"Caroline: Pull a Cheney!" An Open Letter to Caroline Kennedy (Head of the Obama VP Search Team)
Dear Caroline,
We've never met, so I hope you don't find this letter too presumptuous or inappropriate. As its contents involve the public's business, I am sending this to you via the public on the Internet. I knew your brother John. He was a great guy, and I know he would've had a ball during this thrilling and historic election year. We all miss him dearly.
Barack Obama selected you to head up his search for a vice presidential candidate. It appears we may be just days (hours?) away from learning who that choice will be.
The media is reporting that Senator Obama has narrowed his alternatives to three men: Joe Biden, Evan Bayh and Tim Kaine. They're all decent fellows, but they are far from the core of what the Obama campaign has been about: Change. Real change. Out with the old. And don't invade countries that pose no threat to us.
Senators Biden and Bayh voted for that invasion and that war, the war Barack ran against, the war Barack reminded us was the big difference between him and Senator Clinton because she voted for the war and he spoke out against it while running for Senate (a brave and bold thing to do back in 2002).
For Obama to place either of these senators on the ticket would be a huge blow to the millions that chose him in the primaries over Hillary. He will undercut one of the strongest advantages he has over the Hundred-Year War senator, Mr. McCain. By anointing a VP who did what McCain did in throwing us into this war, Mr. Obama will lose the moral high ground in the debates.
As for Governor Kaine of Virginia, his big problem is, well, Obama's big problem -- who is he? The toughest thing Barack has had to overcome -- and it will continue to be his biggest obstacle -- is that too many of the voters simply don't know him well enough to vote for him. The fact that Obama is new to the scene is both one of his most attractive qualities AND his biggest drawback. Too many Americans, who on the surface seem to like Barack Obama, just don't feel comfortable voting for someone who hasn't been on the national scene very long. It's a comfort level thing, and it may be just what keeps Obama from winning in November ("I'd rather vote for the devil I know than the devil I don't know").
What Obama needs is a vice presidential candidate who is NOT a professional politician, but someone who is well-known and beloved by people across the political spectrum; someone who, like Obama, spoke out against the war; someone who has a good and generous heart, who will be cheered by the rest of the world; someone whom we've known and loved and admired all our lives and who has dedicated her life to public service and to the greater good for all.
That person, Caroline, is you.
I cannot think of a more winning ticket than one that reads: "OBAMA-KENNEDY."
Caroline, I know that nominating yourself is the furthest idea from your mind and not consistent with who you are, but there would be some poetic justice to such an action. Just think, eight years after the last head of a vice presidential search team looked far and wide for a VP -- and then picked himself (a move topped only by his hubris to then lead the country to near ruin while in office) -- along comes Caroline Kennedy to return the favor with far different results, a vice president who helps restore America to its goodness and greatness.
Caroline, you are one of the most beloved and respected women in this country, and you have been so admired throughout your life. You chose a life outside of politics, to work for charities and schools, to write and lecture, to raise a wonderful family. But you did not choose to lead a private life. You have traveled the world and met with its leaders, giving you much experience on the world stage, a stage you have been on since you were a little girl.
The nation has, remarkably (considering our fascination with celebrity), left you alone and let you live your life in peace. (It's like, long ago, we all collectively agreed that, with her father tragically gone, a man who died because he wanted to serve his country, we would look out for her, we would wish for her to be happy and well, and we would have her back. But we would let her be.)
Now, I am breaking this unwritten code and asking you to come forward and help us in our hour of need. So many families are hurting, losing their homes, going bankrupt with health care bills, seeing their public schools in shambles and living with this war without end. This is a historic year for women, from Hillary's candidacy to the numerous women running for the House and Senate. This is the year that a woman should be on the Democratic ticket. This is the year that both names on that ticket should be people OUTSIDE the party machine. This is the year millions of independents and, yes, millions of Republicans are looking for something new and fresh and bold (and you are the Kennedy Republicans would vote for!).
This is the moment, Caroline. Seize it! And Barack, if you're reading this, you probably know that she is far too humble and decent to nominate herself. So step up and surprise us again. Step up and be different than every politician we have witnessed in our lifetime. Keep the passion burning amongst the young people and others who have been energized by your unexpected, unpredicted, against-all-odds candidacy that has ignited and inspired a nation. Do it for all those reasons. Make Caroline Kennedy your VP. "Obama-Kennedy." Wow, does that sound so cool.
Caroline, thanks for letting me intrude on your life. How wonderful it will be to have a vice president who will respect the Constitution, who will support (instead of control) her president, who will never let her staff out a CIA agent, and who will never tell her country that she is "currently residing in an undisclosed location."
Say it one more time: "OBAMA-KENNEDY." A move like that might send a message to the country that the Democrats would actually like to win an election for once.
Yours,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com
[Get Michael Moore's brand new book, 'Mike's Election Guide.']
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Hmm, I thought that..
Even for Barack, this is too much change.
Obama-Kennedy; wow, talk about star power. Let's see the repubs smear a lady, the daughter of JFK, no less!
That's part of the beauty of it:
She is untouchable. There is absolutely nothing they can say against her.
It will be even better if BHO puts Ms Kennedy on the ticket. Gr8 idea, Mike.
Agree! It would even silence those Cli nton supporters who've been saying 'no other woman but Clin ton'! Certainly, Caroline's an intelligent, warm-hearted choice - and what she may lack in 'military expertise', she more than makes up for with clear and honest thinking and logic!
These people will smear 9/11 widows and triple amputees. Do you really think they would stop at her?
I dunno. If Caroline picked Evan Bayh, I won't agree with Michael Moore. BTW, why are the comments closed on the story about Evan Bayh?
Michael! After "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Bowling for Columbine" THIS is the level of intellect you have come down to?! Obama with a post-it sized resume selecting a VP with no resume?!
Just to let you know Michael and in case you have not noticed, this is the election for the "leader of the Free World" and our "Commander
You obviously have not seen either documentary because you do not appreciate what he did for America in making them.
American Idol is probably about your speed.
You obviously did NOT read dubya's resume before voting for him. Twice. You've got to be kidding me.
The theme is CHANGE. We all are in desperate need of CHANGE.
Rumsfeld and Cheney have about 65 years worth of resume between them, and look what that got us into.
And W has practically no resume.
If W's last name is not Bush, would he have been president? It's who you know, my friend, not what you know.
Leadership and experience are 2 different things; a good leader can surround himself with all the experience he needs. O has leadership; he can call on the best and brightest in America.
Wait! When did we buy into the idea that only Washington, DC experience is experience? Folks, there is life outside the beltway.
From another blog which believes this is the only way O can win:
1. She has less experience and accomplishments than SoetorObama, so will not upstage him
2. She is famous, and will give SoetorObama a new infusion of celebrity and excitement
3. She cements the Kennedy mystique and legend that SoetorObama has been trading off
4. She is the natural heir to Ted Kennedy, who all reports say will not survive the year
5. She, too, would be treated with kid gloves by the media, who remain so enthralled with her parents, brother, and uncle that if you think reporters offered SoetorObama pillows and sparkling water at debates, as SNL lampooned, just wait until they offer Kennedy pedicures and soft, penitant kisses.
That pretty well sums it up!
One great thing about this idea is that we don't lose anyone - not the Democratic governor of Kansas, not the folks in Congress - who are doing good jobs and whom we need to keep doing good jobs in their current positions.
A Very Good Point!
The food may look too good to eat, but you eat it nonetheless if you're hungry (and we're starving!). If only we didn't need to eat. If Obama picks a Hillary Clinton or a Kathleen Sebelius, the party will make do in New York (easier, but more influential) or Kansas (tougher, but less influential). I doubt he'll offer it to Kennedy, and I doubt she'd want it if he did.
I would love it!
Michael; The euphoria you invoke is decidedly intoxicting, and in a more perfect world, I might have bought it, but sadly, no. All the accolades you send Caroline's way are deserved, and in my mind, irrefutable, but again, no. I think it is too late in the process. Although, what a curve ball that could have been. I would love to have seen how the Repuglican spin machine would have fielded that one, but alas, pragmatism must prevail. Biden is the one. Not totally unassailable, I admit, but he can definitely defend himself, and the worlds situation dictates such a move.
I do, however, thank you, Michael, for a "rush" like I haven't had in a long, long, time. It would have been nice. Hell; It would have been better than nice. It would have been Euphoric. There is no other word.
Here's what Barack Obama must do if he truly wants to win the election:
1. Convey more passion, even a sense of anger at the condition the Republican Party has left the country in. Use power phrases such as:
"How many banks must fail, how many homes must be lost, how many people must go bankrupt trying to pay for healthcare, how many Americans must come home in body bags before we stand up as a nation and say enough is enough!"
2. Say the word "Republicans" more in critiquing the disastrous handling of the economy. Emphasize that the upcoming election will be the only opportunity Americans will have to hold someone accountable.
3. Challenge McCain to a debate on the Constitution pointing out the numerous instances of deviation from the law that has characterized the Bush administration. Underscore how important it is that a solid understanding of our laws must be considered a vital qualification for the job of president - more important than mere "experienc
4. On TV ads, bring in more experts to back-up what Obama is saying; on the drilling issue , have geologists, energy experts, to counter McCain "straight talk" with the facts. Bring in doctors to support Obama's plan on healthcare reform and former generals who support Obama to affirm their confidence in him as commander-in-chief.
5. Announce a high-profile team of economic experts and national security advisers set to go to work immediately on the nation's real problems.
If only we had Legislators who could put it just the way you did. Bravo, and thanks, NextReporter.
Excellent analysis, NextReporter. From your fingertips, to David Axelrod's eyes, I hope.
Thanks, NextReporter! Very well put!
Absolutely !!! And I'd like to see him announce his cabinet at the convention, and perhaps name Ms Kennedy to an Ambassador-at Large position dealing with International relief efforts.
As lovely as it sounds in Mr. Moore's article, I don't think Ms Kennedy has the experience to become President should ( God forbid) the need arise.
We have a nation to bring back from the brink and will need all the able, honest hands we can find.
Obama has to be careful to not come across as an "angry black man".
It could work. I'd vote for it.
OBAMA/BIDEN
http://art
IMPORTANT READ.
I read it. My take is that it Biden was talking himself up while running for the same job as his opponents. I see him comparing his similiar stance or evolving. The rest of the junk (clean, articulate) or the the WMD 'mistake' or the surge has already surfaced. My opinion is that no Presidential candidate is looking for an exact clone for a Vice-President. They compliment each other, and neither is perfect . And please keep in mind that no one in the other party is perfect either. All I do know for sure is we are on the wrong track, and McCain wants to play up to the Conservatives, and that's really what got us in this mess in the first place. I trust Obama is wise enough to get himself where he is, and I'm counting on his wisdom rather than McCain's 'experience' to get us out of this mess.
It will be Biden. He's going to kick @ss and take names... :)
She'd be a good pick.
I do not take this seriously. But, to be honest, it did bring a tear to my eye.
Obama/Kennedy 08
Thanks for getting on board the bandwagon Michael
Thank you Michael Moore, what a great idea! Keep up the good work, America needs more activist filmmakers like you to get us the facts our government isn't telling us. By the way, I recently saw "Bowling for Columbine" again, it holds even greater significance for my family since my sister's only child was murdered at Northern Illinois University.
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