Reply #26: More like Gore-Kerry [View All]

But really, that is simply a fantasy ticket for Dems like us that would never win in the real world. Gore isn't a "real" Southerner. Kerry and Gore are too much alike: very smart, very good at policy, but slightly aloof. Gore didn't carry his home state of Tennesee in 2000 when there was less right wing sentiment in this country; It would be impossible for him to do so in 2004. Clinton was viewed as a true southerner, which is one of the reasons he was able to win several southern states. With Clinton it wasn't about ideology, they voted for him because he was extremely charismatic. They're are few politicians who can do what Clinton did. Reagan was like that. Despite what the media says about W being popular, he will does not have the crossover appeal of a Clinton or a Reagan.

The bottom of the ticket should always reinforce the strengths of the top of the ticket, while balancing things out at the same time. If Kerry or Gore is at the top, a slightly more moderate candidate from a southern or swing state will most likely be at the the bottom of the ticket.