Reid as vice president: Is it such a crazy idea?

Christine Carroll, Boulder City

Friday, July 18, 2008 | 2:02 a.m.

Here’s a crazy idea for a Democratic vice presidential choice: Sen. Harry Reid.

Not one pundit has mentioned his name as far as I know, but if you analyze his credentials, there is a certain crazy logic to it.

First, he wouldn’t compete with Barack Obama in the charisma department, but he would be an expert on how to negotiate the legislative process to get bills passed. And he’s certainly shown a willingness to challenge the Bush administration on its misguided policies.

Coming from Nevada, he would help bring the Western states into the fold as well as counterbalance the possibility of Mitt Romney as John McCain’s running mate. With son Rory’s leadership of Hillary’s campaign in Nevada, he could help win the support of Clinton’s people while having maintained a public neutrality during the primaries.

As vice president, Reid could still lead the fight against the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump, while allowing others with leadership ambitions (Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Chris Dodd?) to have a shot at the Senate majority leader position.

Call me crazy, but when you think about it, it almost starts to make sense.