All indicators point towards Kaine as VP choice.

[Vattel]

The bottom line is that he is the safest choice. He has both executive and legislative experience, he is from a swing state, he is a little to Clinton's right, he is relatively scandal-free (though as Governor he was accused of handing out political appointments in return for gifts).

Castro is lacking in experience, Brown would result in a loss of a seat in the Senate, and Warren is too important to the Senate to sideline by making her VP. Perez has never held political office, O'Malley is from blue Maryland instead of purple Virginia and is not very popular even in his own state, and Sanders would be seen as too far left and is too critical of Clinton.

I am not sure who I would prefer as VP. Part of me would like a strong proponent of immigrant rights (Castro or O'Malley would fit this bill), or someone with genuine economic expertise (Warren), or someone who is much less hawkish than Clinton. I am also less worried about choosing someone who will bring in votes because I frankly don't see how Trump can possibly win. But given the abomination that is Trump, there is a strong argument to be made for playing it safe.

[DURHAM D]

1. B-O-R-I-N-G

[Vattel]

2. true, Warren would be the most electrifying choice.

[PJMcK]

37. Senator Warren is thrilling

But I have to agree with the OP: She's too important as a senator. Plus, as others have noted, her seat would be filled by a Republican, (Governor Baker of Massachusetts is Republican). Generally, the role of the vice president is so diminishing that it seems that Senator Warren's exceptional talents would be wasted.

[Hortensis]

43. This would have been true in your grandparents'

day, but the ability of presidents to pick their own VPs has changed everything.

I think we'd all find Kaine more interesting after we saw him more. After all, the first big part of his job would be ripping into the Republicans, and they provide so much that needs ripping into these days.

I don't see all the "indicators" Vattel is talking about, though. "Can't leave the Senate" isn't real----if she was chosen it'd be knowing she'll be replaced after a short interval with another Democrat.

And, as pointed out on other posts, the "wasted" argument is a few decades out of date. The extreme reaction of Wall Street to rumors that Warren might be considered should be a big clue to that. Of course the reaction was also a warning directly to Clinton herself as they took Warren as an indicator of the direction Clinton could be going.

[underpants]

5. Kaine is a very good campaigner and he has a lot of pluses

I've met him on several occasions having worked on his 2012 campaign and appearing in a TV ad with him when he ran for Governor.

Male (sorry the conventional balance) with executive experience as Mayor and Governor, from a southern state (Va will be a pretty sure thing), Roman Catholic who speaks fluent Spanish which he learned on his 1 year mission work in Honduras.

[tallahasseedem]

79. Thank you for your input!

If he is the pick (I think it would be a good one) you'll have to let us know about your experiences!

[think]

9. W-A-L-L S-T-R-E-E-T

They get what they want or hundreds of millions in donations will be withheld. It's not rocket science.

[think]

16. It's the truth. LOL doesn't changed that.

[tallahasseedem]

81. Spot on with the political theater...

I want someone who can do the job...period! I'm not at all concerned about the warm and fuzzies.

[RBInMaine]

36. R-E-A-D-Y T-O B-E P-R-E-S-I-D-E-N-T A-N-D W-A-R-R-E-N I-S N-O-T.

[RBInMaine]

40. Exciting enough to win mayoral, Lt. Gov, Gov, and Senate elections.

[merrily]

3. So says politico. Sorry to hear that. Among other things, choosing Kaine could also lose Dems a seat

in the Senate. I'd never want to see him become President, either.

O'Malley would be a much better choice for many reasons.

[dsc]

10. No it wouldn't

Dem governor

[merrily]

11. In your post, to what does "it" refer?

[dsc]

28. picking kaine

[merrily]

30. According to ballotopedia, the seat would be up for grabs when the next statewide election is held.

[dsc]

74. well of course the appointee wouldn't be forever

Last edited Wed Jun 29, 2016, 09:05 PM - Edit history (1)

we would have to win in 2017.

[Silver_Witch]

52. O'Malley would get.my vote somwould Warren. Kaine no way!

Another right leaner who also had to evolve e on gay rights and is "pro life". Nope not interested!

[merrily]

69. Wasn't Kaine was the genius who got rid of the "50 state strategy" Dean pursued?d

The one Hillary wants to re-construct?

[Eric J in MN]

4. Pros and Cons of Tim Kaine as VP

Pro: When Bernie Sanders was asked about Kaine as VP, Sanders said "I like him very much."

Con: Kaine voted for a law which will fast-track every trade deal for six years.

[merrily]

13. Doesn't seem like the brightest candle on the cake, either.

[think]

7. Wall Street donors made it clear that Tim Kaine was going to be the VP pick

It's pretty obvious who's pulling the strings....

Wall Street Won't Let Elizabeth Warren Be Hillary Clinton's Vice President

Numerous Wall Street donors identified Virginia Senator Tim Kaine as their preferred vice presidential nominee.


Read more:
http://fortune.com/2016/06/20/wall-street-elizabeth-warren/

[think]

17. Those "people" have spent billions lobbying our government and violate laws on a regular basis

They aren't patron saints...

[think]

19. They are corporations who will donate millions to super pacs. funny you are calling them "people"

That's Citizen's United talk you're using.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_personhood

[think]

21. As you did before me. And then you doubled down on it. Please spare me your insults...

[think]

24. You seem confused as to how corporations and super pacs work. Do you need some help?

[think]

26. So you know that corporations can donate unlimited funds to super pacs right?

[NYC Liberal]

85. And Super PACs cannot legally coordinate with campaigns.

What goes to a Super PAC does not go a campaign.

[angrychair]

88. Actually not true

A Clinton campaign loyalist created a PAC that allows the campaign to coordinate with the SuperPACs. The loophole has been discussed in the media for months and that the campaign is using one to coordinate with SuperPACs is also public knowledge (this is not a slam but a stating of facts)
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hillary-clinton-plans-to-coordinate-directly-with-super-pac/

[Silver_Witch]

55. Wow!! Just wow.

Last edited Thu Jun 30, 2016, 10:47 AM - Edit history (1)

Wall Street is not people. It is corpations. Corporations are not people. Yes people run them and those people get one vote like the rest of us. The money corporations have does not give them more rights and should not give them an extra voice!

Democrats for democracy not oligarchy!

[Silver_Witch]

90. My son worked in the towers on 9/11...you don't know me!

Your response is cruel and over the top. Nothing in my post dehumanized people. Just corporations they pay tonnage a voice.

We are finished now!

[Silver_Witch]

92. Calling me a liar now?

Last edited Fri Jul 1, 2016, 05:08 PM - Edit history (2)

How dare you? Do you have any idea how many nights I have stayed with my son while he suffers through terror? You are beyond cruel and prove my point very well. This site is full! Of cruel people only interested Self!

My husband and I were in DC. He worked for the FAA and was locked down during the crisis and I finally got home after hours of total abject terror and not being able to to reach my son.

Wall Street are corporations and everyone here knows that. The corporations don't get to vote! People do.

Finally not only bankers were hurt in 9/11. WE ALL WERE!

[lumberjack_jeff]

84. They're people? n/t

[think]

41. If you can't handle the truth that's your problem. Not mine.

[Chasstev365]

44. Why so hateful?

Trump is hiring? Wow!

[tallahasseedem]

82. I've read a few articles...

talking about how comfortable Hillary is working with him, etc. It could be another Barack/Joe scenario, which is fine by me!

[Vinca]

8. This is not a year to "play safe."

Kaine is a snooze and probably the worst pick of the bunch.

[Silver_Witch]

59. Seriously...

When will be the year? When will we be able to vote for a left candidate. We are the party of the left aren't we? Did I come to the wrong place?

[Vinca]

67. I've been hearing all day that the race is tied.

Hillary needs to generate some excitement (Warren) and not put people to sleep with Kaine.

[mcar]

73. What?

The race is not tied. Is that what the MSM is saying?

[RBInMaine]

39. Bullshit. It's not about CHILDISH "excitement" play time. It is about who can be president.

Plus, he was "exciting enough" to win NUMEROUS campaigns.

[DCBob]

23. I am starting to think that way also.

I had assumed it would have been Castro but things have changed with Trump as the nominee and the fact that Castro doesnt really have a good a resume as I original thought. Kaine is solid, experienced, excellent background, Virgina and he gives Hillary some "white guy" creds white she really needs. They would be a tough combo to beat.

[tallahasseedem]

83. +1

I agree with you. This is not a time to be fanfic'ing a ticket. It has to make sense, and I think Kaine could do that with everything you talked about.

[geek tragedy]

27. I'm surprised Amy Klobuchar hasn't gotten more press.

Safe seat, she has plenty of smarts and gravitas, etc.

I think Kaine is the choice if Clinton is playing a prevent defense. I think Warren is the choice if she's trying to run up the score and create a wave of enthusiasm.

[Vattel]

32. I don't know Klobuchar. I will take a look.

"I think Kaine is the choice if Clinton is playing a prevent defense. I think Warren is the choice if she's trying to run up the score and create a wave of enthusiasm."

Well-put

[ibeplato]

46. exactly

[Eric J in MN]

42. I've voted for Klobuchar

...but I can't name one issue she's passionate about it.

If HRC chooses a MN US Senator, then I'd prefer Al Franken who is passionate about Net Neutrality and clean energy jobs, among other things.

[geek tragedy]

48. I'm a big fan of Franken (especially because the Republicans hate him so much)

but I think his history as a comedian/author who made some over-the-top comments wouldn't be the best for Clinton as she tries to undermine Trump on temperament grounds.

If the opponent were Marco Rubio or Jeb Bush, I think he'd be a very strong contender.

[Bluenorthwest]

53. A comic's material is not a metric of temperament. Comics don't make jokes because they

are having a tantrum they make jokes because it is their job to make jokes. Ronald Reagan, favorite President of Reagan Democrats and Republicans made amusing films with a chimp as his co-star but Al having made jokes is a disqualification?
I'm sorry but once you elect a chimp's straight man to be POTUS it's not credible to claim that a comic is some new level of indignity. Specifics are called for after you have sung Hail To the Chief to this:

[book_worm]

29. Not sure I agree with your assessment.

[1StrongBlackMan]

31. Yes ... I agree and I agree with the choice. ...

But I don't get DU, not that it has demonstrated the minimum of consistency of argument or thought ...

To the question of whether Sanders wants the VP spot, DU responds, both, "No, he wants real change ... etc." AND, "We want Warren as VP." So Sanders would be neutered in the VP spot, and the DU course is take an effective Senator (out of the close Senate) and put her in that spot?

No ... The best course is to plug the spot(s) Clinton misses, i.e., male (I know, that's sexist), with someone boring; but, by most accounts, competence, capable and a heck of a campaigner; rather than, with someone because feeling remain hurt.

[Vattel]

35. I agree that the "Sanders should work for real change but Warren should be VP"

combination of views is kind of paradoxical. I am torn about Warren, but I do really want her in the Senate where she can have some clout.

One argument on the other side is that making her VP could help her chances of becoming President where she would have even more clout. I am not sure what to make of that. I am also unsure what her foreign policy views are, and so I don't know whether I want her to be President.

[1StrongBlackMan]

54. I, too, have said I would far rather Warren remain in the Senate ...

where she can, further, develop and broaden her political persona, which will prepare her for a 2020/2028 run, should she so desire. But more, I don't want to see a strong Senator remained from the close Senate ... same for Sherrod Brown ... we need someone to write the legislation to move us in the more progressive direction we seek and we need more progressives in the Senate (and House) to pass said progressive legislation.

We do not need a strong progressive in a constitutionally constrained, bully pulpit role ... it's the difference between TALKING about getting stuff done and positioning ourselves to ACTUALLY get stuff done.

[Silver_Witch]

61. Totally sexist. Embarssingly so...

[1StrongBlackMan]

62. I disagree; but, okay.

You'll probably not like that I think Kaine fills another HRC gap ... he is 58 years old.

(OMG, that is totally ageist!!!!)

[oswaldactedalone]

33. Taking everything into account

it seems to be the best choice. The other choices are either too valuable in the Senate or don't have enough experience.

[MoonRiver]

34. I don't think he would be boring on the campaign trail. He would be an excellent attack dog, imo.

I see him as someone who could confidently stand up to bully Rump. I've started to worry that Castro is not politically tough enough, yet, to take on that scum bag. But I'm sure he will be someday. Kaine is also very intelligent, and thinks before he sounds off, unlike Rump. The Spanish speaking feature is a huge plus. I've decided he would make a great choice!

[ibeplato]

45. It will be Warren

IHMHO Clinton is at her core, an attack dog. She's going to pick Warren because they are of like mind, similar to why her Husband picked Gore.

Kaine is definitely the safest pick, but he brings really nothing to the table. Warren will fill the perfect VP role of attacking and antagonizing Trump while Clinton focuses on the 'vision' thing.

[Chan790]

47. ...and he's a dealbreaker for many progressives.

If Hillary chooses him...she's going to lose and in that degree of political tone-deafness, such defeat would be, if not deserved--at-least, predictably obvious. It would be apparent she learned nothing from her first primary defeat and a second primary that was closer than she imagined it ever could be...both because Americans and Democrats in particular have whole-heartedly rejected the legacy of Bill and what the Kaine wing of the party represents. She didn't win because of these things...she won in spite of them once and lost because of them the first time.

Kaine is and should be a non-negotiable non-starter. Tim Kaine needs to take the Harold Ford track out of politics...by which, I mean he needs to sit down, shut the fuck up and take a job as a Wall St. stooge.

[Bluenorthwest]

49. Voting for Clinton is doable. Clinton/Kaine is asking far too much.

Tim Kaine is such a bigot that his appointment to Party Chair caused me to lose much affection and trust in the Party, Kaine's lack of success in that position made that choice even worse, they picked a conservative and bigoted person for his 'skills' and those skills cost us seats.

Might as well hang a sign on the door saying you only care about this election and winning by not being Trump. This is not the way to have a powerful administration. This is not the way to take the Congress back nor to hold the WH for two or more terms.

Kaine signed the Marshall-Newman Amendment as Governor, which defined marriage as between 'one man and one woman'. He had said he opposed it as candidate then he supported it in office.
https://www.queerty.com/tim-kaine-opposes-gay-marriage-opposes-unmarried-people-adopting-but-wants-gays-to-adopt-20110409

Trust is a major item on the table this cycle. I do not trust Tim Kaine in the least. Not at all. He's not trustworthy. Says one thing, does another.

[Vattel]

50. good points

[Her Sister]

51. On Massachusetts:

4. Although Massachusetts has a republican governor, the rules stipulate that if Warren submits a letter of resignation in advance, she can force a special election such that she would immediately be replaced in the senate by the people’s choice and not by an appointee. So the popular notion that she would temporarily be replaced by a republican is a false one. The only question is whether the people of Massachusetts would vote for a democratic senate candidate to replace Warren. That’s not certain, but given the state’s liberal leanings and Warren’s near-certain endorsement of her potential senate successor, it’s probable.

http://www.dailynewsbin.com/opinion/ten-thoughts-on-a-clinton-warren-2016-ticket/25025/

Personally I trust the nominee to choose her running mate.

[Agnosticsherbet]

56. I would prefer Warren or Perez. Kaine's works as a Civil Rights Lawyer puts him on the left side...

Warren shows that she is a fierce attack dog, and her appearances with Clinton shows that they work well together.

My only concern about Warren is what happens with her seat in Massachusets.

[Bluenorthwest]

60. Civil Rights for who? As governor, Kaine signed into law the Marshall-Newman Amdendment

defining marriage as only for straight couples, his hand denied the civil rights of every LGBT person in Virginia and he did that after having claimed he would not do that.

[FSogol]

70. False. Marshall-Newman required an amendment to VA's constition and was

a referendum on the ballot. Citizens of VA approved it by 57%, but it was declared unconstitutional in 2014. Blaming Kaine is crap.

[csziggy]

96. #12 - LIE - it was a voter initiative AMENDMENT and Kaine did not sign it

The governor did not sign it and could not have stopped it.

SB 526 Constitutional amendment; marriage may exist only between a man and woman.

Constitutional amendment (voter referendum); marriage. Provides for a referendum at the November 2006 election on approval of a proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage. The proposed amendment provides that "only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions." The proposed amendment also prohibits the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions from creating or recognizing "a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage." Further, the proposed amendment prohibits the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions from creating or recognizing "another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage." This bill is identical to HB 101.

<SNIP>
03/15/06 House: Signed by Speaker
03/16/06 Senate: Signed by President
04/10/06 House: Bill became law without Governor's signature, Chapter 828 (effective 7/1/06)
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+sum+SB526

Emphasis added by me.

In the time you've spent posting the same lie over a dozen times, you could have researched it and found that you are spreading a LIE. But that is not what you want to do, is it? You're not interested in the truth at all.

[sufrommich]

58. I hope not. Maine would be my least favorite choice.

He brings nothing to the table as far as I'm concerned.

[Bluenorthwest]

63. On Kaine in 2012: Parsing words on civil rights....

Tim Kaine pressed on gay marriage stance
"Asked whether gay couples should be given marriage licenses by the state, he said, “There should be a license that would entitle a committed couple to the same rights as a married couple.”

But would that be called a marriage license? “I think the labels get in the way of the issue,” Kaine said.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/tim-kaine-pressed-on-gay-marriage-stance/2012/05/08/gIQAvYPdAU_blog.html#comments

His entire school of thought should be left to the past. Labels did not get in the way of our rights people like Tim Kaine did that.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

64. No, please.

Kaine is just another boring white guy who won't add a damn thing to the ticket. The fact that he's a little to Clinton's right sure won't get the young Sanders supporters to the polls. We don't need safe at this point; we need an interesting person who will be a strong advocate for civil rights and who will add excitement to the ticket. Not another suit.

[NYCButterfinger]

65. The young Sanders supporters are unreliable. Warren never managed anything.

Kaine is a manager. He was a governor. He governed a state. If anything happened to Clinton, you want Warren or Castro answering the phone?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

66. Sarah Palin was a governor.

Not all young Sanders supporters are unreliable, and you'd better believe the turnout would be a lot better if the ticket didn't look and taste like a day-old slice of unbuttered Wonder Bread.

[Lord Magus]

71. Neither did Obama. He's been a fine president regardless.

I would absolutely expect Warren to be a better president than Kaine.

[Vattel]

72. surely 71 replies without a rec is some kind of record

[John Poet]

75. Hillary SURE as hell doesn't need a running mate to HER RIGHT.

If it's Kaine, I think I'll just go right to sleep for the next five months.

[NYCButterfinger]

87. He's a moderate. I'm moderate on some issues. He's the taxpayer's best friend in Virginia.

[Octafish]

95. Separates the players from the punters.

The rich appreciate, if not respect, politicians who protect their right to keep and bear wealth.

[TrueDemVA]

76. What an awful choice

It's so sad to see the party firmly entrenched center-right. We have become the party controlled by Wall Street and in love with awful free trade agreements.

[chillfactor]

77. no, no, no!

BORING!

[tallahasseedem]

78. I'm perfectly okay with that...

I'd like Warren to continue to do a magnificent job in the Senate. She could be the next Teddy Kennedy!

[CherokeeDem]

80. Kaine after we've had Biden?

That's just wrong. Kaine is ineffective as a Senator and DNC chair....

She needs Castro... she needs the youth and Latino vote and he can deliver.... besides you cannot tell me he is not better prepared than Dan Quale or some of the other nutcases the Repubs have put up.

Castro is smart, charismatic and has 8 years to learn.....

[lunamagica]

86. Xavier Becerra for VP

[Vattel]

94. I think I agree