So, Hillary plays the cautious card: Vanilla Ice.
“Safe” seems to be Kaine’s middle name. The Spanish-speaking former missionary and onetime swing-state governor sits on both the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees in the Senate. And while the Warren-Sanders wing of the Democratic Party may object to some of his positions on trade and Wall Street regulation, Kaine rarely takes controversial stands or makes painful gaffes, thus fulfilling the Hippocratic oath for vice presidential nominees: First, do no harm.
Kaine, for all the buzz about his chances, has been deeply self-effacing during the awkward public tryout process. When asked during a “Meet the Press” interview last month if he was ready to be president, he said no. “Nobody should ever say they’re ready for that responsibility, because it is so, so huge,” he said in what some saw as a tacit rebuke of Warren, who answered confidently that she is ready to be commander in chief when asked the same question by Rachel Maddow.
But Kaine’s humble, vanilla persona endeared him to Clinton. “I love that about him,” she told CBS News’ Charlie Rose in an interview earlier this week when grilled about whether he was too boring. Added Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a close confidant of the Clintons who has been pushing for his home-state senator: “If anything, he’s only helped himself through this entire process.”
Well, I know some “progressives” (GAWD I hate that word) who aren’t happy with this choice but at this point I just want Trump to disappear permanently from my TV set and country. It’s not Kaine’s policies that will become law so, oh well. Plus, I think help with Virginia and the Rust Belt is likely more helpful than picking a few BOBs in already blue states.
Liberals say they are concerned about Mr. Kaine’s positions on global trade deals and Wall Street regulation. He has been an outspoken advocate of free trade and has defended the North American Free Trade Agreement, which many voters in Rust Belt states blame for the loss of manufacturing jobs to Mexico. He voted in support of “fast track” authority for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-nation trade pact that President Obama has championed.
He wasn’t my choice but Democratic insiders seem pleased or at least they are acting pleased on TV. So, you can Google him and his positions. He’s center left and has done well for Virginia. Nate Silver doesn’t think he’ll help with the election so he likely fits in with the Clinton comfort zone in terms of being a trusted adviser.
Kaine has traditional credentials, having served as Virginia’s governor before joining the U.S. Senate. He’s young enough, at 58, that he could run for president himself in 2020 or 2024. He’s not especially liberal, but he’s no Blue Dog Democrat, either. He’s a white guy, although he speaks good Spanish. If Mike Pence is a “generic Republican,” then Kaine is a “generic Democrat.”
The difference is that Kaine comes from a swing state, whereas Donald Trump would likely lose Pence’s home state, Indiana, only in a national landslide. If you’re going to pick someone from a swing state, is Virginia among the better options? And how much difference does the vice presidential nominee really make in his or her home state?
Our previous research suggests that a vice presidential pick adds about 2 percentage points to his party’s margin in his home state. So, for instance, if Clinton would otherwise win Virginia by 3 percentage points, her margin would theoretically increase to 5 points with Kaine on the ticket. Not all VP bonuses are created equal, of course; there’s some evidence that VP nominees chosen from less populous states (for instance, Joe Biden of Delaware or Sarah Palin of Alaska) make more difference than those picked from larger ones. But Kaine seems like a fairly typical case: Virginia is a medium-size state, and Kaine’s approval ratings there are solid but not spectacular.
It actually takes quite a confluence of circumstances, though, for those 2 percentage points in one swing state to change the winner of the Electoral College. For Kaine to swing the election for Clinton, she’d have to be losing Virginia without him (otherwise he’d be superfluous) but not losing it by more than 2 percentage points (otherwise, he wouldn’t help enough). Likewise, she’d have to be losing the Electoral College without Virginia’s 13 electoral votes, but she’d need to have at least 257 from other states or Virginia wouldn’t make a big enough impact.1
What are the odds of all of that happening? About 1 chance in 140, according to our polls-only model, based on a set of simulations I ran early Friday afternoon. That translates into only about a 0.7 percent chance that a VP pick from Virginia would swing the election to Clinton.
And here’s a comedy break:
Discuss amongst yourselves!!!
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Sky Dancing 
One word SOLID.
Like a Rock!!!
I wish I could be excited. I’m sure he’ll do a good job, but he’s not going to get anyone fired up. I guess Obama will be able to do that though.
I’m willing to be open minded and give him a chance.
I agree Dak. This may not make us turn cartwheels, but this is a good man with great experience. He’s fluent in Spanish and whatever his shortcomings, he will take orders from our next POTUS, Hillary Clinton.
On Kaine
Well, that looks good! Thx, Mouse.
Oh me too. I’m just let down, because I would have liked to see some real excitement after the horrible GOP convention. I trust Hillary and she should have a person she is comfortable with.
I thought Joe Biden was a horrible choice too, but he turned out OK in the long run.
Kaine does sound better than Biden.
They have things in common but I think Kaine is better.
But don’t we need to remember what Joe Biden did to Anita Hill? That defined him for all time, didn’t it? Plus, he had the audacity to consider running for POTUS in 2016 against Hillary. Never forget.
Yeah, I feel the same way. Ho hum. But I haven’t yet heard him speak.
Tears of joy: Marissa Alexander, of Florida has been freed! I have chills all over my body. We wonder what women seeking it feel like when they are freed, I think on this day “she” and “we” found a time that we all, women, can be happy, because she FREE.
Millions of us are waiting for her to be free, and yes, we are here for you Marissa Alexander, waiting for you!
OMG, that’s wonderful!
Hurray.
That is wonderful news.
So happy to hear this!
Hillary Clinton: “I never thought I would say these words, but Ted Cruz was right. In this election, do the right thing and vote your conscience.” Full video here: http://cs.pn/2a13sqn
This is who Hillary wants and I am fine with it. She is reportedly comfortable with him and his resume is impressive.
Clinton/Kaine!! Winners!
Every one in government has a lot of good things to say abouts him.
Amy Kobuchar just gave him a rave review on MSNBC. She also noted Kaine was born in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Stephanie Schriock also gave him glowing reviews during Hardball.
I’m in, all in.
Well, in the end I was pulling for Warren but I’m taking credit for this call. I said months ago that the tea leaves here in VA were indicating that it would be Kaine. This won’t hurt her and it will solidify Virginia going blue.
Yup. You get a gold Star!
Thank you. That’s all I wanted. 😉
I’m going to give you another gold star. Anyone who saw this coming months ago, deserves 2 gold stars. 🙂 I’ve been all over the map with this call!
Thanks, Mouse. I have the advantage of having a little inside info. Not that there was anything hinted that it would be Kaine, but there were some unusual things happening in Virginia politics not the least of which is that the only Vice Presidential debate is going to be held at Longwood University, a small liberal arts school in central Virginia. It’s an interesting choice because it’s a school that nobody has ever heard of despite the fact that it’s the third oldest school in Virginia, founded in 1839, after William and Mary and UVA. I know it doesn’t point to Kaine specifically, but it told me that the party was paying close attention to Virginia. As well, there’s been some repositioning and movement among Democrats that just caught my eye and made me think it would be Kaine.
Now we have our ticket, on to the White House!!!! If she picked him, he is right for her. I am sure that Warren will get something big in Hillary’s cabinet. We are so fortunate to have some great people in the party!
Come on you guys – I spent a long time in Virginia. They love him. Their current Governor will get to appoint his replacement. He was a civil rights lawyer for 15 years, mayor of Richmond, Governor of Virginia, speaks Spanish, beat the NRA, big tobacco, big coal and George Allen. 100% rating from Planned Parenthood and NARAL. F rating from the NRA (unlike Bernie Sanders). Did I want Warren? Yes. Do I like Kaine? Absolutely.
From a fellow Dem on our local Hillary volunteer group.
I could not agree more. We lived in the Richmond area in the ’90s and then moved to Seattle in 2000. We came back to Richmond in ’08 and honestly did not recognize the place. Under Kaine’s leadership along with fellow Dems, they have changed Richmond completely. We really didn’t like it the first time around. It was segregated in that the city was 70% minority populated with terrible schools and zero night life. There was nothing, no decent restaurants, or anything to do in the city. White flight was rampant. Now, it’s a completely different place and a lot of the credit goes to Tim Kaine. Seriously, the city is growing, vibrant, we’ve got an amazing restaurant scene and it’s become a cycling Mecca. I have really come to respect Tim Kaine.
That’s a great personal endorsement of Kaine. That gives me even more of a reason to believe Hillary made the right choice.
Very encouraging!
But, Dak, do we really think that a two woman (double minority) ticket would be strong against Trump?
Let’s crash that glass ceiling for once and for all.
I thought Kaine was not well thought of on the planned parenthood front.
NARAL didn’t think well of Gov. Kaine back in 2009:
“Virginia Gov. and DNC Chair Kaine Signs Divisive Anti-Choice Bill”
“It is unfortunate that, even after receiving thousands of messages from Virginians and pro-choice activists across the country, Gov. Kaine has opted to sign a bill that advances a divisive political ideology at the expense of women’s health,” said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. “This action reminds America’s pro-choice majority that we must hold elected officials in both political parties accountable when they take actions that are inconsistent with mainstream pro-choice values.”
http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/media/press-releases/2009/pr03302009_kaine.html
Cecile Richards is all for him.
Now he gets a perfect rating from both NARAL and PP.
http://www.dailynewsbin.com/news/fact-check-yes-hillary-clintons-potential-running-mate-tim-kaine-is-strongly-pro-choice/25239/
I think he’s evolved since being in Washington.
Possibly Kaine has evolved, but as a governor, he had executive powers he does not have as a senator. In the Senate, he has been only one legislative vote among many.
We can all support this ticket. I LIKE VANILLA because it goes with soooo many other flavors!
Clinton/Kaine!!!
(Mouse, we need some fireworks! We have our ticket to the WH!)
Clinton/Kaine! Clinton/Kaine! Clinton/Kaine!
Luv the sparkles!
@Jskat, An important goal is for Democrats to take control of the Senate. So giving Warren a cabinet post would be a bad idea because the Republican governor would replace her with a Republican, and there is no guarantee that a Democrat would win the election to fill that seat.
Even though my first choice was Cory Booker (my Senator), I felt he wouldn’t be picked for the same reason. Same goes for Sherrod Brown.
Roz in NJ/NYC
Agree……Warren, Brown and Booker would have been replaced in the Senate by Republican Governors. This choice is a win-win
I agree.
Roz, you’re right, we’ll keep her in the Senate😀
In MA we have to have a special election to replace a Senator. Joe Kennedy would likely win.
I trust Hillary. He’s the right choice. Looking forward to the formal introduction tomorrow!
Yes, me too!
Clinton / Kaine sounds good. Lots better than Trump / Pence!
We have 2 brilliant, accomplished people with Clinton/Kaine and the GOP has THIS:
LOL!
It makes you wonder where Donald’s hand is, doesn’t it?
ROFLOL!!!!
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His current project is passing a strong edition to war powers to make the Congress step up and remove some of the power of the President when declaring war. He has some rather interesting legislative agendas.
He’s got like a 100 percent rating from planned parenthood and from Brady.
Cecile Richards of Planned Parenthood is on RM now. She likes Kaine.
When Hillary said Kaine works for the public good through his public service- it clicks, because isn’t that her overriding theme?I think they will work well together and if she trusts him, all the better.
His wife sounds really interesting. She helped integrate Richmond public schools as a child and is a strong advocate for children.
Krap, it’s Kaine
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/10773840.html
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I really luv that message………..I’m dealing with Meridian, Idaho republican who wants the poor to go somewhere else.
Why I chose Tim Kaine, by Hillary Clinton
View at Medium.com
I got the text message when she first sent it out. My response was, dammit!
Hah, mine was too, JJ! But I’m warming to him.
Beautiful announcement (contrast it to T-rump’s backhanded VP announcement.)
I’m “enthusiastic” about the Clinton/Kaine ticket. Two hard-working decent smart people who will make us proud!!
Al Giordano Welcomes Tim Kaine VP Pick.
https://storify.com/ScottyUrb/al-giordano-welcomes-tim-kaine-vp-pick
I’m liking him more and more.
The NARAL statement put me more at ease with Kaine as VP choice.
http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/media/press-releases/2016/222016.html
Thx for the link; I like his voting record and if NARAL likes him, that’s good enough for me.
I’m sure he’s a wonderful person.
I luv you sky dancers, you bring more dancing moves, and more soul music, and you always pay attention to many details, and make us more of a therapeutic, which brings about the acceptance and the changes that we ourselves go through, and what we expect, and what might work for us, and then what works for others. We been together a long time, we are dedicated to stopping the discrimination against all people, for all reasons, and yes we want to teach about a positive tomorrow. Time wise, I am on my last journey, if best I’ll have another 20 years. I believe Hillary Clinton does relate to that tomorrow, just like we do. Let us think about that.
He can help us carry Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. It will totally be over for Trump, and for the republican party who supported a mentally imbalance man. The only way we do this is to get out the vote, and he will a part of that, and we can beem him up, get him revving it up. We have to get the senate and government in a place in order to wind the supreme court appointments, and it powerful for the next election. Don’t you think that is why she is going to put powerful people in positions for the next elections, for the future of our children and grandchildren. She’s smart, she has a smooth dance, and kicks the hell out of those who want to destroy freedom, justice, equality, and opportunity. Planned Parenthood rated him 100%, and I trust Cecile Richards.
He is 100 times better than the selection Trump made in Mike Pence.
We just got to get the vote out, we lose if we do.
Love you too!
Right back at you Fannie. Hope you’re recuperating from yesterday’s bee attack.
I’ll dance:
Do what you wanna do😀😀😀😀
Frankly I don’t care if she decided to take on the two positions herself. I am still with her. As she said let’s win this thing
I’m with her and I’m with you.
In her own words:
View at Medium.com
Her pick to make! I would support who ever she chose because I trust her judgement. That said, I’m smiling about it. They complement each other and I think he will be a great asset when it comes to governing and building on the progress we’ve made. On the campaign trail, I hope he will be seen as a positive model for a different way white men can choose to respond to the inexorable changes of globalization and demography that are our future. Amplifying the theme of “Stronger Together” and “love trumps hate”. I want the Clinton/Kaine message to be one that emphatically speaks to our better angels, and invokes our courage, resourcefulness, and empathy. “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
I trust that her cabinet will be inclusive and representative and that her administration will continue Obama’s great job of bringing in leadership from under represented peoples. Getting to “a more perfect union” is a good thing! It makes our country stronger.
I esteem Senator Warren, but this is not yet her time or her role. I hope she taken a bigger progressive leadership role in the Senate. I’m done with Bernie, but I sure do respect and listen to her.
I’ve been saying to my wife for over a month that Bernie overplayed his hand and seriously ill served his constituency by doing so. I’m not upset about it because I think the purity progressives need to learn some lessons about being in coalition and how to behave as members, not masters. I do care about wages, jobs, and economic inequality. But my top concerns personally are in the areas of justice, policing reform, and mental health care. Ymmv. I’m not as bothered by trade deals and globalization, growing up in a port city (Seattle), transPacific trade was always part of the picture. Boeing went boom and then bust three different times during my childhood. Logging boomed and then died away. But we also had cool imported goods, great foreign food, and lots of immigrants, whose contributions built and have improved every place I’ve ever lived! I do not want a retreat from globalization, even if it were possible. I want fair trade processes, environmental sustainability, universal human rights, fair accountability and better citizen representation within global governance. Those are long goals. I’m into progress, not perfection. As Baba says, “Perfection is the enemy of good enough.”
Well said babama!
oops, typo, meant to say, “she takes a bigger”.
Brilliant.
He’ll be fine.
Those Bernie supporters who are manufacturing yet some more butthurt over this choice will soon, I hope, figure out that their feelings are not at the center of the universe. The train has left the station and the campaign is roaring toward 270 electoral votes; so over placating progressives.
I was watching MSNBC tonight and Joy Reid (whom I usually like) and Sam Stein were whining that “the Clintons” made a safe, boring and calculated choice, and I saw red.
The dude bros and their comradettes do not grasp that the Democratic Party nominating the first woman Presidential Candidate is every bit as important, momentous and revolutionary as nominating the first African-American for our country’s highest office.
Instead they’re all-yawn-“been there, done that.”
Well, you know what, snowflakes, we’ve never been there and we’ve never done that.
I don’t remember the so called progressives insisting that Barak Obama pick another black man, an Hispanic, or-ahem-a woman to complete his ticket.
I don’t remember them criticizing him for the Biden pick.
It’s almost like they understood that we should shatter one glass ceiling at a time.
Kaine is similar to Biden: they’re both Catholics, they’re both pro life in their private lives and pro choice as public officials because they respect the Constitution.
They’re both perceived as moderates, although I think Kaine is more liberal than Biden; and here’s a point-HRC-picked someone who’s ten years younger than she as her VP; Obama picked someone who’s nineteen years older which meant he wasn’t teeing up anybody to be his successor and the future of the party.
But, then, Hillary has always been more caring about the Party and she’s always put Country first.
I was foursquare for Sherrod Brown because I thought he’d be a great help in the so called Rust Belt.
I was not for Booker or Warren because a two minority ticket against Trump was a gamble I was not willing to take.
If Hillary picks Kaine, I’m with Kaine because I trust her.
As far as excitement goes, I’ll be nearly ready for a rubber room excited when we inaugurate our first woman President, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
I’m with you Sue! Couldn’t have said it better. Electing the first female POTUS is a Big frigging deal! Hillary made a good choice that she alone could make. He fits all of her criteria.
Like you I am so excited about electing Hillary…a woman and the best prepared person to run for POTUS ever!!!!
(Joan Walsh was on RM last night. She gently admonished progressives to develop a big tent attitude. RM seemed disappointed… surprise surprise!)
I love your response, SweetSue, especially this:
Propane Jane on Twitter said this:
Let’s roll with this and get Hillary elected as first woman POTUS in November!
Good article on Hillary’s choice. Hillary looks beyond the election with selection of Kaine.
I am now thoroughly in favor of him. Solid, pragmatic, wants to get things done, keeps his ego in check, and loyal.
Ok, ok, he’ll more than likely grow on me. I glad we have a tem that is ready to move forward.
Now, how do we overcome the things people believe the Repugs and medi have said about Hillary.
My own so said he can’t vote for Trump but Hillary lied so that makes it hard for him to vote for her as well
That’s supposed to be “my own son…”
If Virginia is one of the keys to this election, and it is, Tim Kaine is a brilliant choice. He is wildly popular here. He lives in the city of Richmond in a non-pretentious, middle class neighborhood. He and his wife sent their kids to city public schools where 75% of the students qualify for free or reduced lunches. He has never lost an election. Around here, anyone who has worked with him or for him is crazy about him. The media around here is blowing up with praise and testimonials.
One of the big worries the Democrats have had about this election is voter turnout in SWING states. We all know Bernie voters would have turned out if Warren were elected but that turnout will only make a difference in the swing states and Bernie did not win PA, OH, or VA. Tim Kaine will deliver VA, of that I have no doubt. The more I think about it, this was the right choice.
Correction above, *if Warren was selected, not elected*
On a personal note, don’t you think it’s a bit of a relief to Clinton to have at least on person in her camp who doesn’t always suck the oxygen out of the room? She has had a lifetime of that and there will be no question of who is in charge with Kaine.
Yes, that will be a relief for her!
All of those observations, and Hillary has said the general election would be won in the middle.