Let Your Voice be Heard

John Kerry is not the Vice President.

"But, Rabbit, the only person to have more people vote for John Kerry in an election ever was George Bush in the same election. So, since so many people support John Kerry for President he should be Vice President."

Nobody has ever told me that John Kerry should be Vice President because he was a close second in the race for the White House in 2004.

Now, Hillary Clinton supporters are staking her claim to be Barack Obama's running mate. Don't get me wrong, she should definitely be considered for the position. But, she is not entitled to that position.


The position of Vice President has been redefined (no matter how much it angers you) by Dick Cheney. It has become more than just a ceremonial right hand to the President, but a vital player in decision making. Dick Cheney would never be elected President, but he is the epitome of what a neo-conservative is.

So, under the Dick Cheney rule of being a Vice President, I recommend Sen. Joe Biden, Sen. Chris Dodd, Gov. Bill Richardson, and Rep. Steny Hoyer. All of these people have loads of experience and are strong minded, tough liberals.

Under the electability rule, Hillary Clinton is worth consideration. However, I think that she will only bring Obama people who will vote for him anyway if she publicly endorses and campaigns for him.

Now, there are a couple of wild cards, Chuck Hagel and Mike Bloomberg. Hagel is a Republican Senator from Nebraska who has become very critical of the Bush Administration on the Iraq War. Bloomberg is the mayor of New York City and was a Republican but, is now an Independent. As a billionaire, he could end the weak theory from conservatives that Obama is a socialist. Both candidates would increase the feelings many have that Obama wishes to move beyond partisan politics.

But, I have to personal picks for the running mate. First, is Senator Jim Webb of Virginia. Webb is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, like John McCain, and served (As a Marine) in the Vietnam War. He served as Secretary of the Navy under Ronald Reagan and pushed the popular GI Bill through the Senate. Webb's presence of the ticket will deny Republicans the ability to claim Democrats do not support troops, he increases Obama's electability in the south, and he will moderate Obama's ticket.

The second personal pick I have is for a woman from Arkansas, who is not Hillary Clinton. Sen. Blanche Lincoln from Arkansas could also moderate Obama's ticket. Not to mention, the help she would provide in courting southerners and women. She also endorsed Hillary Clinton so this could help with the healing of the Democratic Party.

Bottom Line: I went to www.HillaryClinton.com and sent a message saying that she should try to become the best Senator New York has ever had. She could help the United States in so many ways, and if that is what she wants to do, she can do it that way.

Rabbit