Originally Posted By markymouse Do you think Obama will go with Biden again? Bush had a workhorse VP who wasn't a viable candidate for the following election. Will Obama stick with Biden, whom I don't consider viable in 2016 because of his age? Or will he choose a running mate in 2012 who has a chance to continue in 2016? Who might that be?
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder Dunno if the 2016 Dem candidate will have been Obama's VP, but my guess is right now it's somebody no one is even considering.
Originally Posted By Mr X The VP of a 2 term sitting president often gets the nod, though. Cheney was unusual in that regard. Gore ran and lost. Bush Sr. ran and won. Ford is an odd story, but he, too, ran again after taking over the Presidency from the vice presidency. LBJ, Nixon both ascended from the VP chair as well though both in odd fashion. Not saying it WON'T be a VP (and probably not if VP is still Biden), but if it was a younger and more electable person I'm sure he or she would be the front runner.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 For all the fun that is made of Biden, I think he has served Obama well, on a number of levels. I don't see him being dumped because of his age. If Obama is really interested in grooming a protege, there are other ways to do it. <Dunno if the 2016 Dem candidate will have been Obama's VP, but my guess is right now it's somebody no one is even considering. > The Democrats OFTEN go with someone no one is considering, certainly this far out. Carter, Dukakis, Clinton, Kerry, Obama... all were big underdogs 18 months out, let alone 4 years and 18 months out. That said, I do think the 2016 nomination is almost Hillary's for the asking, IF she's still interested. She obviously came very close last time (and has a lot of real partisans among Democratic primary voters), and Obama supporters still appreciate her making nice at the convention in 2008, and serving as SoS (and there seems to now be plenty of genuine respect between Obama and Clinton). Any thoughts that her resume was still a little thin would probably be long gone by then (8 years senator, 4 as the highest Cabinet secretary), plus the excitement of possibly being the first female president. She can raise tons of money, too. If she still wants it, I don't know that anyone can beat her in the primaries. Whether she can win the general probably depends on how the country's doing in 2016 - if it's doing well and moderates are kindly disposed towards Obama (and thus Democrats in general), she'd have a real shot.
Originally Posted By Mr X Clinton will be 69 on election day 2016. While that would still put her nearly a year younger than Reagan when he was sworn in, it's still quite old. Another consideration is the fact that, while she might be in good health and can handle it, her husband has NOT been in good health and that must be a consideration for her and their family.
Originally Posted By Labuda ^^ Not to be incredibly macabre, nor do I WISH President Clinton dead, BUT a heart attack might take care of the above issue for Mrs. Clinton before it becomes much of an issue 4 years from now.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 Yeah, the age and Bill's health could be factors, and she may decide not to go for it. But shed be younger than Reagan or McCain. I'm just saying that if she DOES want the nom, I think she could probably get it.
Originally Posted By Mr X If they were collectively conniving types (I don't really think they are, honestly), I would say the best strategy to get her into the big chair would be for Obama/Biden to run and win, and then somewhere around 2013-14 or so have Biden step down "for health reasons" or whatever, and get her into the VP slot "for the good of the nation". If they were conniving schemers, I mean.
Originally Posted By ChurroMonster Hillary will be Obama's running mate. Her tenure as Secretary of State has proven her loyalty to the party and she will be rewarded for it. She will also be the head of the ticket in '16 despite her age. For anyone doubting, I called her Secretary of State appointment months before it happened....
Originally Posted By Mr X That wasn't such a tough call, she was on the short list on most political shows I watched. I was a bit surprised she accepted, though.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 there is little love between the Clinton's and Obama's - that was more than evident during the electioneering. Hillary has very few 'photo ops' with the president and I feel she is just solidfying her service to the country for the record books... do not believe for a minute she'd take second spot on the ballot also not sure she'd want top spot any more- age a factor as is look at how much she can do today and takes precious little criticism in the press or elsewhere - why would you want to opposite?
Originally Posted By Dabob2 There have been some insider accounts (Woodward - people like that) saying that Obama and Hillary, while cool towards each other during the campaign for sure have legitimately warmed to each other and gained mutual respect if not affection. No way she'd go for Veep, I don't think, but if she and Bill are still healthy in 2016, I wouldn't rule out another run for her.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 I should add, I don't think she'd run unless she felt she stood an excellent chance of winning. I think the Dem. nom would be hers almost for the asking, but she'd have to feel she had a good chance to win the general.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I saadly report there are no GOP candidates today I'd vote for ahead of her-- she would have gotten my vote last time
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< I saadly report there are no GOP candidates today I'd vote for ahead of her-- she would have gotten my vote last time >>> And what a sad comment that is on the Grand Old Party, now isn't it?
Originally Posted By ChurroMonster Vice presidency in 2012 makes her a lock to be the nominee in 2016. If offered she'll take it.
Originally Posted By Labuda I just *really* don't see Obama dumping Biden and then Hillary accepting the VP nomination in '12.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Vice presidency in 2012 makes her a lock to be the nominee in 2016. If offered she'll take it. --- she'll be 69 in 2016 - and 73 at the end of one term... her time was 2008
Originally Posted By vbdad55 And what a sad comment that is on the Grand Old Party, now isn't it? ---- yes it is
Originally Posted By Mr X ***she'll be 69 in 2016*** As was mentioned, that's almost a year younger than Reagan when he first took office.
