EEK

Kevin Drum writes that rumors are hot and heavy that Dick Gephardt is Kerry's choice for VP. And he has the same reaction as me: Huh?

Well, I guess the soundbite version is that he's an economic nationalist with a strong record on national defense. Maybe that sounds good to some of the people around Kerry, since it helps him with the working class and shores up his national security credentials.

Maybe, but color me unconvinced. Democrats are simply sticking their heads in the sand if they don't believe that this entire campaign is going to be about national security first last and always, regardless of whether or not that's what they wish it were about. What Kerry needs is a veep who gives him the maximum possible national security oomph.

Not to mention it would be a good idea if at least one of the Dems running had some charisma.

Kevin also does a nice round-up of similar criticisms of the Iraq war made by Richard Clarke last year, when he worked as an ABC News analyst.
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