Since we last convened the Political Junkie, we actually found ourselves with two presumptive nominees for president. And now, all the math changes... And all 50 states are in play. The battleground states from 2000 and 2004 are not the battleground states of 2008. Sen. John McCain plans to look for support in traditionally Democratic states. Sen. Barack Obama is campaigning in states that often go Republican. What it will mean for the general election is anyone's guess at this point, but it will certainly give us plenty to talk about in the next 5 months. In the House and Senate, Republicans are fighting to hang onto seats from Alaska to North Carolina. The reasons for their troubles according to an article in today's Wall Street Journal: terrible opinion numbers for President Bush, a lousy economy, and generally negative views of the direction the country is taking. We'll have our resident political junkie Ken Rudin on the show, of course, and turn to Republican strategist Vin Weber to find out what the party can do to turn the momentum in their favor.
Blog of the Nation
I would pick Bill Richardson for Obama's running mate. He has experience as a governor, ambassador, Secretary of Energy, etc.
Obama/Richardson '08. Frankly, Richardson had the best resume of all the 2008 Democratic candidates. He would be a great complement in governing the nation.
Why is no one talking about Bill Richardson for Obama's VP? Governing experience, good international relations, and the hispanic vote!
If Obama picks a woman other than Clinton, it will NOT go over well with women. Imagine the reverse scenario - if Clinton had won and didn't want Obama on the ticket, so she picks some other African American (like the gov of MA) in a transparent attempt to appease the black base. how well do you think that would have gone over?
You just said "win ... all electoral votes" for each state, but Maine and Nebraska can split their electoral votes. I know it isn't many, but when there is a likely scenario that can get both to 269 an extra 1 electoral vote from either Maine's or Nebraska's 2nd congressional districts can make all the difference.
Please correct your guests when they call the Democratic Party the Democrat Party. Your hosts do not correct Republicans when they say this. For example, Vin Weber today.
In order
Gov. Sebelius
Gov. Richardson
Wes Clark
Democrats have the perfect presidential candidate to get the votes of the Massive Middle AND Liberals, which, of course will be required to win in November. You know before I say it, it is not Senator Obama. Not in 2008. We Liberals love him, but think about what it will do to race relations in general when Obama fails to win that Massive Middle. Yes, there are some racists in the Massive Middle. There are some who have seen that women have to work twice as hard, while, thanks to 'affirmative action' minorities need only show up and be counted. But the African Americans who voted for Obama because he is black are discriminating too. They chose to abandon an excellent, experienced candidate, who has fought for minorities, women and children her entire career. I appreciate and share pride in Obama's accomplishments, but polls have consistently shown that, even with McCain's support for the war, and Republican approval ratings at an historic low, Obama is not winning against McCain. All it will take is a CODE RED in October and we will have to endure another conservative administration, placing more conservative justices on the Supreme Court, and further eroding our economy, national security, international standing, and the rights of women. The Massive Middle knows they can trust Hillary to make the hard decisions, and we Liberals know she is as anti-war as Obama, she just knows how things get accomplished. We need Hillary to win the presidency right now, at this point in our history. She knows how to accomplish the change Obama speaks of so eloquently. Eight years as Hillary's VP would prepare Obama for his own successful administration. Obama agrees with Hillary on most issues, but she will win the general election and Obama will not because he cannot reach the Massive Middle - for many reasons. I heard him say today that he will tax the oil industry's excess profits and use the money to help people pay their bills. And Obama is trying to convince people that McCain is McBush when he is well known for his independence by even the most severely politically challenged. AND, dismissing Hillary supporters as hysterical, angry, silly old feminists, and ignorant, racist hicks is not going to win the hearts and minds of the Massive Middle and that is what it will take to win in November. There is no one to find for VP who, plus Obama somehow equals Hillary. Obama can make stunningly dramatic history at the convention by choosing to defer to Hillary and agreeing to serve, in an historical partnership, as the first African/American VP, serving with the first female president. Think what could be accomplished for us all in 16 years of humane, progressive, responsible leadership! The Republicans might never go back!
The media waltzed us into the Iraq war, and escorted Obama to the nomination. Hillary has barely turned over in her pantsuit, and NOW the media is talking about all Obama's weaknesses. THINK PEOPLE! Conservatives remain in power thanks to the corporate media - it sure isn't their human and responsible leadership!
Caryl Zook, an over-50, college educated, Liberal, Florida, female voter
A caller referred to John McCain's "swing" to the right. Let's be honest and let's be clear: John McCain is pandering to the right and as a result has lost the respect and vote of many.
Vin Weber's persistent reference to "Democrat" rather than "Democratic" Party is offensive and not an error on his part. The Republican strategists' consistent use of the incorrect term is a conscious effort to disparage the opposition. What arrogance! Better they focus on their own train-wreck of a party and righting the wrongs Republican policies have wreaked on the United States and the world.
Still have my McGovern/Eagleton bumper sticker and my Whistle for Wheeler (former major of KCMO, also forensic pathologist, former coroner, county judge, doctor, lawyer, someone actually made him an Indian chief. Fantastic character and human being.
I missed getting this into you for the show, but wanted to share it anyway... about campaign paraphernalia... in my 4th grade school photo in 1960, I was proudly wearing a Nixon for President button on my dress. Do you think my parents were trying to brainwash me?
If Obama does not offer this to Hillary he will not only lose the support/vote of many women, such as myself, but he could lose the general election. The fact is: he needs her. And that is the irony. Hillary could win the general on her own.It is really not clear that Obama can - without Hillary on the ticket
Please take a look back into our country's not too distant past, look around at the present, and conjecture who would be the best person to help the country along with Senator Obama in the next four years.
In a name, President Carter! The obvious strengths the President has are so complementary to the Senator, in fact anyone really, that President Carter is the obvious choice.
The President is: experienced, has a great foriegn affairs track record, is one of the nicest guys in the public, is white, and is endeared by Clinton supporters, and in fact by Clinton herself.
Bringing Jimmy Carter to the ticket is a dream choice if there ever was one. Having him on Senator Obama's staff is almost a certainty. He'll be a capable advisor in any capacity, and as the former leader of the Democratic party he'll be the glue that holds the party together. President Carter is still eligble under the constitution to be VP or President, and he's one of the smartest, nicest people in the country, right there with Senator Obama on that one. The team is a dream team, but the President's dedication to duty, is our best asset at getting him to become Vice- President.
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