Reaction to Obama’s VP Choice

August 25th, 2008.

From CNN: Biden’s Role is Filling Gaps and Taking Shots

I took the time to read through the various commentators remarks about the value of Biden for Obama’s run at the presidency. One thing is abundantly clear; the conservatives question the pick, while the Dems seem to be embracing it. No surprise here, but I want to offer my opinion…

Personally, I do not like the Biden pick for VP. It disheartens me Obama feels he needs an attack dog to take on McCain on issues such as foriegn policy and national security. Obama has based his candidacy on change and this change begins in Washington. Although I respect Biden and many of his positions, he still represents old Washington politics. On many levels Biden is no different than McCain. They have both served in the senate for 25+ years and they come from a system which they could have changed themselves but choose to move along with the status quo.

If Obama wanted to really take a chance, set himself apart from McCain, he should have considered a Washington outsider. I believe someone like Wesley Clark is a good fit. Clark understands Washington politics without being a part of the problem all these years. He would also give Obama the foreign policy and national security credentials he lacks. And, of course, he will attack McCain as he did a few weeks ago when he said, “Well, I don’t think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president.” I agree, Clark is not questioning McCains patriotism, all he is saying is it is not justifiable to use his war experience as a qualifier on foreign policy and national secuirty.

Bottom line, I have to side with the conservatives on this pick. It is clear Obama thinks he will lose without resorting to tride and true negative campaigning – as it appears this is the direction he has taken with the Biden pick. Furthermore, Biden is not a change agent. I think Hillary Clinton would have been a better choice because she brings a huge base of support, voters who would be a lock for Obama.

It will be interesting to see how this campaign develops from this point forward. Up next, McCain’s pick.