Prediction: The Vice-Presidential nominee is........ [View All]

One of the most interesting aspects surrounding the speculation about likely Vice-Presidential has been the abundance of detail put forward by those who marshal facts in favor of their favored choice(s). Rather than finding this to be annoying, I have in fact found it incredibly comforting and reassuring: we Democrats have a wealth of talented individuals who are quite capable of distinguishing themselves in the second-highest office in our Republic.

That said, I must also note that this same process resembles in many respects the ancient Roman augurs studying pigeon entrails in an attempt to divine an omen that indicates just who it is the gods favor. *grin* Is it someone with extensive foreign-policy experience? Someone with a strong domestic message? Someone with great appeal to independents and disaffected, moderate Republicans? An experienced legislative leader? Perhaps someone with excellent organizational skills and a large, grassroots following? *picks among the 'entrails'*... ;) I won't keep you in suspense any longer; THIS is the person Sen. Kerry will choose:

The person Sen. Kerry will choose ( or has likely already chosen ) will be, first and foremost, someone he can TRUST implicitly, someone who will always 'have his back'. Anyone who thinks this isn't important hasn't been paying close attention to Sen. Kerry. Personal loyalty, coupled with the savvy to understand what truly is and is not a threat to Kerry, will be the MINIMUM requirement to serve as John Kerry's VP. Sen. Kerry's VP will not simply be a partner, but a true friend, colleague and ally.

The person will also be someone who demonstrates the political skills necessary to 'reach across the aisle' and effectively engage members of the opposition. Why? Because I firmly believe that Sen. Kerry intends to put an end to the decade-long political 'war' started by Newt Gingrich and the radical-right wing of the Republican party. Sen. Kerry has seen and understands that the American people are thoroughly sick and tired of the 'politics of personal destruction'. Sen. Kerry has clearly signaled this intention by publicly meeting with Sen. McCain, and allowing speculation about a Kerry/McCain ticket to go forth, until squelched by Sen. McCain himself.

The 'chosen one' will also be someone who fundamentally agrees with Sen. Kerry on the broad issues facing our nation; he/she need not agree in every detail to the 'nth degree', but shares views that are largely convergent with Kerry's own. 'Domestic tranquility' within the Executive Branch will be needed and assured a priori.

The VP nominee will be someone who complements but does not 'upstage' Sen. Kerry himself. His/her talents will 'dovetail' with Sen. Kerry's own formidable ones, without overshadowing them. He will 'backfill' in areas in which the Senator is rightly or wrongfully perceived as being 'weak'. He will be the 'plebeian' to Kerry's 'patrician', and will bring warmth, cordiality and genuine bonhomie to Kerry's perceived 'aloofness' and reserve.

Finally, the person chosen as Kerry's running mate will demonstrate a minimum level of competence regarding both domestic- and foreign-policy issues; the running mate may well not be the person with the MOST experience in a given area or areas, but he will have demonstrated both minimum skills and a general 'upward learning curve', overall. The person Kerry chooses to run with him will be someone Sen. Kerry himself can envision as occupying the Oval Office in his own right without having heart failure.

So, to answer the question about who it's going to be, my answer is...









































Beats the hell outta me; I don't know any more than anyone else does, but I'd bet my last nickle that it's someone who fits ALL of the criteria I laid out.

Cheers! ;)