>a.) He's convincingly religious, and could hopefully pull
>some moderates or Republicans who were disgusted by Trump but
>afraid of voting for a closet atheist.

clinton made a lot of gains in moderate romney districts. maybe kaine helped there.

>b.) He speaks good Spanish -- a crass political point, but
>good for juicing Hispanic turnout particularly against Trump,
>and developing long-term party loyalty.

this shit did come off patronizing like mynoriti said. but i could see why they went that route.