"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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Having her on the ticket will probably be the only way he could win.
You are very mistaken about this.
You are mistaken. He will win NO MATTER who he chooses.
This is a brilliant idea!
Make this the front page headline immediately!
"Digg It"!
"This is a brilliant idea!"
Right--then, there would be two on the ticket that don't have a clue what is going on!
LOL--you libs are hilarious!
You don't get it.
We don't want the good ole Washington boys' club in charge any longer.
Not being a Washington insider is a desirable quality.
"What Obama needs is a vice presidential candidate who is NOT a professional politician...."
Sorry, but no. Unfortunately, a professional politician IS needed here.
In fact Michael, you forgot to ask the most important question of a VP candidate.
"Is this person ready to be President of the United States"?
Clearly, the answer here is no.
Nice thought, but it would NEVER work.
oh really..what has Rumsfeld and Cheney experience done for us lately?? I am sick of people talking about experience and equating it with old, tired, stubborn ways of the past...just because you've been around Washington for 70 years doesn't mean you are ready to lead.
Obama-Kennedy 08
if only
AND we would have a strong (and well loved) woman on the ticket!!!
Why do all you people think that the world worships the Kennedys?
Nonsense! We need Biden. Someone who has a tougher tone is sorely needed right now.
What we need is for Obama to show his tough tone.
Once the primary is over we need to see it from him.
The running mate cannot make up for lack of toughness in the candidate. Obama holds his own. He is just being too polite with his rivals.
Senator Reed or Governor Richardson.
Amen Londontown. There will be plenty for her to do in the Obama administration. Biden is what we need right now--pitbull.
I agree with you 100% Sportswoman. It seems like Obama is trying to fight this by himself. He needs help bad. Biden would be just the man.
I also respectfully disagree. If there's one things Americans are full of - it is fear. That's why the Republicants have been winning lately - they instill fear and hatred like no one else. Don't disrespect Sen. Biden or General Clark because they have more political experience - it brings a balanced ticket.
I think older voters would be even less inclined to vote for a less experienced ticket. At least with Biden or Clark they'll have less fear.
Our greatest fear today should be the occupation of the United States by fascists. They are the arch enemy of democracy, they are here, and should be outed and admonished at every possible opportunity. Why is this not happening? Why haven't the good guys simply defined the enemy for what it is and begun educating the voting public about the dangers from the top?
An informed public, not a constantly distracted flock of MSM sheep, will get Obama into the White House. Nothing less than full-on offense will do and that means describing the enemy and attacking it. Let's stop avoiding the use of the word fascist for starters. This hasn't been Republicans v Democrats since Rove brought fascism to power.
Nothing fits the enemies of the Republic parasitising the Republican Party today any better.
http://www.light-to-dark.com/dubya_who.html
"Cute" idea that would not fly in a million years. I like Caroline. I think she should run for Teddy's seat if/when he retires, but this idea of her as a VP for 2008 is ludicrous.
I'm with you on this Michael. That would be great!!! Let's get the petition started before it's too late!!!
It is too late. The decision is made, What's happening now is just theatre...
I'm a fan of yours and an admirer of Caroline Kennedy but I don't think she is a good choice for Obama's running mate. Although from a political family, she chose another career.
Caroline is a teacher. And a mom. She has another career.
Excellent idea Mike! I agree 100%. Caroline would be an EXCELLENT choice for VP. She gets my vote.
I really think elliot spitzer should be chosen. great politician and fully vetted.
lol
I'm all ABB (anybody but Bayh), but this would really take the cake. She's a true progressive, smart as heck, a non-politician, and an inspiring person.
I wish the dems had enough guts to elect someone like her. Sadly, I'm betting they'll appease the war-mongers and military industrial complex by picking someone who was pro Iraq war and like to talk tough like a republican.
I wish the dems had guts period !!! They let everyone walk all over them... all the time. What's the point in having good ideas... if you let every George, Dick and John scare you away from them.
*blink*
Caroline went for O because her children liked him. lol*
Stick your head back up your arse, Puma. It's time for high tea.
Just don't say "pull" around Cheney.
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