Comments on: The Next Phase of the Elections http://themoderatevoice.com/20165/the-next-phase-of-the-elections/ An Internet hub with domestic and international news, analysis, original reporting, and popular features from the left, center, indies, centrists, moderates, and right Mon, 28 May 2012 16:55:41 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: pacatrue http://themoderatevoice.com/20165/the-next-phase-of-the-elections/comment-page-1/#comment-151128 pacatrue Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:09:40 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/bill-richardson/20165/the-next-phase-of-the-elections/#comment-151128 Well, as someone who would have likely voted for Richardson over Obama if Richardson had still been on the ballot by the time my state voted, I like your VP idea. (I also voted meaninglessly for Clark afer Kerry had it sewed up last time.) However, I don't know if Richardson really helps him win. He's not particularly charismatic, just particulaly competent. If Richardson makes a difference in Florida, I'm all over the idea. If not, there might be a better solution. Anyway, to your larger question, let's see if I can add anything. This feels like one of those posts where you put you favorite movie stars into the cast of some upcoming movie. So, let's see, John Cusack as Secretary of State and Kevin Kline as Defense.<br><br>OK, now pseudo-seriously:<br><br>I don't think HHS secretary would satisfy the Clintons. Maybe Secretary of State would? I don't think she has tons of foreign policy experience, but I would guess shes's a fierce negotiator and she does have the Armed Forces Committee knowledge. I'd prefer her to be majority leader of the Senate myself, but that's not appointed.<br><br>Wes Clark - Secretary of Defense. I toyed with McCain here actually as a sort of Nixon goes to China moment, but he and Obama simply disagree too much about Iraq.<br><br>Chuck Hagel - Homeland Security. The man just seems like a bulldog and Defense is taken. Also, an easier job for a Republican to take without being considered a traitor.<br><br>Phil Bredeson (governor of Tennessee) - HHS. This is a controversial one, but Bredeson had to remake Tennessee's failing state healthcare system and he's done it as a Democratic governor in a largely Republican state while keeping approval ratings in the 60s (unless things have fallen since I moved).<br><br>Energy - Gore would be an obvious choice if he was interested. I'd prefer a conservative face here who can make the case that sustainable energy policy is not <br>a left-wing idea.<br><br>That's all I've got for now. Well, as someone who would have likely voted for Richardson over Obama if Richardson had still been on the ballot by the time my state voted, I like your VP idea. (I also voted meaninglessly for Clark afer Kerry had it sewed up last time.) However, I don't know if Richardson really helps him win. He's not particularly charismatic, just particulaly competent. If Richardson makes a difference in Florida, I'm all over the idea. If not, there might be a better solution. Anyway, to your larger question, let's see if I can add anything. This feels like one of those posts where you put you favorite movie stars into the cast of some upcoming movie. So, let's see, John Cusack as Secretary of State and Kevin Kline as Defense.

OK, now pseudo-seriously:

I don't think HHS secretary would satisfy the Clintons. Maybe Secretary of State would? I don't think she has tons of foreign policy experience, but I would guess shes's a fierce negotiator and she does have the Armed Forces Committee knowledge. I'd prefer her to be majority leader of the Senate myself, but that's not appointed.

Wes Clark – Secretary of Defense. I toyed with McCain here actually as a sort of Nixon goes to China moment, but he and Obama simply disagree too much about Iraq.

Chuck Hagel – Homeland Security. The man just seems like a bulldog and Defense is taken. Also, an easier job for a Republican to take without being considered a traitor.

Phil Bredeson (governor of Tennessee) – HHS. This is a controversial one, but Bredeson had to remake Tennessee's failing state healthcare system and he's done it as a Democratic governor in a largely Republican state while keeping approval ratings in the 60s (unless things have fallen since I moved).

Energy – Gore would be an obvious choice if he was interested. I'd prefer a conservative face here who can make the case that sustainable energy policy is not
a left-wing idea.

That's all I've got for now.

]]> By: Amanda http://themoderatevoice.com/20165/the-next-phase-of-the-elections/comment-page-1/#comment-151127 Amanda Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:21:58 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/bill-richardson/20165/the-next-phase-of-the-elections/#comment-151127 You know, if he puts Richardson in as VP and invites Napolitano on as a Cabinet member, a couple of Southwest states come into play that McCain would otherwise have in the bag, including Arizona. Richardson and Napolitano are both extremely popular in their home states and could bring a lot to the table both literally and symbolically. Although, Napolitano might consider running for McCain's Senate seat since she can't run for governor again. You know, if he puts Richardson in as VP and invites Napolitano on as a Cabinet member, a couple of Southwest states come into play that McCain would otherwise have in the bag, including Arizona. Richardson and Napolitano are both extremely popular in their home states and could bring a lot to the table both literally and symbolically. Although, Napolitano might consider running for McCain's Senate seat since she can't run for governor again.

]]>