The Candidates
This is a little bit of old news, but I don’t remember seeing this posted. However, I remember reading the Novak speculation and this is news. From the Atlanta Journal Constitution..
Former Georgia senator Sam Nunn, who toyed with the concept of a non-partisan run for president last year, has come down on the side of Barack Obama in the Democratic race for president.
The former senator, considered one of the nation’s preeminent experts on U.S. defense, met with Obama’s foreign policy team this morning.
In a just released statement, Nunn said Obama “will have the sound judgment to put together an outstanding governing team, bringing people together across old boundaries.”
“My own role in this campaign will be as an advisor - particularly in the field of national security and foreign policy,” Nunn said.
Though not a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, Nunn carries a good deal of gravitas from which Obama could benefit. As one of their numbers, Nunn could also help reassure conservative Democrats still suspicious of Obama’s position on the left-right political spectrum.
April 28th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
An Obama/Nunn ticket would give him more national security cred, although Nunn could be painted as a “Washington insider”, as a former Senator for 28 years.
I think if Obama wants a national security running mate, The Fix’s suggestions of Zinni, Roemer (particularly if Indiana is in play) are more likely.
Would Obama/Nunn have a shot at Georgia? Georgia is a big state, but hasn’t had a candidate on either ticket since 1980…
April 28th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
I think we’re looking at an Obama/Bill Richardson ticket. I’d almost put money on it at this point. It’s funny just thinking how lopsided that ticket would be as far as experience goes.
April 29th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Obama has serious problems with Jewish, Hispanic & Woman voters.
So putting one of those on the ticket makes sense:
- Bloomberg (Jewish)
- Sebelius (Women)
- Richardson (Hispanic)
are three likely picks in that situation.
April 29th, 2008 at 8:34 am
JayPe, I’ve looked at some numbers, and Jewish voters are such a miniscule percentage of the population that they are almost irrelevant. Out of the three names you mentioned, Sebelius makes the most sense. Other good choices would be Casey, Rendell, or Nunn. Nunn would be acceptable enough for liberals but also appealing to moderates. Bill Richardson is a sleazeball and the ultimate politician. He would energize me even more to volunteer for McCain.
April 29th, 2008 at 9:30 am
A Nunn nomination would have a few big pluses for Obama and one big negative.
Pluses: Makes Obama look more moderate, gives ticket foreign policy and national security cred. These will all appeal to swing voters.
Neutral: Obama might get a few more southern votes than he otherwise would, but not enough to make a difference (see Lloyd Benson).
Big Minus: The guy at the bottom of the ticket is far more qualified than the guy at the top. Some might say this is a glass half full/half empty thing (since voters supposedly already *know* Obama’s lack of qualifications and more experience can only help) but I’m not so sure. I think this would highlight to voters who don’t pay attention until Sept. or Oct. that Obama is actually way in over his head.
April 29th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Having been an observer of Nunn in operation during the ’80s, there is little in this world larger than his ego and his sense of his own “national value.” While he surly enjoys such attention and speculation, his credentials are a little dated.