With press reports indicating that Obama has closed in on a list of vice presidential finalists, I thought it would be interesting to study the VP optics, and look at who would look good on TV, has some generational appeal, who sends the best message of change, and so on. Maybe it comes down to good hair?
Yes, of course issues and policies matter, as well as experience. Does the candidate help bring in a state or region? How personally compatible will the choice be with Obama. Can they work well together?
As he said on Meet The Press, he's looking for a person who can roll up their sleeves and get to work helping to govern and get things done in Washington.
So, there a lot of considerations, but I don't think optics can be discounted. Bill Clinton and Al Gore looked great together from the day he was picked in Arkansas, all through the convention and at the Vice Presidential debate.
In 2000 Joe Lieberman was a dreadful choice, with bad optics, and boring convention speech, and terrible debate performance against Cheney.
A good debater, someone willing to be an attack dog, might come in handy. (Biden is probably best in that role.)
So, these are factors Obama should consider when looking at the whole package.
I'm not sure who I like best. I think Hillary would probably be a bad pick for a ton of reasons, and she's probably only being vetted as a courtesy. Dodd would be a great pick, but his Countrywide loan might be a problem. Kaine, just doesn't look presidential, and I can't imagine our party would nominate someone who's not pro-choice. So, I'd be fine with Sebelius, Bayh, or Biden.
Marc Ambinder reports:
The following three Democrats are being vetted by Eric Holder and Caroline Kennedy and there is independent evidence that Obama is taking a serious look at them:
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Gov. Tim Kaine, Sen. Evan Bayh.
Additionally, allies of Sen. Joe Biden say that he is under serious consideration, although he is not being subjected to the same level of vetting.
Obama with Sen. Evan Bayh (to his right) and Sam Nunn (to his left.)
Obama with Gov. Tim Kaine.
Obama with Sen. Joe Biden, and Sen. Chris Dodd.
Obama with Biden.
Obama and Dodd.
Obama with Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.
Obama with HRC.
Who looks like the best choice?