CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER, SYNDICATED COLUMNIST: To hear Kaine say modestly he doesn't take any of the talk seriously is to make him the first governor in history of the Republic who doesn't aspire to higher office. So I guess that's a plus.
But, look, as you said, in the past when you had a nominee who was a novice in foreign affairs, you try to take somebody who complements you-a Gore, in the case of Clinton. Reagan, he took Bush, the elder, who had been the director of the CIA, ambassador to the U.N. and to China. Even Carter took Mondale, who had some experience in foreign affairs.
I think Obama is taking a risk if he goes with a governor who is actually a blank on foreign affairs. After all, this election is a referendum on Obama. And even though the vice president is not that important, the office is a lot more important today than it ever was.
I mean, we've never had the country hating a vice president, and that's because Cheney has had influence in power.
And having a novice who is in office, knowing that a vice president is going to be an advisor, I think he would — Obama would do well with a Sam Nunn or a Lee Hamilton, a safe old guy who has been there around the block, has a lot of experience on foreign affairs, and is not threatening in any way.
I'm not sure he will go that way, but I think he really ought to. It would help him. |
