Ford, Jr., Not Hillary, is Dean's Pick for Veep: Reagan

News Max ^ | 12/18/03 | Carl Limbacher

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Despite talk about Howard Dean asking Hillary Clinton to be his running mate in November it’s not going to happen, says top talk radio host and nationally syndicated columnist Michael Reagan.

"As far as Dean’s probable pick for his running mate, I’m willing to bet that he’ll choose Tennessee congressman Harold Ford," Reagan told NewsMax.

"Right now Dean is desperate to win the black vote in the south, and Ford is one of the most attractive and articulate people in politics today."

Ford, the popular, 33-year-old African-American from the 9th District of Tennessee, is the son of former U.S. Representative Harold E. Ford.

The keynote speaker at the 2000 Democratic National Convention was elected age 26, and is now serving in his fourth term in the House.

Ford is much sought-after by TV producers as a talk show guest because he is so well spoken, and has a reputation as a non-partisan moderate.

Reagan said he feels that as a running mate, Ford, far more moderate than the volatile Dean - who is seen as ranging from the left on healthcare issues to the right on gun issues - could help soften the former Vermont governor’s image as a leader in the "bomb thrower” wing of the Democrat party.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

One question. When is Ford's birthday? Constitutionally, the same qualifications apply for vice president as president. If he isn't 35 by Jan. 20, 2005, he would not be able to take office on that day. I guess you could have a fill- in veep until his thirty-fifth birthday, but who would want to do that?

[So Cal Rocket]

May 11, 1970... he doesn't qualify.

[JohnGalt]

I doubt violating the Constitution will bother anyone in DC--at least it hasn't yet...

[Blood of Tyrants]

Ford has no support outside Memphis. His daddy and uncle are eyeball deep in every scam in the area.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Thanks for the info.

[.cnI redruM]

I think Sen. Breaux would be Dean's best ticket-balancer.

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

He will not be 35 until May 2005. Dean blows another one!

[epluribus_2]

he was the anti-pelosi. I doubt the DNC would allow it. Way too moderate.

[Chummy]

Gee, the Democrat Party is pursuing image over substance again? I'm surprised. </sarcasm>

[Izzy Dunne]

I suppose the Dems would do this to to sew up the black vote....

[OneTimeLurker]

"Dean blows another one!"

Michael Reagan blew this one for not doing homework as well as Freepers do!

[Graybeard58]

Dean blows another one!

I did not know that about Dean. I'm not surprised though.

[Robert A Cook PE]

I disagree.

Hillary as VP (to Dean, or Weasley Clark, or whoever) is the most logical way for her to regain power.

She can/will rule for 8 years that way.

She doesn't threaten her NY Senate seat (Liarberman in 2000 ran in BOTH Senate and VP races!)

And, if losing in 2004, immediately becomes the front runner for 2008 with the fund-raisers and ANY dollars NOT spent ready for 4 years of campaigning.

Plus, she can simply hold back money in 2004 for 2005/6/7 spending.

Plus, ANY face-time in 2004/5/6/7 just puts her name in the news media for NYTimes to print for her 2008 campaign.

[Right Wing Professor]

The Supreme Court will rule that since Harold Ford, since he's African American, has suffered hundreds of years of oppression, and is therefore more than old enough to be President.

[Paladin2b]

May 11, 1970. He can't assume the Vice Presidency until almost 3 1/2 months into the term. So I don't imagine this will happen. Actually, if you wanted to make a prediction about Ford, I would say that if (as likely) the GOP retains control of the House after the elections, he is one of the Dems I would peg as potentially able to shock a lot of people and cross the aisle. Not out of any conservative principle, mind you, just pure lust for power. I understand from insiders that he is really chafing at being stuck in the minority caucus for as far as the eye can see.

Not that the GOP should be so happy to have such an opportunist in its ranks, but my guess is that they are so desperate to have an African-American in the caucus once more that they would welcome him with open arms.

[xsmommy]

ping

[Right Wing Professor]

Let me try that again in English:

The Supreme Court will rule that Harold Ford, since he's African American, has suffered hundreds of years of oppression, and is therefore more than old enough to be President.

[Snardius]

I think Sen. Breaux would be Dean's best ticket-balancer.

Nope. It's going to be Gray Davis...

[dljordan]

Boy Howdy! I remember when his dad shot at the truck driver out of his car window and never spent a day in jail. He's been caught doing 100 MPH on the highway and cussed the state trooper out. His dad acts like some petty dictator. There just ain't no justice.