Forget U.S. Senate. Some think Foxx would be a strong contender for Vice President. (No, not that Foxx. Liberals everywhere breathe a sigh of relief.)
The thinking goes like this: Hillary Clinton is going to be the Democratic nominee. Period. To win, Clinton is going to have to get the Obama coalition to turn out in full force. The biggest threat to Clinton’s chances would be failure to replicate the strong black turnout from 2008 and 2012. The best way to deal with this problem is with the selection of a black running mate. While the prospect of a black Vice President wouldn’t have nearly the same emotional appeal as Obama did during his runs, it might prevent the most loyal Democrats from staying home and thereby ensuring a Republican win.
Besides his race, Foxx has several merits. He’s Secretary of Transportation and has a lot of experience in dealing with infrastructure issues. A former mayor of Charlotte, his roots in the Tar Heel State might make the GOP sweat to win NC’s electoral votes, an essential proposition for a 2016 win. He’s also a likable figure who grew up in much less privileged circumstances than the current President but managed to succeed in spite of it. His personal story would be a compelling one on the campaign trail.
Of course, there are downsides as well. Foxx isn’t really known statewide, so his ability to bring North Carolina into the Hillary column is questionable. And where he is known – the Charlotte region – voters tend to view him unfavorably. In fact, in a hypothetical poll conducted on potential challengers to Pat McCrory, Foxx did the worst, trailing by 14 points.
Next, there’s the possibility that Obama will be an unpopular figure in 2016, from whom Hillary will want to distance herself. In that case, the selection of someone from Obama’s Cabinet might compromise that strategy. And, if the Democrats are in a populist mood, a VP pick who ran one of the nation’s largest banking cities might not be too appealing. Finally, if a black running mate is required, Foxx is going to have some competition in Sen. Cory Booker or Gov. Deval Patrick, whose qualifications are just as strong, if not stronger.
Still, Hillary could do a lot worse. We’ll have to see how the race develops to find out exactly what Hillary needs in a ticket mate, but my guess is that Foxx will be a contender for the spot.
John Wynne is the “conservative voice” at PoliticsNC, where he also provides polling analysis and commentary on legislative campaigns. When not writing about politics, he enjoys gardening and listening to opera. Contact: johncwynne@gmail.com.
Hill ain’t Bill, and she proved that in ’08. The only way Hillary Clinton gets the nomination is if nobody even marginally competent comes along. She’s a rotten campaigner… and the baggage, the baggage. Plus she’s vaguely underhanded what with that sham marriage of hers, and that comes through. If I had to guess I’d say no way it’s Hillary.
Since progressives and democrats can’t stand the sight of her and right-wingers like Mr. Wynne can’t talk her up enough as a presidential nominee – which she hasn’t the least chance of ever being as far as democrats are concerned, it strikes me as only logical that MS. Clinton become the republican nominee – thereby indulging Mr. Wynne’s incessant Clinton obsession; then he can rave on and on to himself – and whoever may care to listen, what a wonderful nominee she is cause us democrats don’t want to hear it anymore.
Mr. Wynne a “right-winger”? Jeez, I’d sure like to have a beer with you (you know, with an armed security detail present).
He might even gain a little name recognition if you addressed him by his FULL name.
There will be no escaping the Obama Administration’s failures during the 2016 campaign, and selecting an East Coast liberal as a running mate would be a disaster. Anthony Foxx is the best of that cabinet, and well regarded in both parties. Outside of Congressman Castro, who would hold no AA appeal, Secretary Foxx is surely at the top of the list for V.P.