2008.07.31
My conspiracy theory on Tim Kaine...
Hizzoner, the guv, is a willing diversion as the Obama campaign throws the public off the scent of the real veep choice. I can't imagine the campaign approving of anyone seriously being considered for veep soaking up as much air time as is Kaine. The guy is all over the place...the entire hour on Charlie Rose!? That's unsusual.
That said, if the VP race were a traditional popularity contest, I couldn't think of a more likeable and personable guy than Kaine.
s
I can only hope you're right, Shanna. While I like Kaine and I think he's doing a fine job as gov, I think Obama needs more from a VP than what Kaine can give. I am still keeping my fingers crossed that what you say is true - Kaine is a diversion and in time Obama will announce that retired three-star General Claudia Kennedy is his VP choice. Her name was batted around a few months ago and then dropped off.
Military experience (check, check and triple-check!), ex-Hillary supporter (check!), and, well, a "she" (check!).
Comment by Thom — August 1, 2008 @ 8:43 am
I think Obama should choose Clarence Thomas or Alan Keyes.
Kaine is a politician. He's milking this, of course. He'll use it to run for something...I would say Senate but there likely won't be a spot for him there. Some other national office, or he'll push for a high-level appointment.
Ed, I thought you, like Mike, were a Condi backer?--s
Comment by Ed S. — August 1, 2008 @ 10:01 am
Shanna,
I have thought the very same thing: Gov. Kaine might be a distraction to throw the public off the trail. Why do I think that? For some reason, an ingrained lack of trust makes me fear there will always be a trick around the corner. I am hoping Barack Obama's promise is true: that he offers something different than the same old Washington tactics.
In my opinion, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine would be a good choice as VP. Although I did not vote for him for governor, I have come to like and trust him -- as much as I allow myself to trust any politician. More experienced politicians have scared me away from expecting experience to bring sound judgment.
I could also be happy if Obama chose the Governor of Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius, as his VP. I didn't know much about her, until I researched her background and listened to her speeches on Youtube.
If either Governor is chosen as vice president, I would be happy. I really want to vote for honest leaders that I like and trust. Obama seems to want that too. We will see.
Comment by Goldenwillow — August 1, 2008 @ 10:10 am
Shana
I agree with you 100% on your comment.
Comment by v Allen Esquire — August 1, 2008 @ 10:13 am
I think I like Condi. I think I also proposed John Bolton.
I'm curious to see who McCain will pick.
Comment by Ed S. — August 1, 2008 @ 11:25 am
I think Obama should shock America and pick Gen. Colin Powell for his VP. This could be considered payback for the Generals' humiliation at the UN, when the Bushies had the General appear with false info on Iraqi chemical labs. However, considering his advanced age, the VP pick will be more crucial with John McCain. As for Gov. Kaine, he is definitely a diversion.
Comment by Shaun — August 1, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
Jim Geraghty had a good article about how Kaine would be a weak choice.
Comment by VaGuy — August 1, 2008 @ 9:39 pm
I wouldn't pee on O'sammy O'bammy's rear end if his guts were on fire, but if Tim Kaine were on the ticket I'd vote for him and hope he kicked off right after the election because Tim Kaine is the closest thing to an HONEST politician you'll ever find.
Comment by Percy Kution — August 2, 2008 @ 12:29 am
Colin Powell was a great general, but I don't think he'd balance either the Democratic (two black males) or Republican tickets (two old males). If anything, he would have been a better selection as the presidential candidate for either ticket, but I doubt he's interested in 4-8 more years of public service after such a distinguished career. It's a shame he was never given the chance, but I believe his time has passed. And as for either Kaine or Mark Warner, their "consideration" was largely in their own minds. McCain's only chance to win, in my mind, is to pick Condi. She's energetic, innovative, tenacious, young, brilliant, black, a woman ...
in short, everything that McCain is NOT. Sad, but true.
Without Condi in this race, there won't even be a race.
Comment by Mike — August 2, 2008 @ 3:57 am
While we are looking at generals, why not Colin Powell? He certainly has the (military) experience, as well as the (negotiating) experience!
Comment by Jeanie Reese — August 2, 2008 @ 4:58 am
I thought Powell said long ago he wasn't interested, after remarking about the dirty nature of today's politics. (probably hasn't change much over the years, though)
Comment by Ed S. — August 2, 2008 @ 10:36 am
Kaine as VP not surprising, the way Obama speeches about raising taxes would go hand in hand with Kaine actions in this state.
Comment by Backlash — August 3, 2008 @ 3:17 am
And I thought I was the only one who saw through this deal. Kaine while a good gov but as VP I can't see it nobody knows who he is a reporter for fox news went to the streets of New York City with his photo and NOBODY knew who he was. One lady said she was from Virginia and she said its our govenor, but I dont know his name...there is your trouble
Comment by aubrey — August 4, 2008 @ 10:28 am
Anybody with any common sense at all is a FOOL to pay any attention to ANY of these politicians. I remember a big fool running for President once who blabbered and blabbered "I will not send American boys to fight an Asian war". And as soon as he was elected he did exactly that. Then came another lying fool saying "I have a secret plan to end the war", so the stupid voters elected him, and four years later nobody yet knew what the plan was because the war was still going on. And then came "I will never lie to the American people". And that one probably didn't, but he didn't have sense enough to run a 7-ll, much less the US government. So the fool voters elected Reagan, who did EXACTLY what he said he would do, but what good did it do the average person? Can't say much bad about Wild Bill. What he did in his personal life is NOBODY'S business. The country was in MUCH better shape when he was President. Then you get the CERTIFIED FOOL thats there now. But people who had little enough sense to elect TWO Texas OIL CROOKS and then complain about it when gas goes up are to stupid to care about. This thing and his trusty sidekick Chain Dicky should have been impeached after two weeks. Unfortunately, THEIR party was in control of both houses so they got by with everything they did and are doing. So.....what's the difference? They are ALL liars, theives, and crooks and it won't change no matter WHO gets elected. People who still believe in politicians are of the same mindset as people who still believe wrestling is not fake. It's all the very same thing. On election day, go to work if you have a job, or do something with your family. You'll be MUCH better off for not WASTING you time. And the day after the election you will still be able to do EVERYTHING you did the day before except show your foolishness by admitting you "voted" for one crook or the other.
Comment by Percy Kution — August 4, 2008 @ 9:33 pm
Percy Kution
You are entitled to your opinion of our Government, but being silent does nothing for any community.
When Ronald Reagan was President our National Security was in dire straits with the Walker Family spying for the Russians giving them the ability decipher coded messages track military movement and deter our nuclear defense capabilities.
Just after the 9/11 plane attacks President Bush was asked about capturing Osama Bin Laden his response was "I would to see him brought to justice Dead or Alive preferably Dead"!! At that moment it was an honest response one I can respect.
From my point of view an uncast legal vote is a wasted vote, and if we don't hold those in control accountable we are the failure of our society.
In short get a grip!!!
Comment by Terry B. — August 5, 2008 @ 1:19 pm
While one's personal life may be his or her business, that would be the appropriate response to a congressional inquiry about it instead of a bold faced LIE UNDER OATH. That's when it BECOMES the business of the public.
Comment by Mike — August 6, 2008 @ 12:03 am