Comments on: And Now For Our Starting Lineups….

By: Sammy Kent

Sammy Kent — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:07:42 +0000

We Republicans called it 16-C at the 1976 convention.

By: kylegarret

kylegarret — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:04:43 +0000

My friend and I just talked about this issue, which is the sign of a good blog, I think.

I think the issue is that announcing before an election makes it open to political maneuvering. Naming John Edwards to a high level position, for example, would win points with this supporters and possible garner more votes. The same can be said for someone like Bill Richardson. I would imagine both Hillary and Obama would have announced Richardson as a cabinet member prior to Texas at least. I think we’d also see Senators from battleground states ending up in a lot of cabinets.

The fact that they make these selections after the election removes it from being entirely decided by political factors.

It’s an interesting thought, though. I agree that it would be useful information. Unfortunately, like so many things, it would become fodder for political strategy.

By: Political Junkie

Political Junkie — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:15:22 +0000

I’ve never understood why a candidate would not make announcements about his/her choices for administration posts prior to an election - as you say, it has a huge upside for voters but I’m sure someone will argue the downside. When Sen. Obama is the only candidate left standing..and he will be, I hope he reaches across the aisle for at least two appointments. That being stated, my first selection would be Chief of Staff..naturally, our own SMD. I’m not sure about VP (maybe Richardson), but for Sec. of State, definitely Joe Biden. I agree on Defense, Colin Powell would be a good choice and why not Huck for Health & Human Services. How about John Edwards as AG. I’m hoping someone with an inside track might make this suggestion of a few announcements to the Obama campaign…any ideas, SMD?

By: That Girl

That Girl — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:02:51 +0000

WOW SMD - you and I think a lot alike. I have wondered the same thing for quite some time now. If a Presidential candidate would tell me who the other key people would be in an administration, it would help me make my decision.

For Obama, I also would like to see Biden as VP. I think John Edwards would be a great choice for Attorney General. I’d give Bill Richardson a key spot - he’s a good guy and having a Latino in a power position is important. Your pick of Colin Powell for Defense is interesting. I’d first want him to come clean on some of the backroom politics he suffered through in the Bush WH. Heck - I’d even consider Hillary Clinton for HHS. Seeing as how she claims so much in the health care arena - seems like she would be a good pick.

If Obama seals the deal tonight in Ohio and Texas (and I hope and think he will), then maybe the next thing the Obama movement could push would be for the candidate to go out on this sort of a limb.