The Democratic National Convention starts today, as Dems gather to officially nominate their Chosen One. Tonight, as I understand it, features addresses by Former President Jimmy Carter, Senator Kennedy and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, topped off by the reintroduction of Michelle Obama to the nation at large.
So what do I make of Obama's selection of Senator Biden to be his running mate? Honestly, I'm a little baffled by it.
All throughout the primary, Obama's chief criticism of Hillary Clinton was that as a pro-war voting Washington insider she was unfit to be the standard bearer of progressive Democrats. And now, now that Obama has safely done away with his greatest rival, he selects as his partner... a pro-war voting Washington insider.
Beyond that, it's hard to see exactly what Biden brings to the ticket. He's a Senator from Delaware - a state that is almost a lock for Obama already, and holds only three electoral votes in any case. Biden's stance on guns is sure to infuriate those voters that might have been willing to take a chance on Obama's more nuanced position. Biden's initial support for the war in Iraq, coupled with his partition strategy - which would have made for an increased presence and meant dealing with three separate post-Iraqi governments - would seem to be the exact opposite of what Obama's earliest netroots supporters want.
There's some suggestion that he polls well in Florida, and that his origins in Scranton will help lock down Pennsylvania, but those are some mighty slim positives.
Overall, there doesn't appear to have been much of a bounce from the announcement, although I don't think anyone was really expecting much of one. The bounce - if it comes - will occur later this week at Obama's rock concert... er, acceptance speech.
where is our in-depth political analysis? Tis the season and all that...
Posted by: Matt | September 05, 2008 at 05:44 AM