Former George Senator Sam Nunn and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh joined Barack Obama Wednesday on the campaign trail this week in West Lafayette, Indiana. The campaign stop is focused on national security and related issues, a theme on which Obama has touched on often lately, giving his first policy of the general election on Iraq and national security, and releasing two TV ads on the subject.
The trip was watched especially closely as Nunn and Bayh are two of the top contenders (as far as the media is concerned) for the number 2 spot on Obama’s ticket. Nunn could balance Obama’s young age and relative inexperience in foreign policy, and could also (possibly, maybe, probably not) put Georgia in to play for Barack.
Bayh on the other hand is an incredibly popular Senator and former Governor of Indiana (a real swing state) who could easily deliver that state to Obama on the ticket. Bayh’s also a great politician and was one of Hillary Clinton’s top backers, which would do wonders to help mend the still-present division in the party. I think Bayh would be a great pick, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he were chosen.
Here’s the story: “Two potential VPs join Obama“
Filed under: Decision '08, VP Special Coverage | Tagged: Barack Obama, Evan Bayh, Sam Nunn, VP
Either Nunn or Bayh would make excellent VP choices. If Bayh were at the top of the ticket, I would have no doubt about his ability to deliver Indiana. Senator Bayh is very popular in his home state but Indiana is very Republican state especially in terms of Presidential voting. Obama might have a chance in Indiana with Bayh on the ticket but far from a sure thing.
Right now, the polls are closer in Georgia than Indiana. Winning Georgia is not going to be easy, however, it is a much stronger possibility with Nunn as the running mate.
One thing is certain. Both Nunn and Bayh would add much to the ticket even if they fail to bring along their conservative home states. Obama needs to choose a moderate with strong national security experience and certainly Bayh & Nunn fit that profile.
Sam Nunn is a homophobe and has been out of politics for a long time, and I wouldn’t want him as veep. As for Bayh, he’s not the most exciting candidate but he seems like a reasonable choice.
Personally, I’d like to see Sebelius or Schweitzer on the ticket. Too bad Jack Reed doesn’t want the job, he would have been my top choice.
I love Sam Nunn! A GREAT resume. Intelligent. Foreign Policy expert. And would bring gravity to Obama’s weaknesses. Obama is being painted as an empty suit with good speeches.