Obama-Rendell in '08!

Let me explain this to Ed Rendell in a way that he's sure to understand: he is to Hillary Clinton as he is to the Eagles. In both cases, he cheerleads, he exhorts, he pleads, he goes on television and offers his opinion, he probably spends too much time rooting and not running the state, and he is intensely loyal to a team that cannot win and ultimately will break his heart.

And I admire Ed Rendell for it. He was America's Mayor before Rudy Giuliani became America's Mayor. Ed earned the moniker because of the incredible job he did in putting Philadelphia back on the right track, despite long odds and plenty of opposition.

This is a guy who does not shy away from a challenge.

Governor Rendell is the best spokesperson for Hillary Clinton's campaign, far superior to the other people that campaign has put on television. Honestly, sometimes it seems as if the Clinton camp is just getting the idea that how a spokesperson comes across on TV is important when you're trying to get votes. They probably looked at the Nixon-JFK debate and thought Nixon win because he seemed more knowledgeable. The Clinton camp puts people out there who come across as either unprepared or angry. I say this subjectively, sure, but prior to signing up for Obama, I felt the same way about Hillary's spokespeople.

Ed Rendell is the best Hillary has, and let me just say that he would be an excellent spokesperson for any candidate that he supports. When I am on TV or radio, I've been asked to bash Hillary. I won't do it -- I'm not anti-Hillary, I'm pro-Obama. I get the impression that Governor Rendell is the same way; he's not anti-Obama, but instead he's pro-Hillary. I actually get the impression that he likes Obama more than he lets on.

Perhaps Governor Rendell's fairness comes to him because he was once the head of the Democratic National Committee. He knows that a party, after the nominating process, has to come together. The Hillary people who go on TV and try to kneecap Obama are people who many view as being more invested in the Clintons than they are the Democratic Party. Many Democrats won't forget that when this campaign is over.

I wish I could tell you that I knew everything about Ed Rendell's record as Governor, but I don't.

But here are the assets he brings: the Governor is glib, charismatic, and passionate, whether it's about football, the presidential nomination, or the issues that are facing the voters.

He's a Hillary supporter, and her most avid fan, and if he joined with Obama, it may be seen as a unity ticket. I know that Lawrence O'Donnell supports Obama running with another Clinton supporter, General Wesley Clark. While I like that idea, I don't feel that Obama needs his foreign policy credentials to be burnished. I believe the election will turn on the economy and domestic issues, and Governor Rendell is an asset in those areas.

Rendell is the chief executive of a state that is considered critical, but not a sure thing, for Democrats come general election time.

And it is obvious to anyone who has watched him on TV or seen him campaign that the Governor is a great campaigner.

So, if I'm asked: Obama-Rendell in '08.

Comments

[AjicNYC]

yeah TAKE the lead from ed a HILLARY SUPPORTER !!! who is not afraid to say that he will back the obama if he has to.

THE sad part is HOW Obama is using this statement in his FAVOR!!! So people that are supporting him would not support Hillary????? So couldnt she say that all his SD will support her in NOV. It was a LOW blow from Obama.

[AnnieinOR]

Ed Rendell cares about the party, unlike Hill who is a self-serving, lying, sellout carpetbagger who claims residency in more states just to pander to voters.... uses a fake southern drawl and worked as a corporate attorney against american unions and workers.

Yay Slick Eddie - booo Hillary Sybil Bomb Iran Clinton.

beep! beep!

[Violist]

I don't see how that's a low blow from Obama. He can and should use it in his favor because it shows that he's electable and it shows the more civilized side of the party, which has been lacking lately. I'm pretty sure that Obama's SD supporters, if she is the nominee, will work their hardest to make sure that McCain won't get into the White House. Nobody who is democrat wants McCain in there, unless they're one of those angry democrats who refuse to vote if their candidate is on the ticket.

[BlueOnBlue]

Rendell is a fantastic politician, in the best ways. I've followed him closely for a long time here in Pennsylvania and I can tell you, we love our Guv. There may be a few dissenters, but his reelection was a landslide victory because a) we like him and b) he does his job well.

Plus, the guy is just fun to be around. The positive way he typically comes across on TV is exactly how he is in person in a small group.

For Obama, he would bring not only major help in carrying Pennsylvania, but also political creds and a way to bridge the animosity between the Obama and Clinton camp.

The only downside is I don't think he wants to do it. He has a great job now, plus his wife is a federal judge in Pennsylvania, not a shabby job in itself.

My other choice for an Obama VP would be Al Sharpton, but only because he would best protect the life of President Obama. After all, NOBODY would want to get rid of Obama to have Al take over.

[Violist]

Haha, too funny, Al Sharpton as VP. I think the poles of the earth would shift two times over before Al Sharpton gets in the White House. No one wants permed hair Sharpton giving us the State of the Union. Thank goodness he ditched those nylon sweatsuits.

[katefranklin]

This sounds like a JFK/LBJ ticket. LBJ was chosen to win Texas. Rendell could give Obama Pennsylvania. My how the electoral college sucks.

[momofsix]

I like Jim Webb and Katherine Sebelius. I think Ed Rendell is a thug.

[Dutchy]

Good idea, he helps unify the party without the problem of putting Clinton anywhere near the whitehouse. Also he gives Obama a much needed cushion in Penn as well as a really good shot at Ohio. Combine that with wins in the mountain west and you've got an easy victory. Also he can help convince wavering voters on economy, as well as being a reassuring face (i.e. white, old, male, I hate that things are the way they are, but it may just pacify some of the less rabid in McCain's base)

[MagisterLudi]

P.S. Too late, Clinton already won Penn. state...the ploy didn't work. Are still supporting Rendell for Vice?
NO? .... silence?

[Dutchy]

Don't think you quite got me, that Rendell supported Clinton only makes him more attractive, proves Obama is a unifier. I was talking about the general election, in case you didn't get it.

[AjicNYC]

The only thing OBAMA has unified is THE BLACK COMMUNITY. and that will hurt him more then HELP

Tell ME HOW or who he has unified???

HE keeps talking all this trash , Like i unit people, well who? and I will not go negative when hes been doing it the whole time,

[laksa]

Dear Matt,

I think Rendall can do math? He should know there is no way Hillary is going to win this? If he is less enthusiastic, I agree Obama could benefit of having him. Unfortunately, he is so in your face. Making him his veep is not going to do Obama any good. All in all the party is pretty broken nothing can help it.

[LivingStardust]

Rendell = Clown . . . or haven't you been paying attention?

[cambio]

That's a great idea! I know I want his VP to be someone who repeatedly refers to his supporters as kool-aid drinkers! How about everyone else??

[buzzy]

Obama-Sebelius?

[gmrk]

Sometimes they are called Catholics by the media as a cover excuse, than racist.

I challenge Catholics, don' t look poorly on Obama's church because your own has issues. Bad employees exist in all Church's. Those who bring bad press on a Church is bad employee first. Then what crime occurred. Challenging Patriotism in speeches by Rev. Wright or criminal actions where abuse is occuring. Which is worse. Which was allowed?

Hillary has challenged Obama, his Church isn't where she would worship derision. Catholic candidates been challenged to suggest they should have left the Catholic church because predators were allowed? Those criminal Priests married people, baptized and offered communion from their abuser bare hands. Holy water was corrupted.

Church issues are a draw.

Obama can challenge some 2nd Amendment gun issues. NRA is forcing state legislators to pressure Governors signing automatic weapons laws. Fully auto now available retail.

NRA doesn't want records kept either. Some guy can purchase 20 M-16's and hundreds of rounds, walk out the gun store. Communities shouldn't be concerned? President and Congress should be concerned.

Extended clips for handguns allowing 30 shots. In criminals hands, that's a lot of firepower from a handgun. Challenge the legality of extended clips as a public safety issue.

Extended clips aren't used for hunting. Nobody is challenging the legality of hunting weapons ever.

Politicians can desire some controls on extended clips, even for assault rifles. Trying to ban guns doesn't work, so many variations of same gun exist.

[WongChin]

I kinda like Rendell. He is one Clinton supporter that did not seem intent on kneecaping Obama. I, like Matt Littman, suspect Rendell likes Obama.

His executive expereince also comes handy.

I also agree that Jewish won't hurt since it seems Obama is still held with a measure of skepticism in much of that community.

I think that Wes Clark, who by the way was my favorite for the '04 presidency, trumps Rendell, but only on the basis of national security bonafides.

[obamagramma]

I totally agree! I love Rendell for Obama: classic democrat, working man, archie bunker, senior, draws Pennsylvania, just a great campaigner. A unity VP.

[laksa]

I do not under the logic of selecting Rendall or Clark both Clinton supporter for Obama?

[Truths]

Gov Rendel has his hands soiled all over the place.

He is the central figure connecting Peter F Paul's case against Hillary Clinton and her Husband. As you know the case is coming up on April 25th 2008 in California but the problem here is that the American voters are always fooled by these crooks with the help of Fox TV. I am sure that if Obama were to have had these level of crimes like the clintons, he would not be in this race because the press would have roasted him alive. What i have came to understand is that most average voters rely on media to tell them what's happening and they are ready to accommodate lies thrown at them by the Clintons. It still amazes me that somebody will cast his/or her vote for this woman knowing her past. If you read the case file for the highest electoral fraud ever committed by an individual in the United States you will see that American voters need a bit of a reality check. Very disappointed. I hope Hillary Clinton will repudiate Gov Rendel for endorsing Farrakhan. Bunch of hypocrites that do not deserve one single vote yet the American people would continue to be fooled by the clintons

http://www.peterfpaul.com/2008/04/10/hillary-bill-and-rendell-remain-above-the-law-in-ongoing-media-cover-up-of-felonies/

[SevereTireDamage]

Rendell sounds good on paper, but he's too much the "old pol" as someone said. But it ought to be a Hillary supporter, I think. And Jewish wouldn't hurt at all.

I suggest Dianne Feinstein. Leave Boxer in the Senate where she can do the most good, and open up Feinstein's seat to someone not in AT&T's pocket.

I like Edwards as AG, too.

[abigail1]

I know about the kool-aid and Farakahan nonsense, but this isn't a bad idea. He'd sew up PA and help a lot in Ohio. He did a good job in Philadelphia when he was mayor and the fact of the matter is that Obama is going to have to throw Clinton supporters a bone. I still like Wesley Clark, but Rendell's not a bad idea.

[LeoMarvin]

Bad idea. Sorry.

[DavePM]

Obama-Webb

[Budh]

NO, a resounding No. No to all Clinton ^^^kissers. Clair McClasky or Barbara Boxer will be fine with me. JOHN EDWARDS WOULD MAKE A GOOD ATTORNEY GENERAL BUT ONLY IF HAS THE GUTS TO COME OUT RIGHT THIS MINUTE AND ENDORSE OBAMA.

[momofsix]

Edwards has made it clear he is leaning towards Hillary.

[AjicNYC]

yeah dont forget edwards is for all those dumb nasty poor prople, gross!!

[charlie]

Interesting idea. But I think Rendell would open Obama to more unfair attacks about his relationship to Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam. I mean, take a look at this (!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXum_-8I1TA

[kevinmcd]

He is too much of an old time pol. He is a backslapping, back room dealing type. He stand for everything Obama is trying to change about politics.

[creo13]

I'm a huge fan of Rendell. I'm born and raised in North Philly. Turned that place around from dead broke to a surplus. Made tough decisions to make it happen. Doing the same for PA as governor. I don't know how he will be viewed on a national scale. Don't know if his accomplishments will get the pub they deserve. Also., he said he is commited to PA for his entire term.

[kgb999]

I still lean to Obama/Edwards - if Edwards would do it.

Don't like Rendell, not one bit.

Seriously though, just how insulted should people get over being accused of "Drinking the Kool-Aid"? I sort of think that it is an archaic cultural reference that shows just how stuck in the previous century the Clinton campaign really is - even their put-downs are culturally irrelevant. Let's face it, it's been a long time since Jonestown!

[ann1]

Absolutely not Edwards! No way. He hasn't been there for Sen Obama. Besides, Edwards comes across like Tom Cruise.

[ScandalousCandice]

Rendell won't be available for VP. He will be dealing with California and charges of funneling illegal campaign funds.

[MagisterLudi]

Ah, the old veni vidi vici apprach from the Obambi camp. If you can't destory a rival, co-opt him.
Another reason not to vote for Obambi.

[generationyes]

What? You need another reason? Like you hadn't decided the moment you saw him?

[SharonB]

Thank you.

[byrok67]

obviously you did not see ed on tv saying that college kids and young voters "have drank the obama kool-aid". this guy is a total jerk off and is the antithesis of what obama and his supporters stand for. you are completely off base here.

[overclocker1980]

I don't want to see him, or a unity ticket either. I started off wanting Biden, disliking Clinton (was going to vote Republican over her), and neutral on Obama.

At this point, I won't vote for any ticket that has any part of the Clinton machine on it. And I'd vote against the party during the period where any part of the Clinton machine was in the white house.

We need a purge.

[kgb999]

I don't know if we need a "purge" of anyone who supported Clinton - that seems more than extreme. If they want to become GOPers because their candidate lost ... well, more power to them - but nobody should be talking about trying to drive people out.

At the same time, no need to go all crazy and make them VP!

[lboucher]

The wheels are coming OFF the Obama band wagon, look out!!

HRC looks STRONG going forward!