Who would be a better vp- Clark or Graham?

I think both Clark and Graham are the best vp candidates. To be fair, I am not saying they can't win the nomination, I am saying if they don't then I think they would be the top pick for VP. Personally, I am behind Kerry so I am thinking either Kerry/Clark or Kerry/Graham. But either Clark or Graham would be the best vp for any nominee in my opinion.

I like Graham because he brings the southern strength and the all important state of Florida would be more competitive. I'm not convinced it would mean winning Florida, but it would certainly give a much better shot at it with Graham on the ticket. Plus, he just seems to fit the vp mold very well. Experienced and solid.

I like Clark because of his sterling resume and background, this guy is impressive. He would bring mega credentials for the national security angle, and is charismatic and engaging. He would draw military votes as well as independent votes and he is also from the south. He might even draw some Republican votes.

I can't decide who is the best, but I think either would be a premier choice for vice president.

in foreign policy and domestic issues.

If it's Kerry, for example, he doesn't need the foreign policy or military bump that Clark can give him. I think he'd be best going with Graham for the south.

And, that's assuming Clark or Graham don't get the nom themselves.

If Graham makes the difference in winning Florida, that alone makes it worth nominating him for VP. Without FL, it will be difficult for Bush to win. All Graham has to do is spend the whole election working his home state.

Plus, Graham has inside Washington experience and executive experience. Southerner. Much as I like Wesley Clark, I have to give the nod to Graham.

His home state is Arkansas--just like Clinton, he combines a southern heritage with a northeastern elite resume.

I think Graham would be a better VP for Dean, because Dean doesn't want to be completely dominated by the outsider label. He needs to do that *and* say he'll have a steady hand with regard to the economy and congresisonal politics.

Clark would be fantastic for Kerry or (heaven help us) Gephardt, because he helps immunize them from the "too liberal" label, gives them southern votes, and more importantly, injects an element of mystique and charismatic excitement that both campaigns are lacking a little right now (a lot when it comes to Gep).

I'm discouting Edwards, Graham, and Lieberman, because their campaigns are stillborn at the moment. CMB is pretty hopeless and I don't think Sharpton or Kucinich would want either of 'em.

....Im assuming that if Dean wins (and it is looking very likely) it should be Graham, as they make a good "package" as centerist governors and problem solvers, and their antiwar message is consistent.

Dean, as a yankee, will need someone who is pretty obviously a Southerner on the ticket as a ticket balancing thing to put the border south in play.

Clark isn't obviously a Southerner.

I think Clark would be a good veep for Kerry...they seem to go togther well, and Kerry is maybe has more of a national stature than Dean & is less likely to need ticket balancing.....

Dean will win the nomination; we have a very long way to go. AND - if Clark throws his hat into the ring (it looks as if he will), it will be to win the nomination, not have his name pandered as someone's VP. The repugs have put the VP bug out there and it seems to be working.

that the right is *also* floating Clark as a VP candidate.

I wonder if that's just the right being honest--since a big element of U.S. politics is making the right "call," as with a sporting event, regardless of your "team"--since a lot of Dems are thinking the same way...

Or maybe they are a little worried?

If Clark jumps in doesn't make a big splash, then Dean or Kerry will carry on, maybe offer him a cabinet or the VP spot if he does OK, and the Dems don't lose much...but if Clark *does* make big splash, then the right could be in for a serious hurting...

think about it for a minute...Clark will crush chimpy when it comes to national security and military issues; no other candidate is as strong. I think when Clark finally announces and starts fleshing out his platform, we'll see how brilliant he is and that he's not a single-issue candidate. The right are not being honest; they're undercutting a Clark candidacy. If they can make Clark look like he's weak, especially to fence-sitters and undecided dems, they win.

Democratic senator!!

As much as I would enjoy a Clark candidacy, Clark as
VP is the ideal solution for Dean's perceived weakness
on the national security issue. No one can assail
Clark's patriotism--he effectively immunizes the ticket
from those charges.

Win-Win all around, especially if the "War on Terra" is
a big issue next year.

JMHO.

D

I think he should be on the front of the ticket, but if VP is the call, that'll work. Either way I hope to see Clark out there - I think he will not only offer the best chance of beating *, but will also be effective in cleaning up the mess * is creating.

Here's why. Florida's electoral votes are crucial for sure, but there is no guarantee that a Graham candidacy would bring Florida. He's not currently polling well there, and the people already know him well.
Clark would have a greater likelihood of carrying Arkansas- still enough to win according to results last time. He may also have clout in Louisiana; if he uses his brain he could get the Rep-leaning panhandle of Florida, therefore winning Florida. (that's much more of a stretch though, with Bush as governor.)

But all we need is Arkansas.

2) The security mom thing is real. Let's say that Dean won the nomination, or even Kerry or Edwards. Right Wingers are backing off Clark and appeasing him at the moment. So if he enters the race as VP, he will do so with his national security reputation clean and help the ticket, while the candidates currently running will have been tarnished by the Republicans.

So while conventional Math says Graham, conventional Political Science says Clark.

His resume is so impressive, I'd have to give it to Clark...

I think he could handle pres. instead though:)

Graham's numbers in Florida have plummeted since he began attacking Bush. I have no doubt that Clark can bolster the ticket with foreign policy cred and deliver Arkansas' 6 electoral votes. With Dean delivering New Hampshire's 4 EVs, all we would need is to hold onto Gore's states and draw Bush into fighting for other states.

In your scenario, we don't even need
Florida. Yowza.