What if Walter Mondale had won reelection in 2002 and in 2008 Obama had picked him for his running mate?
he harms the ticket (because of his age and his reputation as both a has-been and a losing candidate)
Eh, it's a fun albeit completely unlikely scenario given that Mondale was 80 in 2008, but on the off chance it happens I'd say a) he harms the ticket (because of his age and his reputation as both a has-been and a losing candidate), making for a closer race between Obama and McCain (one which Obama would still likely win given the fundamentals and the fact that running mates aren't that impactful) and b) would be dropped from the ticket in 2012 (because of age and I'm guessing health concerns).
Of course, that would then mean that Obama would have a different running mate in 2012 (probably someone other than Biden given he might not want to go from an 84 year old to a 70 year old - plus there's the fact that Obama's friendship with Biden might mean he's named Secretary of State instead of Clinton), which obviously has butterflies for 2016 and beyond.
Personally I’ve always thought that if Clinton didn’t get State she would’ve retired from the Senate in 2012 and been set up nicely for 2016.If Clinton doesn't get State that's a conundrum for her. Reid made it clear that she wasn't going to get much special treatment with regards to ignoring her lack of seniority. I think Clinton either goes for Mayor of NYC in 2009 (should Bloomberg not run somehow... maybe she works to make sure the two-term limit stays) or for Governor of NY in 2010. Mayor in 2009 could perhaps transition to UN Ambassador in Obama's second term.
I'd guess Vilsack would be Obama's second term VP. He's from a swing state and was the only cabinet member OTL to serve all 8 years, which makes me think Obama liked him in particular.
What if Walter Mondale had won reelection in 2002 and in 2008 Obama had picked him for his running mate?
Well, he was the Secretary for Agriculture. Just as easily could have been coincidence/being beneath notice.
Agriculture is low-key one of the most important cabinet departments.
Operative term being low-key
Personally I’ve always thought that if Clinton didn’t get State she would’ve retired from the Senate in 2012 and been set up nicely for 2016.
And, this keeps her hands off of the preliminary stages of the Iran nuclear deal too.Well - It's one less piece for her resume, and she's not in the photo watching Bin Laden get killed, but she's also nowhere near Benghazi. She can be quiet or free trade skeptic without needing to be SecState for a pro-Free Trade administration. So it seems she would would be ditching more liabilities than assets.