He's a key part of the Barack Obama campaign, been out of Washington for several years, yet enjoys the gravitas and experience to serve in the White House. Mr. Daschle just might be the guy to complement Barack Obama. Here's why:
1. He is low-key and won't upstage Mr. Obama. Nobody wants their VEEP to be more noisy then the nominee, just ask John Kerry.
2. He has connections and respect. Mr. Daschle will be ready to take over if needed, and he knows how Congress works.
3. He is credible. That is important-Mr. Obama needs to select somebody who the public knows can do the job.
4. He is media friendly. Low key yet gets his points across, he does not have to learn how to speak to the national media.
5. The skeletons are few. So far.
6. He's young enough to appeal to the public, veteran enough to help Mr. Obama during crisis. Mr. Daschle will be 61 on inauguration day, 2009. Yet, he has served as Senate Majority Leader and served in the Senate for 18 years. Mr. Daschle also served in the Air Force, and in the House for nine years before the Senate.
7. He appeals to the middle. South Dakota will throw a few electoral votes Mr. Obama's way (maybe). But Mr. Daschle may help with swing voters in Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, North Dakota, etc, including Iowa.
-Dan Coen, VicePresidents.com VicePresidents1@Yahoo.com
I've always liked Ol' Daschle. I think he's not so abrasive as other potential VP nominees... (He's no Geraldine Ferraro or Newt Gingrich, that's for sure!)