Candidates Pick Alternative Dream Jobs: Kucinich Wants To Leave the Earth Behind

The Associated Press had candidates pick out alternative jobs they would like to do if they were not involved in politics. It’s an interesting question, but I think it shows a lot about the political thought process of the candidates when answering. Some answers were highly political; others more than a little funny.

Democrats
Joe Biden: Architect
Hillary Rodham Clinton: “Continue to work for causes and issues I care about, in a setting like a university or foundation.”
Chris Dodd: Teacher
John Edwards: Mill supervisor
Dennis Kucinich: Astronaut
Barack Obama: Architect
Bill Richardson: Center field, New York Yankees

Interesting choices and loaded answers there. Biden and Obama both being architects, which is a subtle way of conveying the idea that they like putting things together. Dodd gives a simple answer about being a teacher, but subtly conveys that he thinks he’s able to teach and lead. Clinton gives an overtly political answer, with subtle undertones: the election is not just about her grasping after power, it’s something more genuine. Edwards manages to tie being a leader with his humble background. Bill Richardson and Dennis Kucinich though… those I can’t explain. Although with how bad the Washington Nationals are, Richardson may have a shot there.

Republicans
Sam Brownback: Farmer
Rudy Giuliani: Sports announcer
Mike Huckabee: Bass guitar player for a touring rock band
Duncan Hunter: Outdoor writer
John McCain: Foreign service
Mitt Romney: Auto company executive
Tom Tancredo: President

I’ve gently criticized Mike Huckabee for how much I think he can overemphsize how much he runs, compared to underemphasizing his policy stances. I would point as an example to how he’s handled his bass guitar playing in this election, which has been perfectly done. He’s played it at the Iowa Lincoln Day Dinner and elsewhere on the trail, as a bit of dessert following the main course of his speech. And citing it here further humanizes him in the eyes of potential supporters, particularly if he keeps campaigning hard. Hunter and Brownback are both using this to harken back to part of their identity. They seem odd choices at first glance, but cut to the core of them more than you would think. McCain is emphasizing his service: obvious choice for him, and Romney emphasizing that he likes to be an executive, as well as nodding to his father. Giuliani is showing the Brooklyn in him, which is fine. I have nothing for contempt, though, for Tancredo’s complete cop-out answer. That’s why that picture is running above, it’s the worst I could find.