What makes a good VP?

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MSNBC
What makes a good VP?
May 23: NBC presidential historian Michael Beschloss and NBC's Andrea Mitchell discuss the important traits of a good vice presidential running-mate.

What has Obama said about how he might choose:
"I would like somebody who knows about a bunch of stuff that I'm not as expert on," he said, and then he was off and running. "I think a lot of people assume that might be some sort of military thing to make me look more Commander-in-Chief-like. Ironically, this is an area--foreign policy is the area where I am probably most confident that I know more and understand the world better than Senator Clinton or Senator McCain."

"That last thing I'd say about a vice president is--obviously, you want someone who can be president and who shares a broad vision of where I want to take the country; don't have to agree with me on every particular, but shares with me a bias for opening up government, adding a rational discourse about how we're gonna solve problems, a bias towards empowering individual citizens."

McCain-

He frequently waves off queries with a joke that the vice president has just two duties: casting tie votes in the Senate and inquiring daily about the health of the president. But that hasn’t stopped feverish speculation about his frequent companions on the campaign trail and those who have made the invitation list for weekend retreats to the candidate’s cabin outside Sedona.

Many believe that voters’ concern about McCain’s age – he will be 72 on inauguration day – means his choice for the No. 2 spot will carry a great deal of weight.

But there is little consensus within the party about what issue will define McCain’s choice. Should his team look to a candidate who could shore up his economic credentials? Should he choose a partner who could allay suspicions among some conservatives that McCain is too liberal? Or does he have the latitude to choose a candidate who might broaden the appeal of the Republican Party?

McCain’s most obvious task is finding someone the American people would view as a suitable stand-in as commander in chief.


Join in the discussion! Though the following comments suggest Obama will win the election.

Open thread: Obama's Vice-President (not Hillary)


Some considerations for what makes a good Vice President:
•Debater/public speaker/attack dog: the primary function of the V.P. in the campaign season. How well do they speak of the nominee? Defend him?
•Are they vetted? Any skeletons in the closet?
•Would they make a great President? Are they Presidential?
•Good relations with the Senate? Senate leadership?
•Diplomatic? They may have to break ties in the Senate.
•Are they too influential in their current position? They may not want to the day-to-day duties of the V.P. i.e. Funerals, etc.
•Appearance and manner. Unfortunately in this day and age you have to look relatively good and have a pleasant or appealing image.
•Are they media savy? Are they good a good communicator? Pleasant voice?
•Geographic and demographic concerns:
--Region/state: Can they offer a win in a key swing state or key region?
--Demographics: race, religion, ethnicity, class or income level they might appeal to.
•Issues. Do they offer experience on a key issue? Or if not, could they offer experience on an issue that is not currently talked about but that could become a winner?
•Do they line up well with the nominee on the issues? You do not want a counter-intuitive stance on the issues.
•Have they endorsed or supported the nominee through and through?

"I'm sure there are other considerations as well. However, I think that's a pretty good start."
By josephcast - May 30, 2008, 4:06PM

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