Many of us IN DC have attended the Bloomberg party, after begging to get invited or sneaking in past all the security guards.
Every Spring after the country-come-to-town White House Correspondents dinner, Michael Bloomberg's after-party is where the fortunate A and B listers and the resourceful hangers-on ogle the Hollywood stars and athletes who bring a bit of luster to this gray capital. It is THE happenin' place to see and be seen, seeing. It's no wonder that Mike Bloomberg is on everybody's Vice President list.
Oh sure there's that New York Mayor thing and the fact that he has more net worth than the national treasury, but whatever the reason, when it comes to running mate possibilities, either party is the the Bloomberg party.
So here's my idea: Since he gets along well with both John McCain and Barack Obama, why not allow each of them to select Michael Bloomberg as his running mate? And do it now. Get it over with.
It makes such obvious sense. First of all it would really simplify things. No more talk about Hillary Clinton or Mitt Romney as the mismatches to be foisted on their former bitter rivals.
It would also be less of a hassle for reporters. We wouldn't have to deal with all the intrigue and false leads leading up to each candidate's selection, and we wouldn't have to conjure up all the reasons each was a good/bad choice.
The voters would have it better too. They wouldn't have to be browbeaten by us commentators trying to convince them this mattered more than a bucket of warm spit, or whatever was in the bucket.
Both Obama and McCain could put out a joint statement: Together they were choosing a man who is liked by just about everybody outside Albany.
There are other advantages. As the owner of a media colossuss, Bloomberg has TV smarts. So he could be the moderator of all debates between the Democrat and Republican presidential contenders.
I've saved the most important advantage for last: Vice President Bloomberg could take over the White House social functions. Just imagine if the stuffy state dinners were replaced by Bloomberg parties. The world would beat a path to our national doors. What a great way to repair the country's tattered international relations!
Not only that, but the First Lady, whichever one, could be freed up to work on other matters...like say, health care. Oh, I'm sorry, I got carried away. THAT'S really far fetched.
Still, there are really compelling arguments for selecting Mike Bloomberg by acclamation and getting on to the stuff that really matters. After all, when have we ever had a Vice President who influenced policy?
Follow Bob Franken on Twitter: www.twitter.com/frankenb
Such a person would have the following attributes:
- Impeccable National Security and Defense credentials
- A Military background, preferably a former General or Admiral, with significant command (and therefore executive) responsibility.
- Opposes the Iraq War.
- Expertise and significant experience in military intelligence, anti-terror, and asymmetrical warfare.
- Residence in an attainable, larger swing state, like Virginia.
- Political interest, maturity and experience.
- A pre-concession Clinton supporter.
- Completely eclipses Clinton in foreign policy, military affairs, warfighting and executive credentials.
- Closer to 60 than to 40.
- Articulate, well-spoken and a good writer (published memoir a bonus)
- No personal or political baggage.
- Outspoken and strong supporter of women's rights.
- Attractive executive appearance.
- Uncomplicated family.
- Not high profile... the campaign and her background will define her... and quickly.
- An attractive, resonant name... like Lincoln or Kennedy.
and, by the way...
- She would be a WOMAN.
I have just (partially) described General Claudia J. Kennedy (ret), the U.S. Army's first woman three star general.
Where has this woman been all our lives?
I love Sibelius, and still believe that Al Gore would bring a Democratic blowout, but this woman is unreal.
Google her, and prepare to be amazed.