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Report: Obama Aides Heading to Indianapolis

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:15:43 PM EST
Tags: Barack Obama, Evan Bayh, 2008 (all tags)
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Update: Via radio: The Obama campaign says no events are planned in Indianapolis on Saturday.

Adding another layer to the Veepstakes, the Nashville Post reports today that signs are pointing to Evan Bayh as Sen. Barack Obama's veep choice:

NashvillePost.com has learned that senior campaign officials from the Barack Obama Presidential campaign are being dispatched from various locations around the country and are converging in Indianapolis for a “major event” to take place on Saturday.

...Sources in Denver, the site of next week's Democratic National Convention, say that individuals responsible for Obama's major public appearances have been pulled out of the city and are heading east towards Indiana.

More...

While the Obama campaign has announced a Saturday appearance in Springfield, it hasn't said whether that will be his first appearance with his VP candidate.

So, add that to the tea leaves.

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    Report: Obama Aides Heading to Indianapolis | 111 comments (111 topical)

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    Do you think? (5.00 / 4) (#1)
    by cmugirl on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:20:19 PM EST
    That to keep interest in his VP choice alive (since he's had a bad summer), Obama's team is doing a bunch of head-fakes to keep everyone guessing until he announces?  And we're all being played for suckers for playing this game?

    This is stupid and embarrassing. (5.00 / 3) (#10)
    by jpete on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:33:14 PM EST
    They've made a very important decision, and we are going to be asked to vet it.  Is there some sort of illusion of power that hiding it gives them?  

    Parent
    Just announce it (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by dianem on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:33:56 PM EST
    At this point, whoever is chosen is going to let a lot of people down. People have just had too much time to decide who their favorite is and to decide that all of the other candidates are far less qualified. This should have been announced weeks ago, as far as I'm concerned.

    Parent
    they can't announce (5.00 / 0) (#66)
    by TimNCGuy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:46:54 PM EST
    a pick that probably hasn't been made yet.  They are probably waiting to see what the polls look like on Friday.

    I could see that all the final contenders have been told that they are final contenders.  And, that they have all been told to be prepared to come on Saturday if we call you on Friday with the final word.

    Parent

    Good point: In dragging this out, they're (5.00 / 0) (#115)
    by jpete on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:16:32 PM EST
    making it less likely the person will be  acceptable to most.

    Parent
    That's exactly what I think. (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by prittfumes on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:44:02 PM EST


    Parent
    Whole lotta nuthing (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by angie on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:45:51 PM EST
    Meh -- if it isn't Hillary who gives a flying rip? Obama himself said that his choice of VP was going to be "his most important choice as nominee" and he is blowing it with all his cutesy text messaging, etc. Whoever his choice is, if it isn't Hillary it will make GHWB's choice of Dan Qualye look like pure genius.

    Parent
    I don't know. I can see the bumper stickers now (5.00 / 1) (#108)
    by derridog on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:29:31 PM EST
    "OBAMA BYE".

    Parent
    Text Messaging (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by creeper on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:46:25 PM EST
    More showmanship.

    Parent
    Don't think this is a head fake.... (none / 0) (#55)
    by p lukasiak on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:29:34 PM EST
    Springfield is 200 miles (a 3.5 hour ride) from Indianapolis.  Noon rally in Springfield, 5PM rally in Indianapolis... and their are doubtless enough Obots and curiousity seekers to put together a decent sized rally in Indianapolis with 5 hours notice that Bayh is The One Jr.

    (Of course, Clinton IL is only about 50 miles from Springfield, so maybe it is a head fake! ;)  )

    Parent

    My stylist's wife's first cousin (5.00 / 11) (#5)
    by kredwyn on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:26:38 PM EST
    got it from a friend who heard it at the water cooler that the VP pick might be a guy.

    odds are even... (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by coigue on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:13:20 PM EST


    Parent
    so I've learned :) (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by kredwyn on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:43:12 PM EST


    Parent
    A white guy? (none / 0) (#120)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 12:34:08 AM EST
    I heard the same thing!  Must be true.  

    Parent
    Maybe they're going to Indianna (5.00 / 4) (#6)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:27:16 PM EST
    because SUSA shows him losing Indianna.

    Veepstakes be darned.

    My first thought (5.00 / 0) (#12)
    by BarnBabe on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:38:16 PM EST
    The polls, the polls....

    Parent
    The only advantage... (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by mike in dc on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:28:36 PM EST
    ...of dragging this out is that news coverage focuses on it, and in that sense Obama wins the weekly cycle.  
    At this point I'm even okay with Clinton being the pick.  Bayh only makes sense if he helps seal the deal in the midwest.  Biden adds some gravitas on foreign policy.  Kaine only makes sense if it secures Virginia.  Sebelius could possibly put Kansas in play and get back some(not all, obviously) Clinton supporters.  
    I think, at this point, Clinton would be a top 3 pick, in terms of net benefit versus net detriment.  But that's putting it strictly in terms of electoral prospects, not in terms of compatibility or any other intangibles.

    I don't know if (5.00 / 4) (#11)
    by ccpup on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:34:10 PM EST
    he's winning the weekly news cycle.  Most have gone from "oh, who'd he pick?" to "ugh, he hasn't picked anyone yet?!"

    He's flirting with being seen as indecisive.  And, being the blank slate that he is, that's not a good thing.

    Parent

    Forget the flirting part (5.00 / 3) (#20)
    by BarnBabe on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:45:04 PM EST
    He's flirting with being seen as indecisive
    He is being seen as indecisive. It will be the Republican 3AM call ad. We need a decision tonight, not 3 months from now.  

    Parent
    Does the fact that the VP (5.00 / 0) (#36)
    by miriam on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:08:18 PM EST
    is "a heartbeat away" from the presidency play any part at all in your considerations?  In the  olden days it was thought--quaintly perhaps-- to be important that the VP be qualified to act as commander-in-chief.  I guess that as a measure was tossed out the window along with competency, integrity and experience.

    Parent
    Why apply competency, integrity.. (5.00 / 3) (#59)
    by dianem on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:35:52 PM EST
    ...and experience qualifications to the Veep if you aren't going to apply those quals to the President.

    Parent
    VPs don't need to be compatable (5.00 / 0) (#42)
    by coigue on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:14:47 PM EST
    I don't know why anyone has that idea.

    Parent
    Clinton As the Pick (5.00 / 0) (#112)
    by creeper on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:50:01 PM EST
    No way.  It makes no sense to squander her expertise on a screwed up Obama administration.  

    It's not as though he'd have the sense that Bush did and turn everything over to his VP.  

    Parent

    Kaine has a better chance (none / 0) (#121)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 12:37:33 AM EST
    Of helping to carry Virginia since Virginia has become a Purple state.  BUT, Kaine's approval rating is low, he's not a very popular Governor.  His plan to raise gas taxes when gas was at its peak, did not go over well in Virginia and it won't go well nationwide.

    Indiana is VERY red, Bayh won't change that.  McCain will Indiana regardless.  But Bayh has nice hair and he's probably done some things in the Senate.  

    Parent

    That this might be a diversionary tactic (5.00 / 4) (#8)
    by Cream City on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:32:48 PM EST
    was the first thing that crossed my mind, too.  A sign that this game-playing has gone on too long.

    Looking indecisive, or looking like no one wants the job, or whatever this is all about in recent weeks -- none are winning game plays.

    It could all be recoverable, of course, with a good pick -- and a good explanation of the long process.  It's still moving along faster than in my line of work. :-)

    Only good explanation (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by IzikLA on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:55:47 PM EST
    Is to pick Clinton.  Now that would be a good fake-out, and the explosion of pent up frustration would all make sense.  Because they waited so long it would be MAJOR and yes, she is the only pick that would make it so.  This is the one reason I still cling to the small sliver of hope that he will pick her.

    Parent
    "No One Else Wants the Job" (5.00 / 0) (#113)
    by creeper on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:53:39 PM EST
    You know, I hadn't thought about this.  

    The longer he drags this out and the farther his poll numbers fall, the less likely he is to find someone willing to sign on to the sinking ship.

    Maybe it's not a matter of Obama making up his mind so much as of him finding someone willing to commit hara kiri on his behalf.

    Parent

    Someone who doesn't want to run for President (none / 0) (#122)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 12:39:29 AM EST
    Is the only one who will take the job now that Obama's poll numbers have headed south.  Anyone who hopes to run in the future will not want to be tied to a losing ticket.  It's always the kiss of death.  

    Parent
    exactly (5.00 / 2) (#9)
    by ccpup on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:32:55 PM EST
    and don't think she's not going to be the odds-on favorite to win in 2012 the way Al Gore was after being robbed in 2000.

    The desire for her to be the Nominee among the Democratic Base after February was overwhelming and, after the New Guy loses in November, nothing Pelosi, Dean, Brazile or other "Party Elders" can say or do is going to stop Hillary from running and winning.

    I even wonder if Obama will be able to win re-election to his Senate Seat in 2010.  Has he done anything for his constituents since taking Office?

    Well if you count the bills some "let" (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by PssttCmere08 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:40:17 PM EST
    him co-sign on and the committees he has said he belonged to, which he didn't (think banking committee), I see a one-way ticket back to Chicago.  Maybe there will be a credible, caring person running for senator there next time around.
    Sad to say, but looking at obama's record, there doesn't seem to be much he has done in any position he has ever held imo.

    Parent
    you are very close to being banned (5.00 / 0) (#18)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:44:05 PM EST
    from commenting here. Either stop your gratiutious, repetitive, substance-less insults of the Democratic nominee or move on.

    As of now, you are limited to ten comments in a 24 hour period. You have become a chatterer.

    Parent

    "Substance-less"? (5.00 / 0) (#114)
    by creeper on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:01:50 PM EST
    Jeralyn, there was plenty of substance in that comment.  Obama referred to the banking committee as "mine" when, in fact, he is not even a member.

    If you want to object to PssttCmere08's comment on the basis of it being off-topic, that's fine.  But it was not without substance.

    This may get me banned, too, but I have to say it.  TalkLeft is beginning to look like it's schizophrenic.  I see diary after diary here objecting to something Obama has done or said and yet you continue to support him.

    You can't have it both ways.  If you want to board the bus, that's fine.  But if you're going to do that, don't turn around and trash your candidate in the next post.

    You don't see Clinton's bloggers doing that.

    Parent

    Really? (none / 0) (#123)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 12:41:45 AM EST
    Many people here have said the same thing about our candidate.  The post wasn't nasty.  I am surprised at your response when many of us have posted very similar feelings.  

    Parent
    who else does that (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by ccpup on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:44:47 PM EST
    sound like?  Ugh.

    If the pick isn't Hillary (and I don't believe it will be either), the actual choice has the very strong possibility of being anti-climatic after all this silly build-up.  And with his poll numbers already heading south, I wouldn't be surprised if they trend further downward after this.

    Maybe that's why he's offering his decision during a Friday Afternoon News Dump time?  Odd way for a candidate to announce his VP choice.

    Parent

    Well, I would bet money that Obama won't (none / 0) (#39)
    by MarkL on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:13:01 PM EST
    even run for re-election if he loses in November.
    He already ruled out another run for the Presidency.
    If Obama wins, good for him; but if he loses, heads need to roll.

    Parent
    Air America (none / 0) (#103)
    by Valhalla on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:43:54 PM EST
    slightly OT, but not entirely.  RCP had a thing about Air America's survey of their listeners on who they'd choose for 2012 if Obama loses in November.  Clinton came in first (slightly ahead of Gore) and Obama 5th.  For 2008, 92% are voting for Obama (not a surprise).  Ok, yeah, it's Air America, but the results were interesting.

    Money's on Kaine for VP pick.  Money was on Webb for Keynote Speaker (Warner was 5th).  So prognostication isn't AAmerica's strongpoint, I guess.

    Parent

    I'm glad (5.00 / 0) (#14)
    by sas on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:41:29 PM EST
    it will not be Hillary either.

    Too bad Bayh might become a loser at such a young age.  

    Neither Obama nor Bayh is anything to write home about.

    They may be able to tell their left foot from their right, however.

    The announcement will be anti-climactic (5.00 / 3) (#16)
    by catfish on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:42:01 PM EST
    They are dragging this out way too long. Also it looks like they're trying all these veeps out as trial balloons, then changing their minds based on the reactions.

    Jeralyn, (5.00 / 5) (#25)
    by samanthasmom on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:57:20 PM EST
    have a wonderful time at the convention. I had great fun when it was in Boston. Thank you so much for your hospitality here at TalkLeft. Unless the convention turns out to be an upset, this is my last visit to TL until after the elections. But I'm looking forward to coming back no matter how November goes. To keep this comment on topic for this post, I've lost interest in the Veepstakes. He can pick whoever he wants.

    I'll miss your posts, (5.00 / 0) (#30)
    by ccpup on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:03:18 PM EST
    samanthasmom.   They always made me laugh as well as being intelligent and insightful.

    :-)

    Parent

    Me too! Don't go away. n/t (5.00 / 0) (#104)
    by Valhalla on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:44:51 PM EST


    Parent
    me too (none / 0) (#77)
    by sancho on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:36:21 PM EST
    guessing is irresistible but ultimately pointless. soon we'll know. but i cant text so maybe i'll know later than others. the bus ride arguement from indiana to sprinfield works for me.

    Parent
    Samanthasmom....I enjoyed reading your comments! (5.00 / 0) (#80)
    by BronxFem on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:46:33 PM EST


    Parent
    Me too. (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by Maria Garcia on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:01:42 PM EST
    And honestly November can't come fast enough for me.

    Parent
    it will go by fast! i too have sworn to (5.00 / 0) (#105)
    by hellothere on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:04:38 PM EST
    detach from blogs while the campaign is one, but my fingers just go and type talk left without my brain directing them it seems. smile

    Parent
    You don't have to leave. If you don't support (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by Teresa on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:04:25 PM EST
    Obama, that's okay with Jeralyn as long as you don't get obnoxious and I've never seen you be anything but polite.

    If you just want a break, I'll see you in November.

    Parent

    Obama himself (5.00 / 3) (#29)
    by TimNCGuy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:02:43 PM EST
    went to Indiana, what two weeks ago?.  And, Bayh cleared his calendar for him then.  At that point everyone said that Bayh would be announced on that day.  But, since then it has been at least three other people.  It was going to be Kaine a couple of days ago, because Obama would be in VA.  Where is he today, FL?  Or, was that yesterday?  Maybe it's Wexler.  Can we find a dem in each state and just follow Obama around and change his VP based on what state he is currently standing in?  Maybe we could schedule Obama for an event that straddles the border of two different states and reall mess with the pundits' heads.

    Aren't you all tired of this.  Why don't we just give up and wait for the text message.

    He's here today. (none / 0) (#43)
    by Joan in VA on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:15:06 PM EST


    Parent
    well then it must be Kaine (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by TimNCGuy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:17:31 PM EST
    again, right?  Or, maybe it'll be Santorum.  He needs a job, doesn't he?

    Parent
    What if they announced a VP and (5.00 / 3) (#31)
    by Anne on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:04:04 PM EST
    no one cared?  Because I think they are very close to being in that position, from what I hear from people here and there.

    I feel like I am seeing the political version of "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?"  Remember that PBS show - all the clues and questions that would lead you to the answer to where Carmen was...

    Evan Bayh?  Really?  Man, the joy just won't stop.

    I may not be paying close enough attention.. (none / 0) (#35)
    by TimNCGuy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:08:13 PM EST
    But, is the media spending an inordinate amount of time speculating on just when and who McCain will pick for VP?

    Or, is it just the Obama VP pick that is seen as being so important to his candidacy?

    Parent

    I hear the speculation, but not to (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by Anne on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:14:42 PM EST
    the same extent.  I go from thinking it is because they are dying for this to be anyone but Clinton because they can go wall-to-wall with their Clinton hate and pick at the scabs and go close-up on Clinton every time she is on camaera at the convention so they can catch a tear or a sad face, and maybe get Bill to cork off with something intemperate, and thinking it's because McCain isn't perceived to "need" the VP in the same way as Obama does.

    Maybe it's both.

    Parent

    thanks for the laugh (5.00 / 0) (#68)
    by sarahfdavis on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:51:07 PM EST
    you've got tears coming outta my eyes!

    Parent
    McCain... (5.00 / 0) (#60)
    by p lukasiak on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:38:23 PM EST
    ...has already told the country when he will announce his pick (Aug. 29th) and that specificity makes 'premature' speculation look stupid.  By constantly signalling that Obama's pick could come at any day, Team Obama has encouraged endless speculation (and I think its backfiring...)

    Parent
    well, I don't know that it is so much (5.00 / 1) (#63)
    by TimNCGuy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:42:50 PM EST
    Obama's team 'sending' signals as it is the media and their over active imaginations of 'reading' signals into everything.

    Parent
    leaks and "text messaging" (5.00 / 0) (#69)
    by p lukasiak on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:55:12 PM EST
    The Obama campaign has orchestrated constant leaks of who was being vetted, who was in the running, who was not in the running then suddenly was again, etc. etc. etc...

    Then, of course, there is the "text message" stuff.  

    That's called 'fuelling speculation'.  The fact that we don't even know WHEN Obama will make his announcement also fuels speculation -- and he's got the media following him around to states where "contenders" come from....


    Parent

    I blame the media as much, (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by TimNCGuy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:06:01 PM EST
    if not more than the candidate.  The media could cover issues instead of 24/7 VeepStakes ifthey wanted to.  But, they find this more entertaining.  They were the same way in the primaries.  the media could have covered issues in more depth if they wanted to.  But, the tabloid type fun of reporting the "horse race" and who stuck what foot into whose mouth each daya was better for their ratings.  Especially when it comes to cable

    With cable TV, there is so much more time available for news, they COULD actually cover more topics.   But, instead they pick one topic and cover that single issue for 24/7.

    IN the old days, when I would actually watch MSNBC, they were the worst at it.  They had three or four different shows on and all of them discussed the same exact issue.  IT was the worst when Hardball came on.  Tweety would discuss the same issue three different times in the same hour.  Just with a different set of guests.

    All that time available to discuss substance with some depth and it is wasted.  All thta time when you could actually bring on some new people who have knowledge about a particular topic to discuss it.  But, nope, bring on the same pundits to talk about the "politics" of an issue and how it "plays" instead of the issue itself when you  might actually educate someone.

    I don't mind if they cover the VeepStakes, but does it have to be the lead story ond treated as the most important story all day every day?

    Parent

    garbage in, garbage out... (none / 0) (#81)
    by p lukasiak on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:49:30 PM EST
    First off, the campaigns themselves are responsible for a massive amount of the crap that passes for "stories" now.   Because its easier to make 'horse race' and 'character' coverage interesting (and rating/circulation drives coverage), the campaigns themselves feed this kind of nonsense to the media.  

    But more importantly, even when the media does cover an issue, it does so incredibly badly.  Look at the coverage of Russia/Georgia -- the complete lack of nuance in the reporting of a very complicated set of facts was appalling.

    And this year, there isn't really much point in trying to do "issue-based" coverage, because you have one candidate who doesn't want his record to be examined on the issues, and another candidate who doesn't have a record to begin with.  

    Parent

    if the media were doing (none / 0) (#84)
    by TimNCGuy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:58:50 PM EST
    its job.  Well, maybe when they thought their job was to inform the public instead of earn dividends for their shareholders.  Then, it wouldn't matter what the candidates "wanted" them to examine.

    I'm tired of issues like healthcare being discussed in the media by political pundits instead of health care and or insurance experts.

    I don't care how something supposedly "plays" politically.  Maybe if the media discussed facts and provided answers instead of reporting spin, the things might "play" differently with the public.

    Maybe the media could call a candidate's spin a LIE once in a while if it is a LIE.  Wouldn't that be refreshing.

    Parent

    I agree (none / 0) (#65)
    by ccpup on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:44:38 PM EST
    that it seems to be backfiring.  How much remains to be seen.

    A friend of mine accurately said "if he spent as much time focused on the issues as he does keeping this 'who's it going to be for VP?' game alive, he'd be 10 points ahead in the Polls"

    I think she's right.

    Parent

    August is the slowest news month (none / 0) (#125)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 12:50:28 AM EST
    No one is in Washington.  The media is probably happy to have something to talk about, even if the rest of us are sick of it.

    Parent
    You are cracking me up! (none / 0) (#124)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 12:48:35 AM EST


    Parent
    This VP guessing game (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by Bluesage on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:06:59 PM EST
    Has been overplayed IMO.  The fairy dust seems to be settling now and people are seeing our nominee more clearly and it's not encouraging.  I still think Hillary could turn this around and take us to a win in Nov. but also think that is not in the cards.  This pandering to the religious right and the recent votes on FISA and drilling have taken a toll and now he is looking indecisive with this VP pick.  None of this bodes well for Nov. and none of the names being mentioned will correct that for him.  Bayh, Biden, Kaine - all deal breakers for too many.

    Gossip (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by waldenpond on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:12:24 PM EST
    Biden was going to the dump and Mrs Bayh was seen getting her hair and nails done.  Really.  No snark.  sigh.

    Sadly, Stephanie Tubbs Jones passed away.

    Glad to hear (none / 0) (#47)
    by samanthasmom on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:18:06 PM EST
    that Senator Biden knows how to take out the trash.

    Sorry about the Congresswoman, though. She's gone far too soon.

    Parent

    A heart bear away from being President (none / 0) (#72)
    by mogal on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:07:41 PM EST
    MEANS SOMETHING!

    Parent
    Typo- heart beat (5.00 / 0) (#73)
    by mogal on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:10:32 PM EST


    Parent
    And a care bear away (5.00 / 0) (#74)
    by Emma on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:11:46 PM EST
    means... what?

    Kidding!

    Parent

    Obama's VP =The Edsel (5.00 / 0) (#54)
    by Prabhata on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:26:33 PM EST
    As a student in college, I learned that too much anticipation for a product is not a good idea.  The Edsel was a case study for what not to do. For months, Ford had a campaign about the revolutionary car, the Edsel.  When the Edsel finally appeared it was an instant flop because it wasn't that revolutionary and people were extremely disappointed.

    Hmm (5.00 / 0) (#101)
    by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:37:00 PM EST
    & Jeralyn's "oldsmobile"....makes ya think!

    Parent
    At this point (5.00 / 0) (#75)
    by Emma on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:13:24 PM EST
    He's let it drag out so long the only response will be:  "Why isn't it Hillary?"  Because now everybody knows he needs Hillary.

    Apparantly it was a headfake... (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by americanincanada on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:45:23 PM EST
    Obama campaign aide takes pity on media, states unequivocally that the report of a planned Indiana trip on the Tennesse Web site nashvillepost.com is untrue.

    LINK

    This is all soooo fun (5.00 / 2) (#87)
    by waldenpond on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:00:29 PM EST
    I don't care about either of these candidates so it is absolutely LMAO stuff to me.

    Oh, the excitement!!! Yippeeeeee! :)  :)
    Oh, the let down >:-[

    and the media keeps lapping it up.  Too Hilton/Spearsish.

    Parent

    It reminds me of a spoiler board for (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by Teresa on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:01:33 PM EST
    Survivor.

    Parent
    Or the Batchelor. (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by Maria Garcia on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:06:13 PM EST


    Parent
    Sticking with our TV theme, it has to be (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by Teresa on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:11:44 PM EST
    American Idol. They will each speak and then we the viewers can text who we want.

    Parent
    Or this could be the head fake... (none / 0) (#85)
    by p lukasiak on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:58:58 PM EST
    Its not like the "campaign aide" was identified, or a press release was issued (at least according to the original report by Ann Kornblut.)

    Parent
    hmmm. It may still be Bayh. If it's Kaine, I don't (none / 0) (#86)
    by Teresa on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:59:12 PM EST
    know why he wouldn't announce in Va, a state he wants badly. Maybe it will be a lady who grew up in Illinois?

    Parent
    I like your logic... (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by CST on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:07:27 PM EST
    I read somewhere that there is a "Clinton" Illinois not far from "Springfield".  Another head-fake?

    Parent
    lol, google spell check for (none / 0) (#88)
    by Teresa on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:00:38 PM EST
    be Bayh is "bed Bath".

    Parent
    So it's Kaine, tomorrow (none / 0) (#126)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 12:53:28 AM EST
    In Chesterfield, Virginia?  a town no one has ever heard of, with a choice no one cares about.  

    Whoda thunk it?  

    Parent

    I like the sound of that... (5.00 / 0) (#109)
    by chopper on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:34:21 PM EST
    Obama, Bayh-Bayh.

    Hillary 2012

    So much for real change (5.00 / 0) (#116)
    by stefystef on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:22:20 PM EST
    I have nothing against Evan Bayh, but let's be honest.
    This election is no transformative, no change, nothing special.

    It's all about MEN.  Black men, biracial men, white men, all MEN.  Not a woman in the bunch.  And what are we to do?  Shut up and fall in line.

    So now, the polls are showing Obama having troubles already???  I'm disappointed with so many who thought Obama signaled "change" and that Americans really want change.

    Americans want change- just others to change to make things better for us.  Even with Evan Bayh, I don't know if Obama can carry Indiana.  Gore even lost his own state, TN, during the 2000 election.

    Anyone who wants the job (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by Jake Left on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 11:59:09 PM EST
    probably isn't qualified to do the job.

    Why not pick Bayh. I mean, why should Democrats start winning elections now?

    Hillary would be silly to accept. Obama would be stupid not to ask.

    looks like Bayh (none / 0) (#2)
    by ccpup on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:20:30 PM EST
    as this is too expensive a head-fake to keep the media and those still interested voters (few and far between, I'm guessing) for the Obama Camp to do.

    Wonder how all those people who are assuming it'll be Hillary -- and whose decision to trust him with their vote only if it is her -- will feel when it's Evan Bayh instead?

    ALso (none / 0) (#15)
    by nell on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 12:42:00 PM EST
    The Obama campaign's website lists many different events in Indiana coming up. I don't think the Obama campaign would be dumb enough to spend that much time on top of the money if they didn't believe they had a realistic shot, which would only happen with Bayh on the ticket.

    They're wrong. (none / 0) (#127)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 12:58:21 AM EST
    Indiana is much too red of a state for that to change.  The demographics are against the Obama.  Indiana is nearly 90% white with only 9% Blacks.  With so many rural areas, they are the kind of people who love McCain.  Bayh won't change that.  Perhaps he'll take a point or two from McCain to Obama but not nearly enough to turn that state blue.  

    Parent
    Then why Springfield too? (none / 0) (#34)
    by Teresa on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:07:14 PM EST
    Does Obama want to start all over? I want him to. :)

    Oh my! (none / 0) (#37)
    by Bluesage on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:09:43 PM EST
    I just heard the news of Stephanie Tubbs-Jones.  How sad.  My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

    There's a new thread on it (none / 0) (#61)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:39:05 PM EST
    Since we only get 200 comments per post, I'm deleting the off topic ones here. Please feel free to repost on the new thread about the sad passing of Rep. Jones

    Parent
    Does (none / 0) (#46)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:18:04 PM EST
    anyone else get the impression that no matter who Obama picks one group is going to decide that "it's a deal breaker". Around here Jeralyn has said Biden. Others have said Kaine. I wonder how widespread this kind of thing is among voters.

    Obama ain't mccain-the-insane (none / 0) (#102)
    by pluege on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:43:24 PM EST
    I am disliking Obama more everyday the more I see of him and with how I see him managing the sure dem victory to a cliff hanger AT BEST. But I'll be damned if I'd ever not vote for him to defeat mccinsane. I don't think even picking the most detestable of all for VP: LIEberamn, could dissuade me. Unfortunately, it appears that Obama and his geniuses are taking for granted most non-worshiper dems being like me.

    Parent
    Jeralyn, what the heck is... (none / 0) (#49)
    by Larry Bailey on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:18:57 PM EST
    ...the Nashville Post?

    I wondered the same and I'm in TN. (none / 0) (#58)
    by Teresa on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:34:35 PM EST
    I checked the site and is doesn't seem like a crazy one.

    Parent
    Theres a new thread on Rep Jones Sad Passing (none / 0) (#62)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:40:11 PM EST
    please post your comments about her there. Thanks.

    Won't some doubt? (none / 0) (#70)
    by waldenpond on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:02:14 PM EST
    OK, there have been so many rumors, even a fake CNN page.  I'm going to doubt even the text message. I will sit back and wait to see if any of it is true.  How's that for over-fueling speculation?  

    The is no question that he needs Hillary (none / 0) (#76)
    by Bluesage on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:29:44 PM EST
    But, at this point, I think I would be really disappointed if he asked and she accepted.  She can be a strong voice in the Senate which we will need over the next four years (I would love to see her as Senate Leader).  Just about all, even those on the other side of the aisle, says she is a force to be reckoned with and smart as a whip.  She knows the issues and she knows how to fight.  I think Obama has done so much damage to his own candidacy now that I wouldn't want her to be dragged down with him.  We need her in the Senate and on the ticket in 2012.  Obama's VP pick will be anti-climatic IMO and will not help him repair the damage he's done to himself and our Party.

    sounds like BS to me.... (none / 0) (#82)
    by p lukasiak on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:53:34 PM EST
    ...while I don't know if (or when) Kaine would have to resign if he were running for national office, the idea of an "emergency meeting" where people were told to drop everything just sounds ridiculous.  Even if Kaine is the VP pick and has to resign in order to run, that won't be official until NEXT Wednesday -- there is no 'sucession crisis', and no need to treat it like one.

    deleted the comment you replied to (none / 0) (#128)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 01:00:54 AM EST
    because of an overly long url.

    Parent
    Well, actually, there is a problem (none / 0) (#129)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 01:03:01 AM EST
    Two republicans would move up, one to Governor and one to Lt. Governor.  That's HUGE for the republicans in Virginia since the one would become Governor, Bill Bolling, is already running for Governor in 2009.  Getting the job now would be a huge boost to his campaign.  Republicans in VA are praying that Obama chooses Kaine since they make out like bandits and Kaine is not popular enough in Virginia to be of much help to Obama.

    Parent
    Anti this Anti that... (none / 0) (#96)
    by Rashomon66 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:21:04 PM EST
    What's frustrating is there are already anti-Bayh sites cropping up. This is mad. Why do Democrats only want to fight? You know if Hillary was the nominee the Obama supporters would be making a lot of noise.
    Republicans do not seem to do this. Why?

    Becuase the old adage is true (none / 0) (#97)
    by CST on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:24:50 PM EST
    Democrats fall in love, Republicans fall in line.

    When you fell in-love with a candidate that's not the nominee, breakin up is hard to do...

    Parent

    Isn't that the truth? (5.00 / 0) (#100)
    by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:35:34 PM EST
    I have a bumper sticker in my political collection:

    Dated Dean Married Kerry


    Parent
    Soon! (none / 0) (#98)
    by scdemocrat on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:31:39 PM EST
    We will find out soon enough. This time next week we will know. No big deal. The whole text thing might be cheesy, but I bet he got a lot of people to sign-up to his site because of it. The more people he can get interested the more potential voters could show up and cast votes.

    Democrats.sc Blog

    The Vice President (none / 0) (#99)
    by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:33:59 PM EST
    search is becoming more of an albatross than it should be for the Obama campaign.  Many on here I agree with:  just name the person and get on with it.

    There is time to make your case.  Right now I am open to a "Deal-Maker".  Feingold would make me support this ticket wholeheartedly.  Clinton, I dunno. Just a hard pill to swallow consider the primary...scorched earth and all that jazz.   Whoever Obama picks I would have to do my own research and feel that he or she would complement Obama or just gives me a double does of him.

    I did see an interesting tag on MyDD on that 'shout out' from last night:  "Hillary Clinton is voting for Obama, why aren't you?"

    Kinda savvy I must say.

    I hate that tag. (none / 0) (#107)
    by Joan in VA on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:19:26 PM EST
    That commentor's tag before she suspended was probably something hateful directed at her. Now, it's just rubbing salt in the wound. Don't know that for sure but seems likely based on the level of CDS that site obtained prior to June. Some of which is still there.

    Parent
    just trying to (none / 0) (#117)
    by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 09:18:46 PM EST
    find some common ground.   my animosity is starting to fade.  i was a yellow dog Dem and its hard to just turn my back on ANY Dem really.

    ugh i hate that we are at this low place.

    Parent

    The way he's set it up (none / 0) (#106)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:06:44 PM EST
    any pick other than Hillary will be an anti-climax, a letdown.  Wonder if he knows that.

    But I'm with Waldenpond.  I don't care about either candidate.  In fact, I don't even care about elections this time.  For the first time in the ~10 years I've been signed up for permanent absentee voting, I threw away my absentee ballot (for the Washington primary), without even voting.

    Give me weak candidates and I'm going to be apathetic.

    Since the Lt. Gov is a Repub, (none / 0) (#110)
    by Joan in VA on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:34:25 PM EST
    he would be unlikely to be included in such a meeting, making it somewhat pointless.
    He doesn't have to resign. There is some talk around here about Warner being able to run for Veep and Senator at the same time. Fun!

    Didn't Lieberman do that? (none / 0) (#130)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 01:09:37 AM EST
    Didn't he run for Senator and VP at the same time?  

    Parent
    The insanity continues!!! (none / 0) (#119)
    by SueBonnetSue on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 12:30:44 AM EST
    Just CHOOSE SOMEONE, and be done with it.  The more Obama delays, the sillier he looks.  It's been 10 days since he sent the text message!  this is just idiotic.  

    If he chooses Bayh, it won't help with Indiana.  It's much too red, with too few Blacks.  Indiana will not turn blue, I can almost guarantee it.  

    If he chooses Biden, we can guarantee that Biden will make some big, verbal, blunder before the election.  (First rule for VP's is Do No Harm.)  

    Tim Kaine is so unpopular in Virginia that he won't be a help either.  

    If announces that it's Hillary (which it won't be) we'll be happy, but I fear it's the kiss of death for her.  She'll be on a losing ticket and that will be the end of any chance for her to be President.  :(  

    Perhaps Mark Warner has reconsidered.  He's someone who could help carry Virginia!  

    Report: Obama Aides Heading to Indianapolis | 111 comments (111 topical)

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