond to that.

If I'n wrong, we have 4 more years of what's his name.

I guess I've reconciled myself to four more years of Bush, and a quick trip to ex-pat land for myself!
I don't think that there is any possiblity of a fair election in 2004, and I also anticipate something happening to allow the administration to cancel elections.

Hillery would create an unbalanced ticket as both she and Dean are northeastern politicians. A VP rome the south or southwest is more desirable.

A Roman VP would be an improvement!
BTW Aquiunk...Happy Yule! And much thanks for stimulating conversation over the last few months.

yes given our current imperial proclivities