Like it or not, Hillary Clinton has become the presumptive Democratic nominee. Simple mathematics virtually guarantees her the victory she has sought for eight years. The reality is that she is the best choice. Her qualifications exceed those of any candidate in modern history, and her policies are not greatly different from Bernie Sanders.

There is a single demographic which may be troublesome for the former Secretary of State; white men. Oddly, this is the same group which failed to strongly support Barrack Obama in 2008 and 2012.

The question is; will Ms. Clinton choose a man as her vice-presidential candidate, or will the ticket be ‘all-female?’

The first responses of progressives will likely suggest the obvious; Bernie Sanders, or Elizabeth Warren. It is unlikely that she will select her rival, who will refuse to soften his stance on issues about which Clinton has offered alternatives. Elizabeth Warren is the greatest champion of the working class, and is fully aware that her efforts will be far more effective remaining in the Senate, which may return to Democratic control in November.

If I am correct, who would be her primary choice for a running mate?

Unlike John McCain in 2008, she will not choose an unqualified ‘airhead’ to join her on the convention’s platform. Her choices offer legitimate men and women who could immediately sit in the president’s chair in the Oval Office if necessary.

On the male side some have suggested New Jersey Senator Corey Booker or Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Julian Castro. Both men are highly qualified and personable.

Women applauded by progressives are Senators Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Amy Klobuchar, representing Minnesota. Then there’s always my personal favorite; Kirsten Gillibrand.

Ms. Gillibrand is a second term Senator representing New York. She is hard-working and unrelenting in her efforts to protect human rights. She is leading the battle to obtain justice for women in the military who have been sexually assaulted.

Gillibrand is 49-years-old, and would be an energetic partner for Ms. Clinton.

After the Pennsylvania primary next Tuesday, I believe vetting will begin for prospective vice-presidential candidates. McCain’s failed choice in 2008 has forced a more intensive focus on the choice of a running mate. Most of us who write about politics are certain that Palin lost the election for McCain. We believe the contest would have been far closer if he had chosen a qualified individual as his vice-presidential offering.

I am a supporter of Bernie Sanders; although the numbers prove to me that he cannot secure the nomination. As an Independent, I will support Ms. Clinton. I always vote for the most qualified candidate who will represent the American people if elected. I do not vote for a party; that would be ignorant.

Ms. Clinton’s policies vary little from Senator Sanders’. She will address the most important issues; income inequality, women’s rights, and education.

None of the Republican offerings has the experience needed to address international affairs, and their lack of support for issues important to the majority of Americans eliminates them from my consideration.

These are serious times and we need serious people. We cannot elect a buffoon or an extremist who denounces American principles in November.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

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