This might be a good time for Kerry to name his VP

[WillyBrandt]

If he named Wes as his running mate right now--that hero Clark!--it would change the dynamic immediately, improve fundraising, and put Bushco again on the defensive.

All of their ads (and the money behind it) would become suddenly obsolete.

[fujiyama]

1. No it's way too early...

I doubt the ads playing now will have as much an effect on the election as they would say a month before the election.

As for the bounce from choosing the VP, I think a month or so before the convention may be a good idea. There would be one bounce from choosing the VP and that would sustain itself, and maybe Kerry would recieve another bounce right around the convention time with all the attention given.

[WillyBrandt]

2. Hmm--perhaps it would be playing your best card too early

It's too easy to get caught in the day to day

[sir_captain]

3. Yeah, I think it's too early too

This is going to be a long campaign, and we don't want to use all our ammo too early. It'd probably be a good idea to name a VP candidate before the convention, but I think we should use it a little bit more strategically down the road.

[WillyBrandt]

4. I hope Kerry has an arsenal of tricks that they can

trot out when needed...

[fujiyama]

6. That's my hope too...

Strategically it was a good idea for the GOP to have their convention very late, but there is a possibility that having it in NYC may backfire, just as his ads did a week or two ago, as it may be seen to many that he is exploiting 9/11.

I'm not sure, but I think this is going to be the longest election in US history. Bush's own election (NOT reelection) started right when he enteresred office. His whole tenure has been in finding ways to sway a few states toward his column (namely PA).

[JI7]

5. way to early, we got clinton out there just now

we need the vp a little later for the attention when people are bored with the same old. right now kerry is doing pretty good in getting clinton to get him some support. i'm sure kerry will do some things around the country with other democratic candidates running for various offices and help raise money for both. kerry also needs to make himself appear stronger. if the top candidate appears weak, then the vp will not help much at all. kerry needs to make this just about him for now, show he has it in himself to fight. just like he did in the primary. i'm sure there will be some down times , but he has to show he can get through it.

[Leilani]

7. I'll bet Kerry doesn't even know yet

who he will select.

And it's so long till the election. Situations could change, & maybe his choice for Veep will also change.

[jsw_81]

8. I disagree

Kerry needs to let the VP suspense build until just a few days before the convention; it will be front page news every day (especially when they start leaking names) and will keep Kerry in the spotlight during the pre-convention period when voters traditionally tune out.

But if he announced his choice now, the suspense would be gone and the GOP would spend the next seven months pounding Kerry's choice as a commie/traitor/liar/flip-flopper/librul.

[Auntie Bush]

10. I agree with you...the longer it takes Kerry to announce

the less time the Repubs have to trash him. Whoever it is can do just as much campaining now as latter. i.e. Clark has already been campaigning for Kerry.

[Teneha]

9. Everything is so dynamic...he's probably still scoping.

[newyawker99]

12. Hi Teneha!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

11. No way, he hasn't worked the press on the issue

For notes on how to maximize your VP pick, look at how Bush worked the issue in 2000

He had Cheney running here & there, giving the impression that he just could not decide, and all the while the press is following the story with a big dopey expression on their collective face.

Bush milked the process, then POW! Out of nowhere (yeah right) he picks his loyal assistant, but who better to help him?

Priceless. The perfect choice was under his nose from the start!

OK, I don't buy into the hype, but just look at that hype! That's some damn good hype!

Kerry needs to milk the process before he makes an announcement.