Two Names Emerge From Clinton’s VP Deliberations: Kaine And Vilsack

[Purveyor]

By Anne Gearan and Abby Phillip July 19 at 5:30 PM
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Sen. Timothy M. Kaine of Virginia have emerged as the leading candidates among a longer list of finalists Hillary Clinton is considering to be her vice presidential running mate, according to interviews with multiple Democrats with knowledge of her deliberations.

Although her list is not limited to those two, Clinton has spoken highly of both in recent days to friends and advisers as she closes in on an announcement that one aide told CNN is likely to come Friday.

Among those from whom Clinton has received advice is President Obama, who has offered thoughts on the two contenders who serve on his Cabinet, Vilsack and Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez, several Democrats said. These individuals did not say what advice the president gave.

These and other Democrats cautioned that Clinton has not made a final choice and is keeping mum about her deliberations. Several other people remain in the running, they said. Clinton campaign press secretary Brian Fallon declined to comment.

MORE...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/two-names-emerge-from-clintons-vp-deliberations-kaine-and-vilsack/2016/07/19/62189146-4d2d-11e6-aa14-e0c1087f7583_story.html

[still_one]

1. In other words, the media has no idea who Hilary will choose for VP

[Joe the Revelator]

2. I worked for Kaine. He is better than you guys give him credit for.

But he sure isn't splashy.

[Eric J in MN]

6. What would you like for people who don't know much about Tim Kaine to know about him? NT

NT

[Joe the Revelator]

8. To me, and granted I was young and naive at the time, he is much more liberal than he put on.

The one thing that struck me about him was at a time when Virginia was leading the country in executions, he had no fear about stating that he did not agree with the death penalty and that VA should look into a moratorium. This was 00-01 and it just wasn't something that Virginia Democrats trying to take the Governor's mansion back openly said. I did not work in close proximity to him, as it was during a statewide run and I was working in tidewater, but anytime Mark Warner seemed too conservative for my tastes at the time, I always drew inspiration from Kaine.

He's always been upfront and honest about his personal feelings on abortion, and why he doesn't think that his personal opinions should be legislated, and position of his that I've always respected.

He's also really charming, more so then he comes off as on camera. My favorite memory of any of my time in politics was back in 2004. He was Lt. Governor and gearing up for his run at Governor. I was at some young democrat function in Richmond where he had given a speech. I had invited my then girlfriend (now wife) with me on what was kind of our first official date. As happens in the wee dark hours of the night after these events have moved to the party suites, the alcohol was freely flowing. At some point my Girlfriend and I ended up making out in what I was fairly certain was a private stretch of hallway. Again, young dumb, and out in the open. All of a sudden I hear people walking towards us and we stop what we're doing to look up and see Tim Kaine and his entourage walking down the hallway. I probably turned 20 different shades of red, because it was obvious he had seen the passion that we were going at it, and he's just staring at me as he walks towards us to what I assume is his room. As he gets closer, he gets this shit eating grin on his face and actually pats me on the back as he passed and said 'you guys keep having fun tonight', and continued to walk on.

I mean that's a stupid story, but its one of my favorite interactions with a pol that I've ever had.

[pnwmom]

11. Thanks for the funny story, and for humanizing him.

You have painted a picture that I will not forget!

[Wellstone ruled]

3. One thing about Vilsack,

Monsanto will have their stooge right in the West Wing.

[Hortensis]

4. No "stooge" of any corporation would be

in the running. That's what vetting and looking very carefully at prospective candidates is about.

Imo after all these years of observing, excessive cynicism is even more destructive to clear-eyed understanding than none at all.

[kwolf68]

5. Yep

The guy is a corporate shill. I am trying to warm up to Hillary, but putting this guy in motion will send me running.

I trust she won't make this choice. For all the questions I have about her, Hillary is a sharp women.

[Wellstone ruled]

7. Vilsack has been considered a up and comeer

in our party. Spending decades in the upper Midwest,and with contacts in the Herbicide Business,this Guy is their go to Lobbyist.

[Thrill]

9. I like Kaine

But Vilsack? Are you kidding me?

[kwolf68]

10. I like Kaine as well

Good man

[pnwmom]

12. Vilsack completed his second term with 69% approval. Lots of people in his state liked him. n/t

[Doctor Jack]

13. Kaine can give some fiery performances

He might be a bit more charismatic than people realize. But Vilsack...

To be fair, they are both extremely sharp individuals but if the ticket is looking for excitement, these two aren't it, especially Vilsack