Besides the entire idea of a Republican on the Democratic ticket shouts, “Democrats Too Stupid! They Can Only Think Of One Good Candidate! Democrats NEED a Republican! American Voters Don’t Trust Democrats! Gotta Have A Republican Onboard!!!” Those are a lot of very nasty and entirely fallacious ideas. The next time some idiot suggests a Republican as Obama’s running mate, you would be justified in punching said idiot in the nose. However, the better reply would be, “Don’t be stupid. Our country needs a Democratic Vice-President.”

Another disgusting reason why such a thing is a horrible idea. President Obama wouldn’t live 6 months with a Republican Vice-President. Too many neo-cons and proto-fascists would do anything to get a Republican back in the Oval Office. Then they’d blame on the racists. Nope. No Republicans allowed.

Now then… As for good candidates. Governor Bill Richardson would love to be Vice-President. He should be either VP or Secretary of State. Another good candidate for Vice President is Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

We do not need another Senator on the ticket.

And I don’t see the reason for Sam Nunn.

My opinion of him is exremely negative but I’m still open to him growing into the job. JRE got better, HRC really evolved during her campaign. If you truly believe in change for the polity, and that has been the essence of ‘progressive’ political thought for over 120 years, you gotta believe it can happen for the politicians.

‘S like the great Yogi, Berra that is, said.

I’ll speculate wildly.

I think they’d like Maxine Waters. She was a big HRC supporter right up until the end. I think BO has to pick someone who is 100% European American.

FWIW, within the community who has ancestors who were slaves in the US, there’s a split. Some prefer being called “black.” Others consider it more respectful to be called “African American.” I don’t think BO fits. AFAIK, his Dad didn’t have any ancestors who were US slaves. Michelle had ancestors who were slaves in the U.S.

I think what people who had ancestors who were slaves appreciate is that BO has glossed over that. He knows that most European Americans could care less. They consider him as black/African American as Muhammed Ali, Malcolm X, and all the gangsta rappers that their kids listen to. I think a lot of them can’t believe this has happened in their lifetime and they’re worried he’ll be shot.

I also still think the VP should be HRC. She’s a helluva a campaigner for down-ticket Dems. She’s a rock star who can draw crowds, free media adulation attention, and raise lots of money with fat cat donors. (In addition to the other weaknesses already mentioned, Nunn, Lugar, and Hegel would be terrible campaigners next to HRC.) I also think a lot of down ticket European American Dems in OH, PA, and the south would much rather be on a stage alone with HRC than alone with BO.

I don’t think she’s been a great Senator, we’ve got a Dem Gov in NY. I saw Lanny Davis on Fox Noise pitching her for the job. I think she really wants it. I also think she deserves to be the first woman on a winning ticket. The Dem governors from KS and AZ are excellent. Why waster them in the VP’s job? I think BO sent a strong message when he appointed Patti Solis Doyle as the VP’s CoS. This ain’t gonna be Dick Cheney’s VP job. VP is a team player. That doesn’t mean they can’t have an impact, it just means it’s within the framework of BO’s administration.

If it’s not her, I think the best choice is a woman. It’s the right thing to do now and it’s the right thing to do for history. It also inoculates the Democratic party. Down the road, you don’t have to pick on the basis of gender or ethnicity. You can just pick the best candidate. GOP won’t be inoculated on those issues.