Green | August 01, 2008 | 45 comments

Obama considers Monsanto ally Ann Veneman for VP (!?)

source: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_13865.cfm

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JanforGore
Barack Obama's vice presidential search team had begun floating the name of former Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman, one of George Bush's most loyal lieutenants, as a possible running-mate on the 2008 Democratic ticket.

What the Obama camp is doing is clear enough. They are signaling that the candidate might consider a bipartisan "unity" ticket. That's reasonable, as long as the Republican has some record of taking stands that might by some reasonable stretch of the imagination be considered breaks with Republican orthodoxy. Of course, Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, an edgier critic of the Bush administration's foreign policies than most Democrats who recently traveled with Obama to Afghanistan and Iraq, tops most lists of cross-over contenders.

Former Iowa Congressman Jim Leach, a determined internationalist who like Obama opposed attacking Iraq and generally served as a moderate (some would even say "liberal") Republican, would fit the bill.

Maybe someone like former Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee, a steadfast Iraq War foe who has endorsed Obama, would find a place on a list of possible running mates.

Perhaps former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth, who was no liberal when he served as a senator from Missouri but who is universally recognized as an honorable and realistic political player, would fit the bill.

But Ann Veneman?

Veneman would be a uniquely awful choice.

All of her political roots are in California -- where her father was a prominent ally of Ronald Reagan -- a state Obama will win with or without her in November.

Veneman is not trusted by farm and rural folk, so it would be ridiculous to think that adding her to the ticket would help in Midwestern and Plains states that might be in play this fall. In fact, this uniquely un-charismatic bureaucrat who has never held elective office was booed on visits to farm country when she served as Bush's Secretary of Agriculture.

And Veneman, whose background was as a corporate lawyer specializing in trade issues, was known to organized labor as one the most militant advocates for free trade in a militantly pro-free trade Bush administration.

In sum, it is hard to imagine a worse Republican to put on a Democratic ticket.

When Veneman first entered the national spotlight in 2001, I penned an assessment of her record for The Nation.

It was titled "No Friend of the Farmer" and read:
~~~~~~~~~~
I surely hope this is NOT true. If it is and it ever happened, NO WAY he would get my vote. Just what is his "search team" smoking? Proof positive this process is not about principle for her name to even be on the list.
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45 comments // Obama considers Monsanto ally Ann Veneman for VP (!?)

  • Marilynn_Murray
  • Enjoy_Cannabis
  • jjmaster
    • 0
      jjmaster  
    • Enjoy_Cannabis:

      That could work out! She's big money, but she loves the United States original constitution, with the amendment's from equal rIghts bills... but who will save what's left of our seeds? We need a new agricultural board for Organics...and a Labelling Committee...and tax exempt status for green technologies and plastic reduction.... Who then should I vote for? Mary Francis Berry will be more unified with the Hillary Dems... She is integrity safe!

    • 3 years ago
  • Marilynn_Murray
  • JanforGore
  • Marilynn_Murray
  • jjmaster
  • jjmaster
  • jubal
    • 0
      jubal  

    • This is totally screwed. I can't believe Obama would even consider such a move.

      We must all face the possibility that Obama is not the savior that many are making him out to be. He is a consummate politician.

    • 3 years ago
  • jjmaster
  • SeaJade
  • twodee
    • 0
      twodee  

    • Ok, so now we got off the Obama is Jesus spin and we are now into Obama is a typical or just another politician.

      Who else would be running for president?

      A musician?

      He Is A POLITICIAN!

      Obama is a politician. no surprise there. If he was not TYPICAL he would not be in the position he is in. Look at Nader, Ron Paul and Kucinich. These guys are Not so typical and also not a realistic possibility for President at the moment.

      and...

      When does being a free thinker mean you can not also work within a system and try and change it from the inside out? Opting out of the system we have (as broken as it is) is not free thinking. If someone is robbing your house every day you don't just pick up and move to another house. You DO SOMETHING about it.

      This is our house at the moment. It is broken. It has been vandalized.

      The fear of being thought of as a "dumbass" for falling for the same old politician is simply that. IT is FEAR. If this is your position you have essentially taken up the Republican talking points and personalized them in a way that make you think you are a free thinker and not a dumbass.

      Being a politically active free thinker does not mean your not gonna play the game anymore. It means you are gonna re-design the game. But starting from scratch serves no one but your own desire to tell everyone how above it all you are.

      What happened last time people voted for Nader? OOPS!

      and here we are today making the same arguments over and over as if we have learned NOTHING!

      The definition of insanity.

      argh!

      :)

    • 3 years ago
  • jubal
    • 0
      jubal  
    • twodee:

      I think that being independent makes you more interesting to the political party extremes, they want to woo your vote. I think it is a positive thing to decouple yourself from the parties and vote as an independent.

      I think that this is what people in this thread are talking about when they say that politicians are politicians and we need to be free thinkers.

      As I have said many times in the past, I will vote for Obama because he is the lesser of two evils; at least in my mind, because of the "politicians as politicians" argument. But I will not support either political party with my money directly. I would rather give my money to third party candidates, but I will not waste my vote on them unless they are truly viable as you have said Twodee.

    • 3 years ago
  • Marilynn_Murray
    • 0
      Marilynn_Murray  
    • twodee:

      My feelings exactly TwoDee, Obama is not my first choice. I don't think he is a bad choice. I don't like everything he is for, and I intend to work to get him to change his mind on things that really bother me. I don't want to destroy the house. I want to do some remodeling. The foundation is good and the basic structure is sound. It needs a little work on the roof and decorating. I know that he has to work in the system and compromise to get elected. I forgive him that. I also know being human he sometimes changes his opinion. That's where we come in. I'm with you in working for what we want. Thank you for your post. Brightened my day.

    • 3 years ago
  • Ricky84
    • 0
      Ricky84  

    • No offense but I can’t believe this is surprising to anyone. Obama is a typical politician. Typical politicians cater to special interests.

      Case in point who is running Obama’s VP selection committee? Well that would be former CEO of Fannie Mae James A. Johnson! It’s no wonder Obama campaigns under the banner of hope and change. That’s the same bullshit mantra Clinton used in the 90’s when he created the Nation Homeownership Strategy.

      “We just had a report come out last week asserting that it may be that up to one-third of our children are now born out of wedlock. You want to reinforce family values in America, encourage two-parent households, get people to stay home? Make it easy for people to own their own homes and enjoy the rewards of family life and see their work rewarded. This is a big deal. This is about more than money and sticks and boards and windows. This is about the way we live as a people and what kind of society we're going to have.” Bill Clinton

      Clinton was right. The National Homeownership Strategy was a big deal. By giving all those mortgage brokers the green light to lessen restrictions and lower interests rates he helped create the housing bubble. A lot of people prospered as a result of this strategy but none of them we’re middle class homeowners.

      I’d like to know why Obama would have the audacity to campaign under change and hope while staffing the same corrupt businessmen who helped destroy our economy.

    • 3 years ago
  • JanforGore
    • 0
      JanforGore  

    • Connipae: I've already walked away and am now a member of the freethinker's party. And while I don't think she would be picked (hence the question mark in the title) even mentioning her name at all just makes me see how the political process is only about winning at any cost and nothing more. And if he picks a Republican, that will certainly send a sign he doesn't believe his own rhetoric is selling good enough to have a firm Democratic ticket.

    • 3 years ago
  • jubal
  • shroomfairy
  • Conniepae
    • 0
      Conniepae  

    • JanforGore, I can honestly tell you I wouldn't support him in November. I will walk away from politics. I won't be a Democrat, or Republican. I guess I would be what one would call an Independent.

      I can't believe Obama is really considering her? It really does make one wonder, 'what the hell'? Does he plan to take us for granted, because McCain is so bad? Nah.

    • 3 years ago
  • Marilynn_Murray
  • Brendan_M
    • Brendan_M  
    • This comment was removed as a violation of community guidelines.
  • jubal
  • SonicSubculture
  • darkhorsejim
    • 0
      darkhorsejim  

    • This has to be a joke if Sen. Obama is seriously attempting to bolster a campaign by rounding up stray voters with a shepherd’s hook running mate who’s nothing more than a staunch pro-corporate farming Republican & former "Shrub" cabinet member. A.V.'s background check: early proponent of genetically engineered foods in the 90's, former Secretary of Agriculture ’01-‘05, opening up our protected lands for private profiteering & enemy to thousands of family owned farms who are struggling to stay alive amidst the crush of corporate giants profiting heavily from gov't backed domination of our country’s food production with the health of the consumer a distant second. Please don’t let her heading UNICEF soften your judgment on this resume backed foe of the people & nature.

      I thought we were heading in a progressive citizen, small business, economic & environmentally friendly direction that would right every wrong we've become saddled with over the last 8 years & not following a presidential candidate who's showing more & more to be cut from the same bolt of cloth as are all politicians. You’re just testing the waters before picking a more solid slam-the-door-shut on McSame, right? Our country has been led into such dire straits that we need the leadership your campaign was steamrolling with until you somehow felt compelled to slide back into the comfort zone with decisions like this we’re supposed to be applauding & not find appalling. Say it ain't so B.O. that you're not just another political puppet dressed in sheep's clothing.

    • 3 years ago
  • damnneargenius
    • 0
      damnneargenius  

    • Apparently he doesn't consider Monsanto evil or else he just doesn't care. Welcome to America.

      Nonetheless, I largely doubt he would pick this lady for anything.

    • 3 years ago
  • queenofit
    • 0
      queenofit  

    • A few clips from Political Friendster on Anne Veneman...

      As an industry insider who knows how to make government serve corporate agribusiness Veneman was for Bush's USDA. She's promoted the agenda in US, WTO, Iraq and USAID programs and put more insiders in USDA as regulators.

      and this....

      Employed by Monsanto, US Secretary of Agriculture, Monsanto, revolving door leader, key player and beneficiary$$

      and this

      After USDA she left for practice with the high-power law firm and lobby group, Patton Boggs and also severed on the Board of Directors of Calgene, Inc., which became the first company to market genetically-engineered food.

      This is NOT the person we want for his running mate, and his considering her is not the Obama we have been led to believe, will be looking for change, and not in bed with "political insiders".

    • 3 years ago
  • huntre
  • jubal
  • JanforGore
    • 0
      JanforGore  

    • I think the topic here is that Ann Veneman of all people would even be REMOTELY considered or thought of or mentioned for a VP spot on a ticket with Obama... that WOULD be like having McCain for four years, which makes me wonder just how different Obama really is from McCain on the issues of the environment and the health and safety of the American people. And that is truly disturbing to me. But then, Monsanto has given money to both moneyed parties as well.

    • 3 years ago
  • Jasb
    • 0
      Jasb  
    • Image

    • This is a good documentary on the history of the Monsanto corporation. Obama is a globalist tool; her just being considered proves it.

    • 3 years ago
  • jubal
    • 0
      jubal  
    • Jasb:

      Globalism is fucked up and it must be stopped. It creates extremely powerful multinational corporations that can bully around small countries; like Ecuador for example.

      Remember the whole Chevron debacle and the condition they left the rain forrest in when they were forced out?

      Why don't you check yourself JASB!

      Globalism is what is opening the door to the New World Order and One World Government.

      Oh boy, globalism, so you can have your Dominos Pizza delivered in Kahzakstan? or China? or India? or "insert desired country name here"?

      Lets put a Wal-Mart in every home town in the entire world....lovely globalism....lets give Monsanto control over all the seed production in the world and let them force GMOs down our throats....lovely globalism.

    • 3 years ago
  • twodee
    • 0
      twodee  

    • STOP with this bullshit about people think Obama is Jesus!

      Sure Obama has issues BUT......

      Just envision McCain for 4 years.

      NO,,, really! Sit with that in your head and heart and try and imagine what will happen with Republicans in running the show 4 more years. i am a big fan of many of you who post these stories but this is a very dangerous path to be pushing. YES, there are issues with Obama.

      This election is just a start. If McCain is in office. It is an END.

      Be very careful about what you are asking for.

    • 3 years ago
  • joefac3
  • Conniepae
    • 0
      Conniepae  
    • twodee:

      twodee, the 'people think Obama is Jesus’; is spin. People in America have grown accustomed to using Jesus and God in politics, which I think speaks volumes as to how low we have sunk. Taking the Lord's name in vain on a daily basis, even by those who are only trying to spin a certain political message is shameful. Ah, but in politics, there is no shame? It’s all ‘fair game’.

      Today I heard one of John McCain’s spokespersons repeat the phrase ‘fair game’. Wasn’t that what Valerie Plame was labeled during the Covert Agent Outing incident (Fair Game)? Talk about ‘look alike’ campaigns, John McCain’s Campaign is mimicking bad policy associated with George W. and Dick Cheney. Who was it who said, Valerie Plame was fair game? Karl Rove? A possible Congressional Criminal?

    • 3 years ago
  • Mafioso
    • 0
      Mafioso  
    • twodee:

      It is not bullshit... All you said to defend him is that he is not McCain... Big fucking deal. He is still just another politician.

      Explain why he has changed his position on key issues that got him the nomination.

      Explain to me how he says he would have open talks with Iran, but has now said he supports the stance Israel has taken on Iran.

      Explain how he has now considered nuclear power plants as a viable resource for energy supply.

      Explain how he has also said oil should not be off the table as well.

      Explain how he has said he does not believe in lobbyists controlling Washington, but has accepted the donations and resources of pharmaceutical corps during his campaign.

      Why did he hold those who did not rely on public financing for campaigns to task, but has now decided to rely on his own fundraising abilities instead.

      I could go on and on, but I will start with those. Enlighten me.

    • 3 years ago
  • Mafioso
    • 0
      Mafioso  
    • twodee:

      Oh and by the way, pointing out the truth about Obama, does not mean I want McCain as president. It means that I am not another idiot who is falling for the whole, "I am different than the other nominee". Maybe in political party, but he is just the same as far as being a politician is concerned. I do not settle. In life or the choices I have in the election.

      I for one will vote for Nader. My vote counts even if he (Nader) were not to win, I do not want to be associated with being a dumbass who voted for who I am told is the better choice, when their stance on the issues tell me otherwise.

      Stating one is better than the other doesn't matter when both are from what we need to implement the changes this country is starving for.

      Maybe where you live you can afford to settle. Where I am, we need change, not a mediocre attempt at it.

    • 3 years ago
  • jubal
    • 0
      jubal  
    • twodee:

      Mafioso, it was explained to me this way. When the candidates are in the primary season, they play to the extremes of their party; left to left, and right to right. Then once the nominees are presumed, they drift to center or even further.

      McCain has drifted to the left in many of his primary positions and Obama has drifted to the right of many of his primary positions. This is the "it's just politics" part.

      The real question is "what will they do when they actually get into office?"

      That is really anyone's guess. Look at what Dubya did, he totally betrayed the religious right and threw them the bone of "Faith Based Initiatives". Now those same evangelicals are holding him responsible for allowing the Illuminati to gain a stranglehold on American Politics.

      Most of my fundamentalist friends are waking up to the NWO, but they call it the Illuminati. They are slowly waking up to the fact that it doesn't matter which politician you put into office, the "powers that be are in control".

    • 3 years ago
  • jjmaster
  • JanforGore
    • 0
      JanforGore  

    • The article states she is. If you can refute that be my guest. Again, to even have her name on a piece of paper or in your thoughts shows a lack of ethics.

    • 3 years ago
  • JanforGore
  • joefac3
    • 0
      joefac3  
    • Image

    • who's gonna sign the petition to get 3rd part candidates heard??

      Obama may as well be right wing himself he's selling out everyday

    • 3 years ago
  • Marilynn_Murray
  • Mafioso
    • 0
      Mafioso  
    • Marilynn_Murray:

      Well, even is she is not a consideration.... how do you explain Obama having new views on the issues he once had a very open-minded stance on?

      It is a rhetorical question, do not bother answering. You will probably just say he is better than McCain.

    • 3 years ago
  • JanforGore
    • 0
      JanforGore  
    • Image

    • More on Veneman and her ties to Monsanto. Again, to even CONSIDER her name to be put on a piece of paper shows a complete lack of ethics to me. She is nothing but a stooge for the biotech GM food industry.

      Reaction to her as the Bush selection to head UNICEF:

      John Nichols wrote about the prospects of her nomination March 27, 2005, in The Nation: [2]

      "Veneman is expected to get the job because of the defining role that the Bush administration plays in the selection process, just as U.S. pressure set up Wolfowitz for the World Bank position.

      "The notion that Veneman would be placed in a position to decide how to feed and care for the planet's most destitute children is every bit as alarming as the notion that Wolfowitz would be charged with providing aid to developing countries.

      "Indeed, as Ravi Narayan, coordinator for the global secretariat of the People's Health Movement, wrote in a letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the members of the executive board of UNICEF: 'Ms. Veneman's training and experience as a corporate lawyer for agribusiness do not qualify her for the substantial task of leading the agency most responsible for the rights of children worldwide. There is no evidence in her tenure as U.S. secretary of agriculture, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, or deputy undersecretary for international affairs of the USDA of her interest in the world's children or their health and well-being.

      "'Indeed, her performance in these positions has been characterized by the elevation of corporate profit above people's right to food (U.N. Declaration of Human Rights, Article 25). Such a philosophy and practice would reverse almost six decades of UNICEF's proud humanitarian history and prove disastrous for the world's children.'

      "Just as it is vital for responsible Americans to object to the selection of Paul Wolfowitz to serve as president of the World Bank, so it is equally vital that we object to the selection of Ann Veneman to lead UNICEF."

    • 3 years ago
  • Mafioso
    • 0
      Mafioso  

    • People don't like reading the truth about Obama. They act like he's Jesus or something. He's a fucking politician. He's a douche, just like all of the other politicians.

    • 3 years ago
  • queenofit
    • 0
      queenofit  

    • How is this article not interesting, my gosh, it is about who the next VP candidate might be? I see that the rating on the page is already 67/33? shez?

      Not that I am "whining" but wouldn't it be nice to think that folks find this At Least as insightful as maybe......Britney's newest political pr ploy????

      Oh My???

    • 3 years ago
  • Vierotchka
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