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Marj Halperin
Chicago News ExaminerMarj Halperin spouts off as the Democratic analyst on WGN-TV's Morning News, and occasionally guest anchors on WXRT. Her consulting biz focuses on strategic communications and messaging: how to target your audience whether you want to make news or AVOID making news. She's done both, running political campaigns and working for various government agencies, businesses and non-profits.
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Veepwatch: Day 77
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by Marj Halperin, Chicago News Examiner
Almost from the very moment Barack Obama clinched the Dem nomination, the media has been in a tizzy over his potential running mate. I’m not going to claim insider info, but I will tell you what I’m hoping for. A dazzler. With substance.
Obama’s detractors want you to think he has nothing more to offer than hope. But the issues list on Obama's website is twice as long as McCain’s, and he’s ramping up his issue-based message these days, which is a good call. Still, Obama needs a solid, experienced running mate. That ranks Biden or Bayh over Kaine. But if you ask me, all three of those reputed short-listers lack dazzle.
Surf the web and you’ll find about a half dozen candidates are “sure things”—according to one blog or another. One of my favorites is an elaborate analysis of who owns various websites pairing Obama with the front-runners. Registration for obamakaine.com is pretty close to Obama’s current campaign site, but the only perfect match is Obamasebelius.com.
Can it be popular Kansas guv Kathleen Sebelius is the One? I’m not backing the research methodology, but I would absolutely back the choice. Sebelius is a moderate “education Governor” who boosted funding for schools, has strong fiscal management and won her second term with nearly 60% of the vote. Bonus: she’s daughter of a former Ohio governor and her ties there could help win in that crucial state, as well as her own.
Hillaryites will suggest no other woman can take the veep slot—but please: keep your eyes on the prize, both in terms of getting a woman into the White House and in terms of keeping McCain out. Make no mistake: choosing a veep is not primarily about who can help govern; it’s about who can help win. Without the win, there is no chance to govern. Biden, Bayh and Kaine are variations on a familiar theme. Any or all of them can serve—but I’m hoping for a dazzler.
Disclaimer: in case you didn’t read my bio blurb, I’m the Democratic analyst for WGN-TV's Morning News program, so you can expect partisanship in this space. Here’s today’s segment; or, catch me next week live from Denver. Meanwhile, listen to the CSNY twist anti-war activists are using to convince you to "Come Up to Denver."
Nostalgic photo courtesy of Neouto/Wordpress
Check out CNN’s Jack Cafferty sharing his deepest fears about McCain: is he as shallow as Bush?
Topics: Presidential politics , news , current affairs
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