"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
[e-mail]
MichaelMoore.com

[Get Michael Moore's brand new book, 'Mike's Election Guide.']

Comments

[sciabattoni]

It is a great bumper sticker...
And can someone explain to me why the dems need an "attack dog?"
How about competence and results as a defense against GOP bs for a change.

[truegreen]

Kennedy???...if it can piss of the Clinton stooges them i'm a for it. Obama needs to take command the upcoming convention. A Kennedy pick would overshadow the Clintons.

[Tags]

Spoken like a truly divisive Republican shill. Can anyone else smell Karl Rove?

[haleywins]

Mike, I am your biggest fan, but respectfully disagree. Biden is the best choice for VP, a Kennedy looks good, even sounds good, however with the risk of a 3rd term of Bush, we need somone strong in foreign affairs.

Do you want another 4yrs of Bush? I certainly don't. Anything less than Biden is taking a huge risk, one we cannot afford.

[yhgtup]

This sounds good. But, it wouldn't work. Too much political inexperience. As much as i love the Kennedy's, I can't picture Caroline Kennedy as president, as you should be able to do with a V.P.

[[e-mail]]

I have to agree. She's probably great, but she's never run for any kind of office, or had any kind of government positions. I don't see how she's qualified. He needs to pick someone with experience, like Bush did in 2000. I agree with Moore, though, that his pick shouldn't have supported the Iraq war.

[emory]

YES,YES,YES,YES,YES

I ALSO CALLED THE CAMPAIGN AND SAID THE SAME THING

YES,YES,YES,YES,YES

[moxieme]

At this juncture I wouldn't care if it were the Flying Purple people-eater. He needs to announce NOW!! I am all the way in his camp but the MSS is starting to beat him up because this is becoming so drawn out. It is giving the Rove/McCain maching too many opportunities to spin to their advantage. You know the saying, "if they ain't bleeding, it means we are". Barack needs to draw some blood. His brain trust neds to pay attention to what the locals are saying.

[alan2a]

He's going to pick Bayh, solidifying his place as the most conservative Democrat to run for office since Bill Clinton. He has become the epitome of the DLC. And he's running a more wimpy campaign than even Kerry. At least Kerry had Theresa Heinz. Obama only has ??????

[marinade]

Maybe he's picking Clinton.

[luvangelHussein330]

And what else did you see in your magical wonderful crystal ball... Obama has been hitting back with attack ad, his own string words although he needs to lay off the whole respecting Mccains POW experience, Obama surrogates need to be stronger and do a better job

[YankeeCanuck]

What are you talking about, alana?
Oh well, you're entitled to an opinion. Incoherent as it is -- what do all those?s mean anyway????
ps. Look up epitome.

[marymansour]

alan2a, what you drinking dude? Obama is known as one of the most liberal senators in Washington, even beating Ted Kennedy's voting record. As far as the wimpy charge - he will probably take no prisoners after the convention.

[Countdown09]

Okay it's official -- this is the most ridiculous VP idea yet. And this idea that choosing Caroline some how would muzzle the republicans is just as ridiculous. They may not attack her but you can bet they'll have a field day attacking O for his "bad judgment" . A VP next in line to the President who has never served one day as a public official.

Michael you have many talents but it's obvious now why you weren't selected to be on the VP pick panel. Stick with what you do best Michael, instead of this nonsense, how about helping O to expose the real John McBush.

[emory]

There are no good picks already serving.

EXPERIENCE IN BAD JUDGEMENT, DECIET, AND EVEN CORRUPTION IS NOT THE KIND OF EXPERIENCE WE NEED.

Just remember that Hitler had 10 years experience in ruling before he started WWII
and hell Cheney had 30 experience and see where that got us

DON'T FALL FOR REPUBLICAN LINE BECAUSE GOOD IDEAS BEAT BAD EXPERIENCE HANDS DOWN

Its time for something new!!!

[craigdawson]

I completely agree. But that is not how most people are going to see it. They already are knocking Obama for lack of experience... Caroline Kennedy as VP would just be more fodder for the huge number of people that already thinks he is lacking in experience and leadership.

I think Wesley Clark would benefit Obama greatly. Being a former general and NATO commander and also a progressive with minimal negative politics attached to his background would force all the "Obama lacks leadership and experience" crowd to quiet down. Not to mention, finally everyone can shut up about McCain's military experience.

Plus Clark may also appeal to all the huge Hillary Clinton fans since he is a good friend of the Clinton's.

[Impeachthechimp]

"A VP next in line to the President who has never served one day as a public official."

I would vote for her on those grounds! She hasn't been totally corrupted yet.

[faust2001]

As I wrote on another post, McCain is up five points in the latest Zogby poll. As much of a disaster as his campaign has been, as many embarrassing and disturbing gaffes as he's made, his campaign should have been over by now.
The president has already been chosen for us. Obama's VP is a moot point. Revolution now.

[WineWonkette]

Polls Shmolls. Pollers call LAND LINES not cell phones. Obama is announcing his VP pick via a message to CELL PHONE users. And we see where relying on polls got us in the last 2 elections, don't we?

[rock2casbah]

Sorry you aren't getting much play with your "up in the polls" statement. Poll-hugging is so 2000, 2004. I guess you didn't get the memo back in 2006 with the rest of the ousted repubs. who the "polls" said could never be ousted from the senate and the house.

[luvangelHussein330]

another usless poll inthusist. History dictates that polls are no good and should not be used for anything especialy during the summer. I have no idea why people have thier panties in a bunch over polls when that is not what is used to win this election electoral votes are and Obama is still way ahead of McKeatingFive. Also there hasn't been a debate yet...slow down folks and take a breath.

[luvobama]

Total B S. You know it.

[daddydamon]

That would be SO AWESOME!

[metalpipe]

All I can say is, Michael is right on the money, and this would change the equation in a BIG way. I hope Obama has a change of heart before he announces. The three above mentioned VP picks are far less than I expected.

[AlexisAshley]

Oh Messiah Obama, I just want you to know that I chant your mantra daily (almost hourly). In fact, I am chanting it now!! I cannot wait until you are elected and the oceans will part and every one in the world will know that America finally cares, because we never, ever, ever, ever cared about America before, and by voting for you we will have elected a president for the entire world—Berlin, in particular, will be so happy!!!

Let us bow our heads and begin. . .
We need to hope for change because change needs to happen in order for hope to happen. Today is different from yesterday which proves that if you have hope, there will be change. We have to continue to hope for change so that today will change into tomorrow. We need to make sure that there will be change for future generations and so we will continue to hope for change because change is good and change is our only hope.

[rlkinny]

... and you would be supporting the liars and thieves.

[rockyersocksoff]

You people really need to quit sucking on the sarcasm bottle.

Nobody thinks Obama is a Messiah.

You are trying to light an asbestos straw man.

If this is how petty most Hillary voters are, I pity her and them.

[Ajegunle]

PURE GENIUS!

THE DAUGHTER OF THE GREAT JFK AND OBAMA TOGETHER????

CAN YOU SAY THE PERFECT TICKET????

OMG.

[phoenix1964]

Silly and stupid.

[BigLib]

A perfect Lib ticket! A VP with no experience and a presidential nominee with even less!

"But I feeeeeel good."

[srtjsrtj]

Michael Thank You and I and many others hope the Obama Campaign is Really Listening and Really Read your Letter.

Caroline would be the Utmost, Just the what can we say, Caroline would be a Blessing to this Country as she and her family have been all her life.

Support, you bet you we would love to have Caroline be VP, what a Gift to the U.S. and the World that would be.

Obama/Kennedy/08

[sandpiper1]

You folks are being sentimental and emotional rather than being practical. I admire Caroline a lot, think she's a great lady, classy & smart but as VP, I don' t think it's a good idea. I also don't think she would give up her privacy for the fish bowl.

[clarkni05]

I wrote a letter to the Obama campaign asking the very same thing the week he secured the nomination!

Damn you for stealing my idea MM!

Damn YOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUU!!!!

P.S. Just kidding about the damnation, love your stuff!