|
A lot of bloggers have been hoping to see former Presidential Candidate, General Wesley Clark be tapped for Obama's number two spot. Of late, that likelihood has been slim at best. He hasn't been mentioned on any press short lists, he was a Clinton supporter in the primary (of course, so was oft-mentioned "short-lister" Evan Bayh of Indiana), and when he made the obvious (and highly appropriate) observation on national television that being shot down in Vietnam is not a qualification to be President, the Obama campaign couldn't distance itself fast enough in response to GOP criticism.
In fact, all things being equal (and given recent news reports about Bayh's early and steady support for the Iraq War), it seemed likely that Governor Kathleen Sebelius (who has been my first choice) was likely to get the nod (until she popped up with a Tuesday night Convention speaking slot and given the renewed Bayh rumors today. Arg.)
But in light of the violence in Georgia, the aggressive movements of the Bush administration, and the corresponding full court press by the McCain camp to exploit the conflict as a full-scale campaign showcase, it seems like a no-brainer that the Obama campaign will probably look anew at former NATO commander Clark who would have an easier time shining a light on any dangerous adventurism from the administration, as well as any crass political exploitation from McCain and company than would Obama alone, or an Obama/Sebelius combo.
In any event, expect to hear very soon. Maybe even Saturday to make the Sunday talk shows and newspaper headlines. It'll be important not to make the announcement too close to the convention, to maximize coverage and avoid letting it simply be absorbed into the convention media coverage.
I, for one, would like to see Clark for several reasons. He's not perfect by a long shot, but he was (among other things) one of the only Presidential candidates or potential Presidential candidates to come out early and clearly for Single-Payer Health Care - certainly as big a progressive priority as you'll find.
(A Green Mtn Daily crosspost.)
|
STATE BLOGS
