Enlighten me about Kaine.

[MicaelS]

What kind of VP do you think he will make? Strengths, weaknesses (if any), areas of interests? I have to admit I have paid no attention to him, so any information is appreciated.

[Imperialism Inc.]

1. He's popular in the Senate.

He'll probably be Clinton's liaison to Congress, especially if the Senate ends up 50-50.

[vlyons]

2. For starters, he's a really nice guy. Doesn't have a toxic personality.

As a senator, I hope that he can be the type of bridge that Joe Biden has been. He is strongly in favor of sensible gun control and women's reproductive rights. Even tho' he is a catholic, has a positive rating from Planned Parenthood.

[bmstee01]

3. Despite the Debate Performance

Kaine is a really good man and very knowledgable. Well liked in Virginia.
He's not exciting. He is personally pretty conservative, bit understands the separation of church and state.

I think that Hillary picked someone that can handle all aspects of being president on day one.
I was routing for Warren, but my opinion/feeling is that warren didn't want it. I think she doesn't like being second fiddle and wants to be free to speak her mind.

Honestly, I think we need her in the senate. If she was on the campaign trail right now idk if she would have been able to take down the Wells Fargo CEO.

I do wish Hillary would find a cabinet position for Bernie. I would like to see him play a role. He is a voice that needs to be in her ear.

[jcgoldie]

4. Bernie

I think Bernie is effective in the Senate. I don't think it is a good strategy politically speaking to take the strongest progressive voices from the legislative branch to stock the executive branch.

[Joe941]

14. I was for Warren too - that would have been a perfect ticket.

[Jason1961]

5. Tim Kaine

Mr. Kaine really rose to national prominence in the party in 2006 when he was selected to give our State of the Union in response to GW's.

Mr. Kaine really thought that he was getting the VP nod in 2008 since he came out early for Obama (he hoped that would springboard him to the Presidency in 2016) and was fairly bitter about not getting the job. He felt his appointing Isim Oneish (a crazy person, not sure if I spelled his name right) to the Immigration Commission in Virginia is what cost him the nod but it was more about Biden than it was about Kaine.

Mr. Kaine seemed to think that DNC Chair was beneath him but took the job anyway, it was clear to those close to him that he felt he was snubbed and held a grudge. He felt that since he'd come out in support of Obama over Hillary and Obama chose Biden over him that his chance to "make it" to the White House was done since the Clinton's hold grudges and they would hold back his career. If we learn anything from this is that loyalty to the Party always pays off in the end.

Mr. Kaine has reached the top of his political career and while he might not feel the same way VP is a very high position.

[Nonhlanhla]

9. This is a rather cold assessment of Kaine

which does not quite mesh with the generally good vibes I get from other reports on him. What makes you ascribe these rather negative emotions to him?

Not attacking you, but I was wondering if you have some insider info or source.

[Jason1961]

11. Not trying to be negative or cold

Rereading my post I did sound a little too harsh on Mr. Kaine and that certainly was not my intention. However, just like the rest of us he has his flaws but is overall a fine Democrat who has done a lot of good for our Party.

I met Bill Leighty when he worked in Louisiana during the Hurricane Katrina recovery. At that time he was the Chief of Staff for Governor Mark Warner and served a few years in the same position under the next administration Governor Tim Kaine. In that time I got to know a lot of good people that stayed on with the Kaine Administration and have stayed in touch with them as best as possible.

I'm not sure how much inside info I have on him (probably not any) though.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

10. lol. that's an insanely narrow assessment of a long career in public service

[Jason1961]

12. I really didn't know much about him until I met Bill Leighty

I met Bill during the Hurricane Katrina recovery so my personal take doesn't really start until then. Just trying to give my piece of the puzzle, hopefully other people can fill in much more.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

15. He has a long history of public service beyond his petty ambitions

you should look into it.

[Tanuki]

6. This may help

http://ontheissues.org/Tim_Kaine.htm

[Cicada]

7. Obama's second choice for VP in 2008

[HipChick]

16. I have long know Kaine...

Good guy, long groomed for positioning in the party

[s-cubed]

8. He will be

very much a bridge to the senate

a bridge to the African American community - he attends a majority AA church, and his wife attended a dominate lay AA school

A bridge to Hispanics, due to missionary work and fluent Spanish

A bridge to those who see abortion as wrong, because he does as well, but he respects separation of church and state

A real team player, but someone who will give Hillary honest advice

[obamanut2012]

13. He will be a good Veep, and would be a very decent Presidnet

imo, and it's an educated opinion.