Look for Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) to be soon added to the public short list of names Sen. Barack Obama is considering to be his running mate.
First Read makes the case: "The Rhode Island senator, who is on the overseas trip with Obama, has been to Iraq 11 times (and voted against the original Iraq war resolution)... The widely respected voice on national security is a 1971 West Point grad, though he did not fight in Vietnam. The Army Ranger paratrooper, who eventually commanded the 82nd Airborne, was assigned elsewhere... Father was a school custodian and WWII vet... Was on a trip to Afghanistan with McCain and Lieberman when he first met his wife... Took weekly art classes at the age of 5 at the Rhode Island School of Design... Big Will Ferrell fan and drives a 1991 Ford Escort... Differing with Obama, he was against the 1991 Gulf War and voted against the recent compromise FISA legislation."
By choosing Reed, Obama could
address several perceived weaknesses: Reed served in the
military and has significant Washington experience. As a legislator, Reed has focused on education, defense, and healthcare -- all areas that Obama is focusing on. In addition, Reed is a Roman Catholic.
The downside of choosing Reed is that he fits the definition of "Northeastern liberal" and doesn't help Obama in the important Midwestern battleground states.
![[RSS]](http://67.192.49.194/templates/images/rss_icon.gif){kind=icon}
Comments
I think I'd rather see Obama choose Hagel out of those on the road with him, though first choice is Edwards or Sibelius.
Posted by: nemoplanetia
| July 21, 2008 12:09 PM
First Read has an error in their description of Reed's military background. He served 8 years on active duty after graduating from West Point, and left the military as a Captain, so did not "command" the 82nd Airborne. Reed commanded a company of the 82nd Airborne and served on the staff of a Battalion.
Posted by: Dwight McCabe
| July 21, 2008 2:49 PM
I agree with the first comment. If he needs experience, Hagel will be a better choice and it will really rile up the Republicans.
Posted by: What's my name
| July 21, 2008 3:10 PM
Hagel is extremely conservative. His criticism of the war is the only thing he and Obama share the same perspective on. It makes no sense at all for Obama to choose him, and I'd say there is almost no chance of it. Reed and Sibelius would be excellent choices. Since Edwards has already run four years ago, I doubt he wants to again, and does not seem to make good sense.
Posted by: evan500
| July 21, 2008 4:31 PM
Why not Bill Richardson? He helps with hispanics, the southwest and has foreign policy experience.
Posted by: grubstew
| July 22, 2008 8:37 AM
Post A Comment