Christien Louviere

Who cares who is elected to replace “W” this coming November? At this point, I do not. I do not care because neither is making the decision easy for me. Mr. Obama is a fantastic story but most of his stances require a deep fundamental break in American culture, which, honestly, scares the hell out of me. Mr. McCain has many great stories and clout amongst colleagues, but I have little clue as to what he is doing on a daily basis.

I am not interested in shaking down the core fundamental system that has created this amazing country called the United States, so Obama is making me uneasy. McCain’s plan for Iraq is too ambiguous. I need something more solid than we need to do what it takes to win even if takes 100 years or longer.

As of now, I am making my 2008 decision based on the Vice-Presidential running mates that can provide balance. If Mr. Obama wants my vote, he needs to find a running mate that can seriously provide realistic goals when it comes to Iraq, healthcare, energy and taxes. If Mr. McCain wants my vote, he needs someone with realistic goals, when it comes to Iraq, taxes, energy and a little pep in the step would be nice too.

Here are 5 legitimate Vice-Presidential candidates I like:

• Sam Nunn (D)…currently, CEO of the Nuclear Threat Initiative.Nunn is seen as a conservative Democrat.His educational background is comprised of Georgia Tech, Emory and the US Coast Guard.He was a US Senator in GA for 24 years.Nunn would bring a wealth of knowledge in regards to business and foreign diplomacy to Mr. Obama’s campaign, which are two areas that he is seemingly wet behind the ears.
• Michael Bloomberg (D-I-R)…currently, Mayor of Rome….err New York City. He cannot make up his mind on party lines, and this makes him all that much more attractive. He knows business and has been in those trenches. He started one of the most successful financial networks and now manages arguably one of the most important cities in the world. Both candidates need economic help because they seem to see the world on paper only.
• Joe Biden (D)…currently, US Senator from Delaware…the best thing to come out of Delaware since Ryan Phillippe, Biden is serving on the Committee on Foreign Relations. Biden is a straight-shooter, which is probably why he has never become a viable Presidential candidate. He has helped Bush implement many of his initiatives regarding Iraq and Afghanistan, but he has been critical of his execution and lack of communication Americans. That’s almost 100% the way I feel.
• Bobby Jindal (R)…currently, Governor of Louisiana. A bit of a homer for me, but I had the pleasure of meeting him and hearing him speak at political events when I lived in Louisiana. He has charisma and is an underdog. Bobby Jindal is flying under the radar of the average American voter. He is a whiz kid that knows how to communicate. I wish he had been Governor when Katrina hit. A Rhodes Scholar in Oxford and only 37, he brings a wealth of knowledge into the realms of taxes and healthcare.
• Joe Liberman (D-I)…currently, US Senator from CT. He is about the only thing I liked about Al Gore’s 2000 run. Liberman is a master at finding the best compromise for all involved parties. He is a realist when it comes to matters of national security and the environment. He has a great deal of respect amongst his colleagues when it comes to crossing party lines. Both candidates will very much need that kind of help if he is elected.

Dark Horse

• Condolleeza Rice (R)…currently, Secretary of State. She needs no introduction. Phenomenally intelligent and grace under tremendous fire for the past four years. No amount of money can quantify what Bush owes her. It is highly unlikely that she will be on any ticket, but I would vote for her without hesitancy.