Iowa Governor and Hamilton alumnus Tom Vilsack's name is on the short list of potential running mate for John Kerry. Although recent polls show he is not well known, Hamilton College political scientist Philip Klinkner pointed out the Veeps aren't always chosen for their popularity with voters.
Klinkner said, "In addition to helping him in the heartland, selecting Tom Vilsack would signal that John Kerry wants a running mate with whom he is personally comfortable. Such a quality has become more and more important as vice presidents have begun to assume larger responsibilities within a president's administration. Back in the days when former VP John Garner famously described his job as "not worth a bucket of warm piss," the personal relationship between the president and the vice president didn't really matter. But over the last 25 years, vice presidents have become a crucial part of a president's team."
An article in the Los Angeles Times about Vilsack reported, "Allies suggest he would be a bright and articulate spokesman for Democrats, a fresh face to inspire some media buzz but not so sparkling (like the glib and handsome Edwards) as to steal the limelight from Kerry. He also has the sort of dramatic biography that television and newspaper reporters love: orphaned at birth, then adopted as an infant by a well-to-do Pittsburgh couple. He managed to transcend physical abuse by his alcoholic mother to build a successful career in law and politics."
On the campaign trail one of Vilsack's assets will be his wife, Christie Kirkland '72, who he met while they were in college together. Klinkner said, "She is an experienced and popular campaigner. Her endorsement of Kerry before the Iowa Caucuses helped turn his campaign around."
Hamilton College James S. Sherman Associate Professor of Government Philip Klinkner, author of numerous books on American politics, most recently co-authored The Unsteady March: The Rise and Decline of America's Commitment to Racial Equality. His other books include The Losing Parties: Out-Party National Committees, 1956-1993 [Yale University Press, 1994] and Midterm: The 1994 Elections in Perspective (Westview Press, 1996]. Klinkner is also co-author of a Harvard University report, "Democracy Spoiled," about spoiled ballots in the 2000 election. Klinkner is frequently quoted in the media and regularly updates his blog http://polysigh.blogspot.com/ to provide commentary on current political topics.
CONTACT: Philip Klinkner, Hamilton College , 315-859-4344 or 315-792-9881 or pklinkne@hamilton.edu.
