As speculation grows about who John Kerry might select as his running mate, a look at the potential candidates reveals an assortment of losers and has-beens. Seriously, check out the rogues gallery on CNN's site and ask yourself how many of these people would make an acceptable president. Mark Warner? James Clyburn? Russ Feingold? C'mon.
Leaving aside the unrealistic candidates for the job--John McCain won't bolt the Republican Party and Bill Clinton can't constitutionally serve as vice president--a few of Kerry's potential running mates stand out: John Edwards, Sam Nunn, Max Cleland, Mary Landrieu, and Bob Kerrey. All would bring geographic balance to the ticket, as well as make it more politically moderate. Edwards brings youth and charisma, two things the mortician-looking Kerry lacks. Cleland and Kerrey, two disabled vets, negate any attempt by Bush to wrap himself in the flag, diminish Bush's advantage on national security issues, and subtly highlight the Vietnam-era activities of the opposing ticket. Sam Nunn, a more conservative Democrat, adds defense policy experience that's highly valued during the war on terrorism. Landrieu, a youthful, exuberant, somewhat moderate, and attractive woman, may enhance Kerry's electoral chances the most.
But each of these selections has drawbacks, and it's probably more likely that someone from the rest of the sorry field--Gephardt, Biden, Feinstein--will round out the Democrat ticket.
John Nance Garner, FDR's VP for eight years, famously remarked that the vice presidency wasn't worth a bucket of warm piss. Looking at things from this perspective, the Democrats have an abundance of qualified candidates for the job.
If the Veep slot is not worth a bucket of warm piss, then Kerry should make a play for that great water-bearer Al Gore. Think of it! The stump meets the tree! They would both have to be careful that dogs don`t wizz on them at events! Then, if Gore hangs in there through a Kerry Presidency he could run for President again! He will have years to work on punching chads.
