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Nunn as VP?

Washington Post and Newsweek columnist George Will says Barack Obama could win Georgia if he chooses former senator Sam Nunn as his running. But Washington Post editorial page staffer Jonathan Capehart argues that Nunn might be a poor VP pick because of Nunn’s record on gays in the military.

“As Sen. Barack Obama considers potential running mates, he should contemplate Sam Nunn with caution,” writes Capehart. “As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee in 1993, Nunn helped lead the fight against allowing gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military and was the force behind the disastrous “don’t ask, don’t tell” compromise. In the process, Nunn engendered the enduring enmity of a loyal voting and fundraising bloc of the Democratic Party.”

He continues: “Famously, Nunn led lawmakers on a tour of cramped submarine quarters and showers, an exercise that many viewed as a crass attempt to raise an ick factor of homosexuals living among straight troops. As if gay men and lesbians are devoid of discipline and incapable of defending this country.” Read full column here

Is this a problem for Nunn? Should Obama pick him as a running mate?

Permalink | Comments (18) | Post your comment | Categories: Forum

Comments

By Wizzard

June 11, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Obama will have none of Nunn as his Vice President because he has already agreed to give that position jointly to Bill and Hillary Clinton.

By Denny

June 12, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

I believe that Sam Nunn is a Southeren Democrat of the 60s, that is, a conservative Democrat.

I cannot see him signing on as VP to today’s radical Democrat Party.

By MissV

June 12, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Nunn just might work! Someone who left Congress on his own terms and without blemish. Unless, oh well, Newt Gingrich is out, isn’t he?

By zeke

June 12, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

No! Sam has more integrity than to sign on with these leftist socialist idiots!!!!

By James

June 12, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Sam Nunn used to be a great democrat senator along the lines of “Scoop” Henry Jackson of Washington State (who almost beat Carter for the presidential nomination - too bad he didn’t). However, now that Sam has come out for Obama and is asking that the military “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy be reviewed, I think he has lost it in his old age. GO AWAY Sam !

By Maniac is accurate

June 12, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

As good a vice president as he could be, Sam Nunn will never be selected because he is duller than dirt and makes Walter Mondale look dynamic.

By yankee

June 12, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what world you folks live in but gay’s in the military is way down on my list of things to worry about.

By Concerned American

June 12, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Sam Nunn would be a great addition to the Democratic ticket.

By Concerned American

June 12, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Sam Nunn would be a great addition to the Democratic ticket.

By MisterP

June 12, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

More likely Sec. of Defense or National Security Advisor.

By James

June 12, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Yankee:

You obviously wouldn’t understand. It’s just the tip of the iceberg, jenie in the bottle, slippery slope, etc., etc. Just a symtom of the ultra liberal mindset that is slowly but surely destroying what used to be a great democratic republic.

By Idontthinkso

June 12, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Won’t Obama have to stop making McCain’s age an issue if he picks a running mate who’s just as old?

By ND

June 12, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

The day relatively irrelevant issues like gay rights stop determining politics is the day America’s government actually starts doing something to help its people.

By LeeS

June 12, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Sam Nunn has been an advisor to Obama for quite some time now, and gave his endorsment early on in the campaign.

By itsme

June 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

I’d rather have Sam Nunn for president.

By Chilt

June 12, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

The problem is everybody will look at the two standing together and say shouldn’t these roles be reversed. Sam is actually qualified to be President.

By Sylvia Burley

June 12, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

This is a little off point, but I have to say this based on previous comments. This country IS going to hell in a hand basket and not because of right wing conservative demagogues or leftist socialist idiots, but because we continue to prefer labeling people to creating solutions. This mentality led to the gridlock in the GA legislature and will surely continue to do the same in Washington no matter who becomes the President.

By Greg in Denver

June 21, 2008 5:15 AM | Link to this

Sam Nunn would alienate huge parts of the Obama contituancy , who would still vote for him, but might not donate or volunteer.

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