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| Awk-ward usatoday.com |
It is Wednesday and time for the Candidate Forum. We are back to the Veepstakes. Before we get going on who Secretary Hillary Clinton will pick, let us acknowledge yesterday's awkward hug between Madame Secretary and Senator Bernie Sanders. That hug was a product of a lot of negotiating over including the Gentleman from Vermont's more progressive agenda. Domestically, they are both close on the issues: health care, criminal justice reform, immigration, affordable university eduction, and so forth. However, where they differ is on foreign policy. Also, Sen. Sanders's surprisingly successful campaign, despite not winning the nomination, has given him a national platform for a more progressive agenda that serves as more common sense alternative to the emerging retrograde Republican party agenda. As tantalizing as visions of a unity ticket, the Gentleman from Vermont has not be vetted for the number two spot on the ticket. Who are some of Madame Secretary's potential running mates? Shall we have look.
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| Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) en.wikipedia.org |
First name on our list is Virginia Senator Tim Kaine. The Gentleman from Virginia is the state's former governor and chairperson of the Democratic National Committee. Virginia is a crucial battleground state for both candidates. The Gentleman from Virginia is the top contender for the number spot. As a contender, he checks off all the necessary boxes for the vice presidency: someone who can realistically step into the role of presidency should the need arise. Another positive is his fluency in the Spanish. A benefit for reaching out to Latino voters and going after Donald Trump in the Spanish language media. The Gentleman from Virginia was vetted once before, in 2008 by the Obama campaign. No red flags in his background. As a fundraiser, the Gentleman from Virginia has been very successful in getting donors to open their checkbooks.
On the negative side, Senator Kaine is a very mainstream candidate. This does not help Madame Secretary strengthen the liberal base of the party, However, her advisers seem to think that this less important. However, now that the Gentleman from Vermont has formally endorsed Madame Secretary, the strengthen the liberal base may now be more important than finding a running mate who can tick off the boxes and not steel the spotlight from the top of the ticket.
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| Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) |
The exciting possibility of an all female ticket, featuring Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, has Democrats salivating in their soy lattes. Once a upon time, the Gentlewoman from Massachusetts was considered an unlikely choice. However, the rise of populist sentiment within the American electorate and Mr. Trump's harsh commentary on Madame Secretary's position on trade, have brought the Gentlewoman from Massachusetts into the spotlight. At a recent joint appearance with Madame Secretary raised her profile more. Madame Secretary's aides noticed the electricity within and without the room. The audience response had them giggling over the infusion of excitement she could provide the campaign. The Sanders supporters are getting a bit giddy as well.
The only downside is Senator Warren has never been in the public eye, thus vetting her is more complicated. The main issue is can Madame Secretary and the Gentlewoman from Massachusetts work together without stealing any of the attention?
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| Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio, 2007) en.wikipedia |
Another safe choice for Madame Secretary. However, if he is indeed chosen as her running mate and they win, it could upset the balance in the Senate. The Senate Democrats are anxious to regain the majority and the selection of the Gentleman from Ohio could put that thought in peril. If he were chosen and the ticket win, Republican Governor John Kasich would select his replacement, who would stay in office until 2019. Chances are better than good, the appointee would be a Republican. The thought of losing the Senate is to great a risk. Madame Secretary is not that much of a risk taker.
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| Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez cnn.com |
Tom Vilsack and Thomas Perez
Both gentleman are current members of President Barack Obama's cabinet. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is a former two-term governor of Iowa and Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez has never held elected office; state or federal. While the choice of Secretary Vilsack would not upset the balance of the Senate, the Clinton campaign is rather fond of Secretary Perez for his readiness to go after Mr. Trump's and his inability to relate to Latino voters.
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| Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsick washingtonpost.com |
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| Group photograph with Secretary of Housing Joaquin Castro (center) and Representative Xavier Beccera (far right with glasses) |
Joaquin Castro and Xavier Beccera
Both Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Joaquin Castro and California Representative Xavier Beccera (CD-34) were on the long lists for running mates but no longer in contention. While chemistry is crucial, Madame Secretary's focus is on how the political landscape has changed since the start of her campaign. The Brexit vote and Mr. Trump's continued criticism of her trade stance are two things under serious consideration. The process is past the point of dark horses and wild card. Fortunately, Secretary Hillary Clinton has the luxury of waiting to see if Donald Trump choose either: former Speaker Newt Gingrich, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, or Indiana Governor Mike Pence. For now, Blogger is hoping that Secretary Clinton chooses Senator Elizabeth Warren.
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