Newswise — According to Northeastern University professor of journalism Alan Schroeder, presumed Democratic candidate John Kerry would do well to choose a running mate who sharply contrasts the current and frequently controversial Vice President Dick Cheney.
"Cheney's recent vulgar outburst directed at Sen. Patrick J. Leahy was another example of Cheney as a lightening-rod," said Schroeder. "It creates an opportunity for Kerry to provide a strong contrast to a strong personality."
"Someone like John Edwards, who many could argue is the antithesis of Cheney, would provide that needed contrast," said Schroeder. "Edwards is an optimist and a positive campaigner."
With poll numbers close, both the presidential and vice presidential debates are going to carry more weight for candidates, adding to the pressure of choosing a talented running mate, says Schroeder.
"The question with Edwards is whether Kerry's ego will let him choose someone who's so much more politically talented," Schroeder said.
Alan Schroeder is an expert in presidential debates, political reporting, campaign tactics, presidential campaigns, can speak knowledgeably about the style and tactics of the current crop of Democratic nominees, and the increasingly tight relationship between Hollywood and politics. He is the author of "Celebrity-in-Chief: How Show Business Took Over the White House" and "Presidential Debates: 40 Years of High-Risk TV." A former TV news producer and veteran journalist, Schroeder has written a number of scholarly articles on political debates, campaign documentaries, Hollywood films, and the history of television news. A frequent media commentator, he has been quoted as an expert source by the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and USA Today, and has appeared on ABC's Good Morning America, the BBC, CBS, CNN, C-SPAN, MSNBC, Fox News Channel, and NPR's Fresh Air and Morning Edition.
Northeastern University, located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, is a world leader in cooperative education and recognized for its expert faculty and first-rate academic and research facilities. Through co-op, Northeastern undergraduates alternate semesters of full-time study with semesters of paid work in fields relevant to their professional interests and major, giving them nearly two years of professional experience upon graduation. The majority of Northeastern graduates receive a job offer from a co-op employer. Cited for excellence two years running by U.S. News & World Report, Northeastern was named a top college in the northeast by the Princeton Review 2003/04. In addition, Northeastern's career services was awarded top honors by Kaplan Newsweek's "Unofficial Insiders Guide to the 320 Most Interesting Colleges and Universities," 2003 edition. For more information, please visit http://www.northeastern.edu.
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