Chafee Open to VP Nod

Lincoln Chafee was Rhode Island's Republican senator from 1999 until 2006. Gov. Lincoln Almond appointed Chafee to the U.S. Senate in November 1999 to fill the unexpired Senate term of his late father, John Chafee. In November 2000, he was overwhelmingly elected to the seat. As senator, he served as a member of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. During that time, he emerged as a leader on environmental issues and foreign policy, and promoted sensible economic and energy policies.

Alexander Heffner: Why fundamentally did you choose to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president?

Lincoln Chafee: Of the candidates who were originally running, there were only a few who had opposed the Iraq war: Ron Paul, Barack Obama, Dennis Kucinich. Ultimately, Sen. Obama had the best vision, the best message, the best promise of change, and the best-organized campaign.

AH: In your view, which past president does Obama most resemble? JFK?

LC: Hey, it's not fair to make leading suggestions—but OK, JFK.

AH: Are you afraid Obama's candidacy will be derailed by his associations with Rev. Wright and his recent "bitter" remarks?

LC: Yes, but wins in Indiana and North Carolina should change the dialogue.

AH: David Brooks of The New York Times recently wrote that Obama is sounding more and more like a typical Democrat with policy stances authored by party consultants. Do you disagree?

LC: Maybe so, but even David Brooks can't deny that Sen. Obama brings fundamental change to the equation.

AH: Who would be Obama's smartest VP choice -- or what should be his most important consideration in selecting a running mate?

LC: Nobody that supported this unnecessary and immoral war! But I'd now advise a military person who told the truth, especially Gen. Shinseki or Gen. Zinni.

AH: To make his bipartisan vision a reality, shouldn't he tap a Republican or Independent?

LC: Not necessarily.

AH: Beyond the VP stakes, how can Obama govern the "new majority" he promises subscribing to policy positions with which most Congressional Republicans strongly disagree?

LC: House and Senate GOP leaders are now minority leaders- and '08 could bring more coffee to wake up and smell.

AH: Would you accept the VP nomination if offered?

LC: I'll do anything to help repair our country from the damage of Bush/Cheney.