Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Does Obama Need to Pick an Attack Dog for V.P.?


We've seen recently just how comfortable John McCain is in the role of an attack dog. He can choose a VP to moderate this approach. Or double his efforts if he likes with another grouchy misanthrope.

And we've seen just how difficult Obama finds playing dirty. Most would have succumbed to the temptation to attack during the primary, but he didn't.

So does Obama need to quickly choose a VP who can play the role of an attack dog in the campaign? Or do you think he can win by taking the high road for the next four months? Is nice a viable option?

13 comments:

Terrie Farley Moran said...

Hi Patti,

I certainly hope that nice is a viable option.

Obama manages nice without looking weak. It is the way he deflects or ignores attacks that sets him apart from so many others.

If Obama stays true to form, he will pick a running mate that has a reputation for being smart and pleasant so that they present a united front as they move toward the future.

Surrogates can attack if necessary. The VP should be issues oriented.

Of course that's just my opinion

Terrie!

Lolita Breckenridge said...

I agree with Terrie and that's an awesome pic of McCrazy.

pattinase (abbott) said...

I pray you're both right. Cause I'd hate to see a Dick Cheney on the ticket. Oh, right. He seemed nice during the campaign in 2000. Little did we know.

Randy Johnson said...

If you remember, McCain's wife promised this campaign would be run with no mudslinging.
That didn't last long, did it?

pattinase (abbott) said...

I guess no campaign will do that. But McCain really sunk low with his patriotism remarks. And it's only July.

Anonymous said...

I think that Obama is primarily concerned about getting electoral college votes. Kaine of Virginia appears to be the front runner at the moment.

pattinase (abbott) said...

I guess no females on either ticket this time.

Todd Mason said...

Cheney looked nice how? I never saw Cheney as anything other than how he appaears now, bitter over Watergate among other things, almost insanely grasping.

Well, Clinton certainly talked herselfe out of the Veep slot, apparently, but I wouldn't yet assume Kaine is it.

Obama doesn't mind dirty as long as he can Seem Cool. He's mostly been fortunate in his adversaries...and circumstances favor his chances now.

The Veep candidate is always an attack dog, albeit, as with Quayle, not always an effective one.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Oh, I remember Cheney in the VP debates with Al Gore and he seemed like this nice old grandfatherly type. I think he only really got mean after 9/11 when he seemed to become insane.

Todd Mason said...

Patti, you were rooked. He's a bastard going way back.

pattinase (abbott) said...

On paper, yes. And believe me I didn't vote for him. Have only once voted for a Republican and that turned out to be a mistake for a strange reason. But on those interviews and debates, he seemed like a big sweetie.

Steve Allan said...

I think Obama should pick Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears - a twofer. Barak can come out with one on each arm and introduce them as his VP bitches. Oh wait, that's McCain's vision. That was a brilliant move - piss off an extremely rich family who supports him, and then attack Bob Dole's Viagra/Pepsi honey.

Kaine would be an awful choice. Biden too. I'd prefer Edwards over both; but I really think Obama has to swallow his pride and bring Hilary in. It won't be a Prez/VP relationship like a Bush/Cheney or Clinton/Gore, more like Kennedy/Johnson. Hilary can be the attack dog - hell, she's straining at the leash as it is. Besides, her supporters would rather vote against their own interests to see Obama go down in flames. There is the potential for them to be the 2000 Nader voters in 2008.

pattinase (abbott) said...

I am beginning to think Hillary is the answer. He badly needs someone to take on these insane charges.