The Case for Chris Dodd

Cross Posted at Political Newsline

Let's cut to the chase, I think Chris Dodd should be Barack Obama's Vice Presidential pick. Dodd is the perfect yin to Obama's yang. Where Obama is perceived as inexperienced by some, Dodd is recognized for his impressive foreign affairs resume. Where Dodd could be seen as too "inside the beltway", Obama heralds a new era in the story of our nation. Let's take a look at just why this unlikely Senator from Connecticut could become America's next Vice President.

• The experience Dodd brings to the table is certainly the one worth first mention as that is the most common "complaint" voters have with Obama.
  
• Obama's inspiring eloquence makes up for Dodd's fair (by comparison) speaking skills too often punctuated with superfluous "here's".
• Dodd brings strong liberal credentials most recently highlighted by his leadership in opposition to FISA. With Obama trending more moderate as of late, a Dodd running mate would please many in the liberal base including within the netroots.
• While an Obama presidency would build a bridge to the future, some voters, namely older ones, require a "familiar face" to help them across that bridge. Dodd, a five term Senator with a record of leadership and results can reassure those wary of change. 
  
• While Obama still struggles with some Jewish voters uneasy on his commitment to Israel, Dodd, the son of the chief prosecutor at Nuremburg can iron out those wrinkles and bring those voters firmly back into the Democratic column.
  

Of course every potential VP pick comes with some weaknesses, some perceived, some actual. Let's take a look at those potential weaknesses and address them.

• Chris Dodd took a lot of flak recently for a special rate he received on a mortgage from imperilled lender, Countrywide. As chairman of the Senate Banking Committee many saw this as improper. The truth is, Dodd received a very small discount as part of Countrywide's VIP program. As a long term senator with a squeaky clean credit rating and rock solid job security it makes sense why someone in his position would receive a lower than average rate. This isn't the sign of underhanded doings, it's merely business. Countrywide recognizes that the chances of Chris Dodd, or any other elected official, defaulting on his mortgage is slim to none, which is why they can offer such a low rate. In any case the matter seems to be behind Dodd and seems unlikely to resurface. It's really a non-issue at this point.
• Why go with a Senator from a solid Democratic state in New England when Obama could pick someone from a geographically advantageous state such as Virginia, New Mexico or Colorado? I'll tell you why, because that rarely works and is perhaps the worst reason to pick a Vice President. Why not pick a Vice President based on qualifications rather then where they live? Why not pick a candidate who can help you nationally rather than potentially only in one state. Picking a running mate based on where they live is foolish and likely won't happen.
• Chris Dodd's long history in the Senate is counter to Obama's message of change. Obama doesn't need a VP to reinforce his message of change. Obama brings enough change to the table to cover him and his running mate. Nobody seeking change in this election is not going to vote for Obama simply because he picks a VP who isn't as big of a change as Obama is. On the contrary, Dodd's years of service to the country will be seen as a big plus to those who are concerned with too much change. Dodd will help ease those voters into the idea.

Chris Dodd, great senator from Connecticut will make a wonderful Vice President. His commitment to working Americans through his authorship of the groundbreaking Family and Medical Leave Act, his work brokering peace in Ireland, his wealth of experience in foreign affairs, and his bravery on FISA make Chris Dodd the perfect choice for an Obama presidency. He will compliment and contrast well with President Obama and together they will lead our nation into the future.

Cross Posted at Political Newsline