For at least a year, I have been predicting that PA Sen. Bob Casey will be President Obama’s choice for Vice President in this year’s re-election.
This choice only works if Obama remains a strong favorite by the time of the Democrat National Convention. If his election to a second term is in doubt, look for the V-P nominee to be Hillary Clinton.
This forecast is logical and – if I still have any readers willing to read further – I can explain.
Few Democrats think Joe Biden doesn’t deserve a second term, too, but he turns 70 this year and would be a long shot in 2016. Don’t get me wrong. Both V-P Biden and his wife Jill are well-liked. With the exception of some minor gaffes and Republicans who hate all Democrats, the long-time Delaware Senator has few enemies.
Unlike Sarah Palin, Biden did fit a purpose four years ago. Obama had as much experience in foreign relations as I have running the 100-yard dash. Biden happened to be the Democrats’ “go-to” guy on foreign policy, a perfect match for the top of the ticket. Sen. John McCain spent too much of the Republican campaign answering the question “Why her?” while Obama was able to be Obama.
During the debates Biden could pronounce “Asif Ali Zardari,” ex-President of Pakistan, while Palin said she could see Russia from her front porch.
However, I do not see much material circulating that promotes the “Obama-Biden” team. Eight years ago, as I recall, the Bush-Cheney flags were already flying in the front yards of all rednecks.
Casey, however, is a different horse. Young, beautiful family, scandal-free, articulate and as much “Pro Life” as can be tolerated in a Democrat seeking a national office. This balances with Obama’s emphasis on women’s choice, although, admittedly, the same could be said of his matchup with Biden on the ticket.
Obama has taken major hits for some of his legacy projects. This is all wasted if he does not help engineer a continuation of the regime in 2016.
I have never understood the logic, if any, that is applied in the selection of a vice-presidential candidate. The most frequently used word is “balance.” However, logic is paper thin in the choices of Bush I and II, Clinton, Gore and, of course, McCain. These anointments were more like picking Bridge partners.
More balance was applied in Obama’s choice of Biden and it would hold truer with the selection of either Casey or Hillary.
Reading the Republicans this year is more difficult after McCain’s selection in 2008. McCain’s approval of Palin removed all chances of the Arizona Senator occupying the White House? Why remains speculation.
Gov. Romney should still get his Party’s nomination, but will shed blood. He will need a “balance” candidate. His choice, however, will spend most of his(her) time keeping a large segment of the Republican Party in the fold.
President Obama had some problems holding in Democrats who did not like a Black at the top of the ticket. Mormon Romney will have more difficulties with Republicans shocked he is not a Christian.
Under full disclosure, I have an abysmal track record in picking V-P candidates. Take four years ago.
McCain was to announce his choice at the Dayton Airport on a Friday morning. The Democrat convention had just ended the night before and he wanted to blunt the normal surge a party always gets coming out of that event.
Certain that McCain would anoint former PA Governor Tom Ridge, the night before I told wife Diana, we might support a Republican for President in 2008. Ridge didn’t know me personally, but, through my labor ties, I had excellent relations with his office when he was Congressman and Governor. In addition, I admired his moderate stances in a Party that was rushing pell-mell to the right.
Friday morning, newscasters were reporting a private aircraft flying from Alaska into Dayton. In two quick phone calls, I learned Ridge was in a DC suburb getting a haircut.
Did I mention that Sen. Casey shoots a good game of hoops with President Obama?
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