With talks of the vice-presidential choices getting louder, every aspect from the ethics of picking a running mate to the potential political boost of each potential pick, has its place in the discussion.
Historically nine VPs have succeeded the president, so the nominees must think seriously whether a would-be number two could successfully serve as number one. Keeping that in mind, other concerns should be on the candidates' brains like: who can help me win; who will complement me the best; and who would be best for the nation.
And perhaps more than other years, this election's VP nominees could have a deciding impact. Because the candidates themselves are so different, the VP choice could fatefully decide whether McCain's age comes off as experience or failed policies, or whether Obama's newcomer status translates to welcomed change or inexperience.
DKNY
Acne Jeans
Matthew Williamson
Every year they say this is the year it will mater, and every year it doesn't.
1I honestly think it could, on both sides. If Obama brings in someone with some foreign policy experience, it could sway some voters who are in between. McCain, IMO, is somewhat caught between choosing someone who is more conservative to attract those voters or someone almost liberal for the other side.
2Torg's right that it hasn't mattered in a long time. But Kennedy was killed, Nixon did resign, Ford was shot at and Reagan was shot so we can't be too unconcerned about the vice president. For people who have made up their minds, it would take an incredibly boneheaded choice for Obama or McCain to lose votes, but it could have an impact on the fence-sitters. A choice I strongly disapprove could shake my comfort with Obama, but he'd have to choose someone like Tom DeLay to lose my vote.
3I think really think Sen. Obama's choice will help make or break his chance at winning. His campaign IMO has gotten so sloppy lately. He needs to put a VP out there soon and start running a tight ship.
4LOL I think I was thinking too hard there.
5Stephley, you're right, I'm a "fence sitter" and I have to say their VP choices will make a huge difference in my decision making process. For me it has always been a factor in my decision making, but this year I think it is more so than every before. There are so many things I agree with or disagree with for both candidates that I am going to have to look closely at the VP to help me out. I may be wrong but I think the undecided people are going to be the people that end up deciding the election since they are the ones that will top the scales in either direction.
6I think you're right, unless some huge event scares people into one camp or the other.
7You know the administration will give us something to be scared about say um mid-October.
8Oy, you would think after 30 years the October surprise would be passe!
9I think that the only impact would come because of an unusually bad choice, not an unusually good one.
10"Oy, you would think after 30 years the October surprise would be passe!"
That is hysterical!
I think the VP might matter a lot in this election, even though you are right that they always say that. But I think since Obama is an untraditional candidate and McCain is older than average male life expectancy, it might have more of an impact.
Sadly, with our tabloid-news culture, I think the mistakes a VP choice makes in between the selection and November will probably have more to do with their popularity than any position they take on an issue.
11I agree that it could hurt but probably not help. Then again, I don't understand fence-sitters. They're so far apart on the issues!
12Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.