John McCain without a teleprompter???

I have heard several conservative commentators state that Obama can't string two words together without a teleprompter. The implication is that someone else is giving him the words and he is just a mouthpiece.

Reminds me of George W. Bush....

The difference is that Obama is one of the most thoughtful people I have ever heard speak. And it is pretty clear that he is the brain at the top of the organization - unlike in the current administration.... You don't get to be editor of the Harvard Law Review if you can't think. Moreover, anyone who has read his books can see that he is a thinker. Yes, he does occasionally struggle to get his thoughts out - but that is usually because they are complex thoughts. Most of the time, he communicates clearly and effectively.

John McCain is another matter. Because of his long history of making stupid statements off the cuff during conversations with reporters at the back of the bus - e.g., not knowing the difference between Sunnis and Shia or not knowing where Iraq's borders are, Steve Schmidt has now enforced a carefully scripted campaign. And it is working. He has closed the gap in the polls since that strategy has been enforced.

The only problem is that John McCain can't help himself. He continues to make stupid statements whenever the teleprompter is turned off and he has to think on his own. Recent examples of John McCain's inability to think for himself include his comment about needing to renegotiate the Colorado River Compact and the even more stupid gaffe about how many houses he owns.

McCain is the one who needs the teleprompter.

Obama should choose Hillary

Ralph Nader is right, the best choice for Obama's VP is Hillary Clinton.

I have come to this conclusion after much deliberation - and after changing my own views about Hillary. When the campaign started, I supported her for the Democratic Nomination. As it progressed, I gradually became an Obama supporter. Eventually, I even posted some blogs objecting to Hillary's tactics.

I am glad that Obama won the nomination. He is the right person to lead the US going forward. And, although I initially thought it would be a bad idea, I now believe that Hillary is the best choice for VP.

I will outline my reasons for this conclusion below, but first, a word or two about each of the other names being bandied about -

Joe Biden - Boring. Brings lots of hot air to the party. Very smart. Could be president, but won't energize anyone and won't bring a single red or purple state with him. Six term Senator - not the epitomy of change.

Evan Bayh - Boring - Good looking. Good experience. Smart. Could bring Indiana (although that is a question mark). Did I say "boring"?

Tim Kaine - I like this choice. Could bring Virginia to the Blue side. More interesting. Some ability to work across the aisle. Could attract white/Catholic/middle class voters. Obviously, someone that Obama could work with. Young and fresh - maybe too young and fresh considering that Obama also is young and fresh. Doesn't bring the foreign policy or military experience gravitas to the party.

Sam Nunn - My personal favorite other than Hillary. He is boring, but he does bring the gravitas and is a conservative who will calm many independents. Ability to work across the aisle. He may be a little old (McCain's age), his experience in military and foreign policy areas would counter Obama's perceived weakness. May help in Georgia depending on what happens with Bob Barr. If he doesn't choose Hillary, I would like to see Sam Nunn.

Kathleen Sebelius - I like her a lot too. Ability to work across the aisle. The three negatives in my view are that she can't bring a state, no foreign policy or military experience and she is a woman other than Hillary (meaning it might be perceived as a slap in the face to Hillary).

So that bring us to Hillary. Here are my reasons why I believe she is the best person Obama can choose for this position:

• She is ready to be President. This is after all, the #1 criteria.
  
• 18 million voters voted for her - she has an immediate base
  
• Choosing Hillary will push up the number of former Hillary supporters who will vote for him from 75% (currently) to at least 90%.
• Many women will love it and will work hard for her (them).
• Fundraising - imagine what will happen if Bill and Hillary start really trying to generate revenue for Obama
• She has the gravitas that it is perceived he lacks.
• Choosing Hillary won't further divide the country. I used to think that was Hillary's weakness, but after listening to Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh hammer at Obama for the last four months, I am convinced that they will attack whoever he chooses with the same gusto. They have even complimented her ( by contrasting his experience with hers) in recent weeks.
  

The question is whether he feels that he can work with her or whether he believes she (or Bill) will undermine him. I am confident that Obama is strong and since she will "only" be the VP, he can control her (and him). It will be his policies - which after all are almost identical to hers - that will be implemented.

It is true that Clinton somewhat hurts his "change" theme. But he will be running the show, not her.

Bottom line - Obama-Clinton will be hard to beat.