The most obvious choice for McCain is Romney - since this election is largely about the economy. Romney has the chops in this area. However, this VeeP choice may well be too rational and McCain will likely end up choosing a less high profile running mate.

I assume that McCain's vetters will at least talk to the candidates. If so, that will be the end of Palin. Cute as a bug and dumb as a post. The VP debate would be humiliating. And she's about to be investigated for using her office to try to get her ex-brother-in-law fired. It's sad that the GOP has such a lack of credible candidates.

I think Obama will announce before he goes over seas and Biden will fight here on the domestic front while he is overseas.

then the convention will happen...McCain will announce...

and then Obama will announce Edwards as the AG...the day of or right after McCain's announcement. and that he will be reforming the AG's office.

then Hillary or Richardson (if he was smart it would be Hillary - and she might take it to shore up more foreign policy cred and for nothing else to make sure Richardson doesn't get it) as secretary of state.

If they are playing chess...that's what they will do.

One more time...it's going to be Biden.

I have said this for months now...there is no better choice...whether he sticks his foot in his mouth or not...

It has been obvious for months on almost every factor you pick a vp on.

I know everyone has their favorites but Biden has always been the best 2nd for Obama sheerly on the math.

"Yesterday's enemy is Today's best Friend."
(Japanese saying!)

We love Mitt Romney as VP!

M & M Ticket we support!
Mitt for President 2012

Chuck Schumer would be a great VP for Obama. He is knowledgeable on all issues. Being Jewish firms up the Jewish vote which helps bring in Florida and there is no better attack dog in the Democratic Party than Chuck Schumer. He would make mince meat of McCain.

McCain should bring in Bob Dole as his VP, standing next to him would make McCain look younger. The Grumpy Old Men ticket.

what happened to Bill Richardson? why has his stock fallen so low that he doesn't merit a mention on anyone's list?

Dexter, I would bet the field against the HRC - Rendell entry.

I would bet other "entries" against yours. I am not yet prepared to bet on an individual candidate.
----------------------------------
Are you insulted when I refer to Texans of Mexican heritage as either "Chicano/a", "Tejano/a", or TXMX? I do it to avoid the antipathy I feel to the terms 'latino" and "hispanic" to ID very different subcultures as if they were merely a single linguistic grouping. I do not intend to demean.

For example:

I have tried to explain here that the TXMX vote is in no way monolithic, and except for the newest Texans, conducts business and politics in English. It helps to have a Spanish family name, but not to advertise on Spanish language stations, for the most part, if you are a candidate in most of TX.

McCaskill isn't going to happen for BHO.

From The Hill:
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.)
"If I were asked, I would ask some mental health professionals to visit Barack Obama. I just think Sen. Obama is way too smart to pick me. I'm not a good pick, and he's smarter than that. That's why he's going to make such a good president."

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/senators-say-whether-theyd-agree-to-be-vice-president-2008-05-12.html

Here's a dark horse for you. How about Senator Patti Murray from WA state? This is why: She voted against the war authorization to invade Iraq, She's catholic, been in the senate since 1992 - ran as an ousider against a big name guy. She ran as "a mom in tennis shoes" She voted no recently on FISA.
Downside, some 2002 inflammatory remarks about Osama bin Laden.
Anybody?

Several weeks ago I predicted Bayh as not only Obama's pick for VP but *the next* VP. (Obviously I'm predicting Obama to win) Every election I make predictions based on astrology. Yes I know, astrology is just nonsense -- except the funny thing is, I'm usally right! (You'll see!)

http://lisaspoliticalpredictions.blogspot.com/

Fairfax voter:
Brillant post. I'll go along with you on McCaskill, Kaine and Bayh, but is there a reason you don't see Biden?

CC, the Guardian makes a good case for Governor Sarah Palin as VP for McCain:

"Another possible female pick for McCain is Alaska governor Sarah Palin. She is the darling of the conservative wing of the Republican party, which McCain is seen as needing to bolster. Once a beauty queen in her home town of Wasilla, she has gone on to carve out an impressive career in the rough and tumble of Alaskan politics, earning a political image as a tough woman, famed for riding snowmobiles and eating moose burgers. She is also a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and has had five children. The political gossip blog Wonkette once dubbed her 'America's hottest governor'. Given McCain's age and crusty persona, a glamorous, dynamic female running-mate such as Palin would be a presentational bonus."

Obama himself has said he is a Rorschach test and my own answer to the test (that is, what I see when I look at him) is that he's our Ronald Reagan -- a transformative, broadly popular president with fantastic communication skills, clear goals for his time in office, and a winning, sunny personality. (Of course I know some people hate him. Same with Reagan. But in each case, more people like him.)

Who did Ronald Reagan pick? George W. Bush. I realize this had to do with Bush having run against him. But think just about the ticket itself. It was fabulous. A true "star" (literally a product of the Hollywood studio system) paired with a supporting player who provided genuine, valuable Washington insider AND foreign policy expertise, AND was undeniably ready to be president, but had all the scene-stealing capacity of a well-made living-room sofa.

Does anyone here think that describes Hillary Clinton or her spouse? They are huge stars in their own right, not second bananas. By the Reagan-Bush ticket standard, Bayh (or possibly Kaine) sounds like the right choice, of those you mention in the "line."

Tell me again, though, why not Claire McCaskill? She's been such a strong, supportive presence throughout the primaries and is so good at making a case for Obama. I always stop channel-surfing to hear what she has to say. I also have a Republican friend (a senior citizen and veteran) who is a huge fan of hers because of her work at the state level in Missouri before coming to the Senate. He sees her as the political heir of fellow Missourian Harry Truman on government waste and abuse and contractor fraud, as far as I can tell.

Chris and everybody else: Just cut the crap and lick the knife.

What price will you lay me on the entry of HRC and Ed Rendell for Obama VP choice?

Put up or shut up.

Final report: What I believe to be BO's (revised) long list for veep (in order of preference) is largely unchanged at the top. The bottom, though, has shown some movement; in particular HRC has moved up. See below.

1. Tim Kaine
2. Claire McCaskill
* * * * * * *
301,139,937 Denise Rich
301,139,938 Carl Weathers (recommended by J. Ventura and A.S.)
301,139,939. Mrs. H.R. Clinton
301,139,940. Richard Speck (availability unclear)
301,139,941. Marc Rich (selecting him would finally return him to US jurisdiction))
301,139,942. Mark Foley (would give us strong bipartisan appeal; has disturbing constituency, however)
301,139,943. Rosie
301,139,944. K. Sebelius (youth concerns earlier noted by many)
301,139,945. Estelle Getty
301,139,946. Kwame Kilpatrick
301,139,947. Stephen Baldwin (have staff check whether he has done anything since "Posse")

Is John Edwards a definite 'no'?

For VP:
Tim Kaine
Wesley Clark
Patti Solis Doyle

The sane pick is obviously Hillary Clinton, but why in hell would Democrats do the sane thing all of the sudden?

The fact that Democrats think Bill Clinton has too much "baggage" while Republicans are working their asses off to get Ronald Reagan cut into Mt. Rushmore tells you everything you need to know.

At this point in the veepstakes it more about the demographics than anything else. Who can deliver their respective states in the fall to make it easier for Barack Obama to reach 270. Tim Kaine and Evan Bayh are the best case scenarios, both popular and can deliver their states. Kathleen Sebelius is a rock-star to me personally, but she does not deliver Kansas. She could influence the vote in Ohio since her father was governor of the state. In addition to that she could increase the women vote, but as a blogger mentioned earlier it would be a slap in Hillary Clinton's face if she was pasted over by another women.

At this point im leaning Obama/Bayh 52%-48% over Obama/Kaine

Does Obama really need a VP? His ego is so big, there may be no room for a partner in crime.

Besides, he still may be on his world tour - visiting high profile places and giving speeches - like the balcony of the Buckingham Palace and from the Queen's throne in the Houses of Parliment.

Heck, forget about America. OBAMA for WORLD LEADER!! We'll have no more wars, just speeches!

That may solve all of our problems!

Oh, and for the Republicans, please, please, please, please pick Mitt Romney. His economic bona fides involve cutting people's jobs. That will play really well in Ohio and Michigan. Also, all of this opportunistic politician talk about Obama has to end the second McCain picks Romney (what with his record on gay rights and abortion and tax cuts and universal healthcare and... you get the idea). Please let it be Mittens.

I hope that Obama picks Kaine or Sebelius, and not Clinton. This not really a knock against her. She is a capable, passionate, intelligent politician, and I will be proud to vote for her for Senate again when I move back to New York state, or support her if she were to be the head of something like HHS to help pass universal health care, but bringing her into the vice-presidency means you bring her husband and all of his baggage with him. The first rule of the Obama campaign is apparently "No drama" (which is is distinct contrast to McCain's campaign right now), and Bill Clinton brings nothing but drama with him. This is unfortunate for Hillary Clinton because I think she has the potential (or already is) a much more capable public servant than her husband ever was.

and Mark Cantley

I can honestly say if obama picked Sebelius...she's nice and all...but even I (and I wasn't a Hillary supporter but can't wait for Caroline Kennedy to run) ...even I would second guess Obama...if his most important decision for President and the one that really shows us who he is...ended up him picking Gov. Sebelius...
that is not a pick for the country...that is a pick for a badly formed choice.

Nothing against her but she is absolutely not the next best choice to step into the shoes of the Presidency heaven forbid we were in a situation where we lost a President...and Obama knows that there are much better choices ... quite a few.

Picking her because she is a woman...isn't good enough.

and can I just say Bayh...kind of gives me that Mitt Romney feel...
ya' know?

a little too quafed...and just a tad a little too Dan Quayle...Michael Dukakis...

No offense I like Mike Dukakis ...but like Romney and Evan Buyh... you feel like they are stuffed with cotton...ya' know?

This is the thanks BO gets from Clinton for his gracious language about her and his offers to pay off her debt (amassed long after she had no mathematical chance of winning and spent in bad faith on BO's personal destruction): An ugly last-ditch deadender plot to disrupt the convention. Tom Edsall sadly reports on this development in today's Huffington (below). No good deed goes unpunished. Supreme Court for her? Yeah, right.

Thomas B. Edsall
The Huffington Post July 12, 2008 10:46 AM

Maybe, just maybe, a bunch of delegates to the Democratic Convention in Denver will change their minds at the last minute. Maybe there is an outside chance that between now and the last week of August a critical mass will decide that Barack Obama is not their guy -- that, to the surprise of one and all, Hillary Rodham Clinton is to be the 2008 nominee after all.

That is the thinking behind a small but determined band of Hillary backers, some of whom have formed a 527 fundraising committee that has already run one $9,700 ad in the Chicago Tribune, and plans more in the weeks to come.

The Denver Group: Keeping the Democratic Party democratic, created by Georgetown Law professor Heidi Li Feldman and freelance advertising man Marc Rubin, ran an ad in Friday's Chicago Tribune declaring:

"Senator Clinton's name must be put in nomination. Her supporters must be allowed to make speeches on her behalf of her candidacy. There must be an honest roll call vote, not a symbolic one, so superdelegates can cast their votes honestly, for either candidate, as their judgment, conscience and democratic principles dictate."

Feldman told the Huffington Post that the goal of the Denver Group "is to insure substantive and legitimate selection of the nominee." DNC chairman and other party leaders "should be taking responsibility for making sure it's a legitimate procedure. They cannot demand that people simply unify around either one of them."

Feldman argued that it is entirely conceivable that an open vote could produce a Clinton victory. "Then, the decision comes down to the superdelegates. I have no Idea what they are going to do six weeks from now."

Feldman declined to say how much the group has raised, or who the donors are - "We can't disclose that information" - although he acknowledged that the 527 organization will soon have to report that data to the IRS. She said the largest donation so far is $5,000.

The Denver Group is not committed to any candidate, Feldman said, although the organization's web site, and the links provided at the site, suggest a decisive tilt toward Clinton and, in some cases, intense animosity to Obama.

Rubin, for example, writes not only on the Denver Group site, but also on Tom In Paine. There, the lead piece by Rubin is titled "The New Obama, The New Nixon and The Same Old New York Times." Rubin writes, "The analogy of Obama to Nixon is valid from many different points of view since a case can be made that Obama is the most underhanded and dishonest politician since Nixon."

Spokesfolk for the Obama campaign declined to comment on the Denver Group. It should not be confused with "Unconventional Denver," a separate anarchist organization pledged to disrupt activities at the Democratic convention. "We don't want history to remember the Democratic National Convention in Denver as something that went smoothly," Tim Simons of Unconventional Denver told the Denver Post, "We want people to know there was dissent and people spoke up." END

Put Hillary on the Supreme Court. That way she has a job for life that recognizes her intellect and ability.....but spares the rest of us from her inane and obnoxious campaigns for office.

Put Hillary on the Supreme Court. That way she has a job that recognizes her intellect and ability.....but spares the rest of us from her inane and obnoxious campaigns for office.

Ms. Sebelius, er, I mean Mark Cantley, I have been to Kansas, and know it well. You see I met my final fate in KS. Make sure you, er, Ms. Sebelius avoids being splashed with water. Do not forget that.

I want to on behalf of the millions of Democrats and independents who want the Democrat's and their pro-worker, pro-middle-class policies to win in November 2008 to move this country to the greatness it deserves by naming Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas as the Democratic VP running mate. First and most importantly, naming Governor Sebelius a very qualified woman to the ticket will help with bring the women who supported Hillary Clinton strongly back to the Democratic ticket. I've read many bloggers say that women will not support any woman for VP that's name Clinton. This is absolutely ridiculous. Even Senator Clinton would have to cheer naming Gov. Sebelius to the ticket if she is not selected. Many women who are holding back support for Mr. Obama would quickly move to support Obama and solidify his lead with women. Women recognize that they were so close to breaking the glass ceiling with Mrs. Clinton historic and very strong run. With that in mind, Governor Sebelius will be able to make that dream a reality. Second, and just as important, women made up 54% of the electorate. It's highly unlike that Senator Obama will be able to beat or match Senator McCain with white men. Granted, younger white males will probably be more competitive if not strong for Senator Obama. White men on the other hand will not be a constituent that Senator Obama, an African-American, can expect to win unless there is some dramatic disaster for McCain. Thus, white women, the strongest Democratic base would only be solidified and enhanced with Gov. Sebelius on the ticket. Women are more likely than men to vote anyway. Many women will register to vote in historic numbers to support the ticket and a chance to break one more glass ceiling. Women deserve at least the VP spot on the Democratic ticket with Senator Clinton's strong run and to reward for their loyalty to the Democratic Party for these many years. Think of the fundraising potential as well. Not all women contributed to Senator Clinton because some women didn't like her especially independent and Republican women. Governor Sebelius will be able to help with fundraising with women were Senator Clinton was limited. Even moderate and liberal Republican women will secretly cast a vote for an Obama-Sebelius ticket. Even Republican women realize that a McCain win means that Roe vs. Wade will be overturned since the next president will probably nominate at least one Supreme Court Justice. Third, Governor Sebelius represents change from Washington just as Senator Obama has been preaching. Disregard those who say Senator Obama needs to choose a candidate with foreign policy credentials. Well, he can shore up his national security and foreign policy credentials with his choosen Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Adviser. Besides, Governor Sebelius has a history of working with Republicans in Kansas. She also has demonstrated herself to be politically astute by winning in a very red state. At minimum, she knows how to take advantage of the Republican intra-party political divide that is also plaguing Senator McCain as he fights to turn out the skeptical Evangelical base. Plus, if Senator Clinton plays the attack dog role as Veep, she would only drive up her negatives because her attacks on McCain will only be dismissed as typical Clinton win-by-any means attack. Governor Sebelius would bring credible attacks on McCain as advocate of the status quo and a third Bush term.

If Obama has a litmus test that the VP candidate must have some of the oft-mentioned "Commander in Chief" skills (not executive experience, but work background in military, international affairs, etc.) here's a more complete VP list with experience in military, foreign policy or intelligence, consider the following:

SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE
- Dianne Feinstein (CA)
- Ron Wyden (OR)
- Evan Bayh (IN)
- Russ Feingold (WI)
- Bill Nelson (FL)

SENATE ARMED SERVICES
- Carl Levin (MI)
- Jack Reed (RI)
- Bill Nelson (FL)
- Ben Nelson (NE)
- Evan Bayh (IN)
- Hillary Clinton (NY)

SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS
- Joe Biden (DE)
- Chris Dodd (CT)
- John Kerry (MA
- Russ Feingold (WI)
- Bill Nelson (FL)

Finding House members with a bit of gravitas or name recognition in these areas is hard, but here are a couple.

HOUSE HOMELAND SECURITY
- Jane Harman (CA)

HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS
- Howard Berman (CA)
- Robert Wexler (FL)

HOUSE ARMED SERVICES
- John Spratt (SC)

Joe Biden and Evan Bayh are probably the most mentioned on this list and should both be in Obama's top 3 right now, in my opinion. Clinton and Dodd have also been mentioned, but I think both are improbable right now.

But, the less mentioned people that emerge from this list for me that could be darkhorses are:
- Jack Reed
- Bill Nelson
- Dianne Feinstein
- John Spratt

Sunshine, much appreciated and I'll make the correction. As for HRC's placement, I agree with your suggestion she be placed lower but one problem: according to the best census data I had there were only 301,139,942 persons in the US. If you forward me a different pop. number, I'll see about moving HRC further down on the list. World Peace.

Broadway Joe, your long list is very informative, but FYI, it is M.K (not J) Letourneau. But no need to learn how to spell the name if she remains the 301,139,942nd choice for VP. I also think you still have Clinton too high on the list.

My friends, I now have what I believe to be BO's (revised) long list for veep (in order of preference). Because of its length, I share only a few excerpts. The good news (I guess) is HRC is still on BO's revised list. And there are some surprises:

1. Tim Kaine
2. Claire McCaskill
3. Bob Richardson
4. Patti Solis Doyle (PSD totally rocks and has developed a huge cult following; let's keep an eye on her!)
5. Wesley Clark (deserves our support for again and again speaking the truth to power regarding the completely media-invented record of our opponent)
6. Chuck Hagel (rock solid)
7. James Webb (keep calling him; the best wingman in the business, if he says he "has your back" you can keep looking forward unlike with you-know-who; odd views on AAs and women, but we'll work that)
* * * * * * *
301,139,939. K. Sebelius (heard of some concerns among young voters re scariness; start thinking of Jack Elam or S. Epatha Merkeson as possible replacements)
301,139,940. G. Condit
301,139,941. Robert Blake ("Rooster" may not participate in campaign)
301,139,942. M.J. Latourneau (strong in youth outreach)
301,139,943. Ellen Degeneris (if picked, have her leave the men's dress suits at home)
301,139,944. Michael Richards (vocabulary concerns here)
301,139,945. Bea Arthur (strong on mature outreach and may pull in Rose Marie's crowd)
301,139,946. Rev. J. Jackson (frisk him carefully)
301,139,947. H.R. Clinton (nuff said)

Obama might as well pick Jindal---Jindal is no fiscal conservative---he is a big spending, take care of his buddies, big government guy. His ethics reform do not include his own office. He put standards on the lowest member of a volunteer board that he will not put on himself.

He is a career bureaucrat and politician and regret I ever voted for him.

Let the democrats have him.

Chuck Hagel would bring the most to strengthen an Obama ticket. Who better than McCain's "buddy" to counter his positions and broaden the tickets appeal in the purple AND Red states..

A principled patriot with gravitas . Decorated war vet. Successful business CEO. Not running for reelection. Bi-partisan record. Foreign relations experience. A true maverick with backbone. Popular among independents. Attractive, articulate, forceful and likeable.

Root Beer, MBW, you are right on the money. Perhaps Obama should give Hillary healthcare, and that would make everyone happy. She could have a second shot at it, maybe do it right this time.

Obama has made it clear he admires Sebelius, and giving one bad speech doesn't rule her out. However, the top choice should be able to trounce McCain's pick in the VP debate. That is the primary job of the VP candidate. So the question is, can Sebelius debate. I don't know that, but I know Biden, Richardson and Sam Nunn can.

Obviously a Florida and Nelson fan, but

Obama needs to have more familiarity without losing the change mantra...

I keep going back to Biden because there is nobody who has been the face of "fighting to change the Bush policies" for the American people.

I know he puts his foot in his mouth because he talks so much...

but isn't that because he was the guy from the Dems that was fighting every weekend with someone from the Bush administration on our tv sets to change their policies.

Listen I know people think they have all these further dreams about change in this election...but at this point Barack needs to show a choice that is ... "safer" for the American people.

He needs a familiarity and to ignore a candidate that has experience would be enormously detrimental.

I think if he is looking at the reasons you pick a VP...not based on one state but who has the qualities of a candidate to oversee a "cabinet"... there is no avoiding Biden.

Look...for a support to that idea...which choice is on everybodies lists for not only VP byt also...sec of state, sec of defense...etc.

Biden is on the list for almost every position in the cabinet.

with Obama winning significantly on economy...he needs to shore up more on the experience, familiarity and foreign policy front.

sorry don't mean to sound like a broken record but there is really only one smart choice at this point...by the numbers so to speak...
and that's Biden

Hillary already has a new job: martyr in chief.

Lay off Sebelius. She's just fine...as long as she stays away from water thrown at her.

Mr. Cillizza, politics bloggers: Barack Obama's pick for vice president needs to be untainted by scandal and the picture of mainstream. Of the six or seven remaining names on Obama's original list of 16 potentials, that points to Evan Bayh or Bill Nelson. I think that means Nelson. Why? Because he's a moderate, cautious Democrat who easily wins statewide in the Republican-leaning battleground state of Florida. ( There, in 2006, he retired the infamous Katherine Harris 61 percent to 39 percent. ) More importantly, he has had a long but squeaky clean public-service career as a state lawmaker, congressman, Florida Cabinet officer and U.S. senator, currently serving on the Foreign Relations, Armed Services and Intelligence committees. Plus, he put it on the line big-time in 1986 when he rocketed into the heavens aboard the space shuttle Columbia. Can anyone left on the Obama list top all that?

The Democratic Party will be so much better off when we can end the psychodrama of the Clintons and make room for new leaders with new ideas.

(and no more of the drama...)

Has Sebelius gone yet? Is she still there? I don't want to spend all weekend hiding under the bed. Will someone get my parents before she gets me. Please.

Time to end the cult of personality around Hillary.

To say that Kathleen Sebelius is not qualified is an INSULT.

Some of these Hillary-philes think there is no other smart woman out there besides Hillary.

She has won multiple elections at the local level and has also been elected TWICE as the Democractic governor of one of the reddest states in America.

She was named one of the "5 Best Governors In America" in a bipartisan ranking by Time Magazine.

And she did all of this WITHOUT having a famous husband or being First Lady.

She's a highly qualifed woman....but without the ridiculous drama.

It's clear from some of these Hillary supporters that they're really not interested in putting a woman in the White House....for them, it's all about the cult of personality around Hillary.

To say that Kathleen Sebelius is not qualified is an INSULT.

She has won multiple elections at the local level and has also been elected TWICE as the Democractic governor of one of the reddest states in America.

She was named one of the "5 Best Governors In America" in a bipartisan ranking by Time Magazine.

And she did all of this WITHOUT having a famous husband or being First Lady.

She's a highly qualifed woman....but without the ridiculous drama.

They are both waiting to see where the other is leaning.

If Obama picks a man ...McCain is going to pick a woman. That is the bottom line.

If obama picks a woman...Mccain is going to pick a better candidate.

If obama picks Hillary... McCain picks a centrist...becasue half of America won't vote for her and he wraps up the right.

If Obama picks a man Mccain picks Palin or another of the women on the list.

but if Obama picks Biden...then Mccain is stuck. Because over the woman man issue...he has to make sure his VP doesn't look like an idiot...and that might be hard if you don't have a candidate that atleast won't be trounced in a debate with Biden. Hard enough with your best guy...never mind the selection he has to choose from for women.

Kathleen Sinbelius has in NO WAY shown the ability to be President of the United States.

to pick her would be suicide.

Obama we know...he has taken chances... he has come out and shown that he will put his rep on the line for the right choice...

he has been talking and showing he understands the issues he argues...whether you like him or not.

If kathleen sibelius gets all this...I have not seen one iota of it.

She is incredibly unqualified.

Not because she is a woman...but because she IS UNQUALIFIED. we are at war...we are dealing with international and national issues and she has shown no national leadership on any of them.

I think Kathleen Sibelius, no offense to her but...

the dumbest of the choices.

There is even a chance that that would be the straw that broke the camel's back for many.

If obama doesn't pick someone who has a ton going for them in the sheer wealth of knowledge space...

that means he is acting, again, like a typical pol. Sibelius...would be

a gov. from a state that he already is from.

a woman over Hillary.

an unknown to the American people...we don't want to risk that MUCH change in a year like this one.

and has absolutely no foreign policy experience.

I (and I am his biggest champion around) would have to think twice if he picked her.

Bill Richardson. He brings extensive experience at a number of levels of government, is right on the issues, very capable of stepping in as president in a case of a tragedy (which SHOULD be the number one criteria), and politically, brings in NM and a number of marginal western states and delivers the Hispanic vote in a big way. The statement that we should not have two minorities on the ticket is straight out of the 20th century. I believe we have the right candidate in Obama, regardless of color, age, or sex. Let's do as well with the VP choice.

Kathleen Sebellius scares us. She looks like that scary woman in the Ilsa movies. She may get us. I don't want to spend four years hiding under the bed. Is she gone now? No, you peek out. I'm not going to. I think she's still there.

This idea that choosing Kathleen Sebellius is not a good pick because it would offend too many female clinton supporters is itself offensive!. I agree with the above comment 100% that this idea is ten times more sexist than anything Hillary faced during the primaries. If Kathleen Sebellius is qualified, better suited to and more consistent with Barack's message and vision then she should be made VP, and Barack, let no pundit or column, Chuck Todd (who is usually quite good but has gone off the rails on this one) or anybody else spouting this sexist and misguided sentiment pressure you into doing otherweise. Kathleen Sebellius has shown great leadership skills in demonstrating her ability to work accross party lines and will make a fine vice president.

Hillary rest, your time back is coming soon because BO is going to loose badly

sebelius and pawlenty.

the guys in the dem party don't cut it- with the exception of richardson, but american isn't ready for a black and a latino on the same ticket. it would hurt in penn and ohio. (ps. i hate you rust belt knuckleheads and racist silly rabbits.) and taking clinton would make obama look weak, so he can't. (if only the clintons were truly smart they wouldn't have boxed him in like that.) so sebelius is the best play.

on the rep side. romney decimates mccains support amongst the bible-thumpin' bigots. too bad the repubs have conditioned their supporters to be so narrow-minded. plus, let's be honest, all of the major players hate romney and think he's FAKE. Huckabees comment that the Mormons think Jesus and the Devil are brothers speaks volumes. So Pawlenty is the safe choice to help with the evangelicals who are key in ohio, indiana, missourah, etc.

but it doesn't matter: if there's no scandal obama wins in a landslide. if there's a mini-scandal for obama - one of his advisors is half as crooked as gramm - then mccain wins by a landslide.

ain't that america. home of the racists.

On Kathleen Sebelius.
Someone- perhaps Obama introducing her as his pick, perhaps Hillary reacting- needs to put to bed the idea that Sebelius as VP is something we can accept would fairly offend Hillary supporters. The suggestion is that if Obama decided she were his top choice to run with, he should not do so solely because she's another woman. That is a 10 on the sexist scale- worse than what Hillary faced- and the fact that I've heard some Hillary supporters express this attitude makes me doubt the sincerity of their interest in gender equality. If Hillary herself is sincere about it, though maybe disappointed that she didn't get VP (or also maybe not; who knows?), she should find it great that a woman is on the ticket. Hillary talks about her candidacy as a triumph for feminism, but what was she trying to do? Get a prize no woman has gotten before? Or change the country so women have the same opportunities men have? She didn't achieve the former but if Sebelius or her or another woman becomes Vice-President, there's a case to be made that Hillary did acheive something on the latter count. As Al Gore said to Howard Dean, "You know, it's not about you. It's about your country." I'm not saying it should be Sebelius or that it should not be Hillary or that it should not be a man. No matter who Obama picks, I'm not going to second guess the strategy of what so far has been the best designed campaign I've seen in ages. Whoever it is, I will vote for Obama. I think most Americans will do the same regardless of who the VP pick is.

But the idea that Sebelius as VP offends Hillary suporters offends me.

It amazes me how you can leave Sarah Palin off the list. Then again, that is par for the course when it comes to her. She is "under the radar" and a walking time-bomb to liberal hopes in November!

On EVERY point, especially energy and government reform, she is KRYPTONITE to the Dem's "superman".

Ignore her at your peril! She IS the future and she WILL BE McCain's ticket to victory in November!

Obama is the main man, and you either like him or hate him. So, I can't think of any VP that would improve his chance of winning except Sen. Clinton. However, I think she would turn down VP position.

For Sen. McCain, Bobby Jindal. I did not think this guy had a chance, but if you check out his bio on Wikipedia you will see that his resume is very impressive. However, because he is an Indian he would not be trusted to be a VP. However, when compared to the other candidates, Jindal might be the only candidate that would enable the Republicans to win. So the Rep. would hate choosing Jindal, but they might have no choice but to choose him.

For McCain it seems Romney or Pawlenty will be the pick. I'm still hoping that he decides to go another way and pick Sara Palin (Gov. Alaska)

As for Obama, I'm against Clinton, keep her off the ticket. I'm thinking Biden may be the choice through default. Bill Richardson is an interesting choice, but the country may not accept two minorites on the same ticket.

You foolish pundits are all wrong. It's HILLARY all the way for Obama's choice. It's written all over his face. It doesn't matter what their respective surrogates think, as long as Barak & Hillary like each other, the nation will go with them. And its not just for the election Barak vs. McCain, its also for the opportunity to win super majority in both house and the senate races for the democratic candidates.

Recently same-sex marriage is a hot topic. Personally, i think it's great, especially for GLBT. One of my friends, who found her another part on the online community BiLoves, decided to get married recently. Hope they have a great marriage life.

Yo, RealChoices

Why do you hate Clintons??

Wow, all bloggers are suddenly-intelligent folks with perfect English! Interesting tactic....

Leon said:

"But I know that those of you who hate her- and really can't give any valid reasons- because he is just as much the politician and ran just as rough a campaign- will come up with every reason why the 50% (18 million) of us who voted for her are invalid or wrong."

It's not the 50% of you who voted for Clinton in the primaries I'm worried about, Leon. It's the 50% of America who say that no way, no how, will they EVER vote for her that I am worried about. The Democrats are trying to win the White House, not lose it. Sorry. Not going to happen. If Obama chooses Clinton then I have badly misjudged his judgment.

If Dems want to have the first woman president, they need to start clearing a path for the up-and-coming women by putting one on the ticket:

Kathleen Sebelius
Janet Napolitano
Blanche Lincoln (a dark horse favorite of mine)
Christine Gregoire

Hillary Clinton has had her 2+ decades in the spotlight....

time to let some of these other highly qualified women have some air time.

Keeping Hillary around only makes it more likely that the first woman president will be a Republican.

If Barack Obama wants to end the veep vetting fiasco and, at the same time, guarantee his winning of the presidential election in November, all he has to do is to announce that his choice for vice president is Caroline Kennedy Strassberg. The name Kennedy was and, will remain, a sure winner among the U.S. electorate. Another Kennedy in the White House is a sure winner for Obama.

If HRC is not on the ticket, Who do you think McCain will pick as his VP? Sarah Palin's American bio will give the Republicans a much needed face lift and media boost. Look her up: its quite an impressive record. Many would argue that she has more executive experience than the Democratic Nominee. She is squeaky clean!!!

The only thing the current Republican list does for America is help them weed off sleeping pills: it is boring.....

Here is my two cents on his best choices w/o a democratic dream ticket:

1. Sarah Palin (may take him over the top and would instantly Re-brand the party: its a PR/AD GOLD mine)

2. Bobby Jindal (same as above plus some $)

3. Colin Powell (is highly respected by all americans)

4. Condalezza Rice (she would be on top of the list if it was not for the on-going "Bush third term" brain washing by the left)

5. Generic: another old or mid aged white guy

If he is forced to compete with the dream ticket (basically, a mission to nowhere):

1. Colin Powell (would give him a shred of hope= The American Hero ticket)

2. Mitt Romney (MI & NH would remain competitive plus $$$$$)

3. Michael Blomberg (independents and much needed $$$$$)

4. Charlie Crist (would secure Florida against the dream ticket)

5. Joe Lieberman (has nothing to loose at this point: bipartisan appeal= Maverick ticket)

I just think an Obama/Clinton ticket is virtually impossible to compete with.

Wow -except for Kathleen Sebelius, I'm not crazy about any of the Dems you named. My first choice is Wes Clark. I like that he stood behind what he said about McCain, I like that he was right in what he said about McCain, and he has excellent military and leadership experience. He's strong in all the places Obama might be considered weak.

Dodd would be OK, Kucinich too much to hope for, Edwards should be his Attorney General.

Keep Hillary off the ticket.

If you want to drive away Moderate Democrats and Republicans along with independents who are willing to give Obama a chance with his message of change then select Clinton. Hillary and Bill have proven it is all about them and not about the party or the people. If the women who won't vote or will vote for McCain to spite Obama then they may set back women's rights a few decades when McCain selects the next two to three Supreme Court Justices. Only a fool cuts off their nose to spite their face. The democratic party is spending way to much time trying to mend fences within the Party vs winning the White House. We can all send Hillary and Bill a dollar or two once Obama is in the White House.

Hopefully Obama will find a running mate with national security and foreign policy experience who views run right down the center. This election will be closer then it should be and the democrats can lose it when they should be winning in a landslide. With a Republican President who has run the economy into the ground this election should be an easy win. Lets not screw it up!

For Sen. McC:
Mitt Romney
Ms.Carly Fiorina
Sen. K. Bailey Hutchinson
Krisy Todd Whitman

For Obama:
David Dinkins
OJ Simpson
Oprah Winfrey
Al Sharpton
Jessy jackson
Rev. Wright
Robert Mogaby

Regarding Romney, I wonder if he could pull in MA?

Now wouldn't that be a big slap in the face for Obama, Kennedy and Kerry?

I'd laugh my pattuddy off if that happened!

Of the McCain options listed on this blog, I like Sarah Palin best.

As I said before, McCain needs to shake it up a bit!

Personally, I'd love to see Christine Todd Whitman, but she's pro-choice. And I don't think the GOP would go for a pro-choice VP.

Romney brings the McCain camp money, Michigan, increases likelihood of winning in NH, CO and NV and has credentials on the economy- a likely pick for VP

Richardson is the best pick for VP for the Dems- he ensures NM and may help with CO and NV; he has foriegn policy credentials. However, if a self-identified African American and a Latin man on the ticket is problematic for some Bayh might be a good pick as he also has credentials and puts a Red state IN, within reach. Kaine has so little experience it is painful. I don't think he wants to put another senator on and if he does- her name should probably be Clinton, since she makes him more competitive in NV, NM, CO (he won caucuses there- when 100,000 people voted- when it is a real election, she draws the large Latin community), MI, OH, FL, AK, TN, and WV and decreases fall off in PA, CA and NJ where he shouldn't be spending money.

But I know that those of you who hate her- and really can't give any valid reasons- because he is just as much the politician and ran just as rough a campaign- will come up with every reason why the 50% (18 million) of us who voted for her are invalid or wrong.

Keep hating, it does the party well.

Leon

Sen. Reed of Rhode Island has impressive credentials that can complement Obama: veteren, Catholic, great on both domestic and foreign policy issues. He's heading to Iraq with Obama and Hagel. I'm surprised he isn't discussed more in all this VP selection frenzy(or maybe that is a good thing).

Okay here's one of the best lists I think anyone could ask for:

McCain:
5. Bobby Jindal
4. Tim Pawlenty
3. Charlie Crist
2. Joe Liberman
1. Mike Huckabee

Obama:
5. Caroline Kennedy
4. Chris Matthews
3. Joe Biden
2. Bill Richardson
1. Chuck Hagel

Ted:

You might be right about Sarah Palin. She does sound interesting and could give McCain a jump start he so desperately needs. I guess the only downside is that it creates a huge contrast with the attractive, energetic and youthful Palin and the old, boring, near-comatose McCain. Many will think Sarah should be the nominee not McCain.

When FlaLady was pretending to be the candidate that did nothing for equal rights, I could not have been more shocked to find she was talking about Obama. That was definitely a double take.

Personally, I think Crist finally getting married means that it will be him for the Republicans.

I would love to see an Obama-Lincoln Chafee ticket. Realistically, I think it may be Biden, Dodd, or Bayh. I think the Sebelius thing the other day was a feint.

We're not fooled by your and the Washington Post's failure to include Sarah Palin. In all likelihood, Gov. Palin WILL be McCain's pick for Veep. Her positives -- too numerous to mention here and/or I don't feel like recounting them, suffice to say go google her -- far far outweigh any negatives (which are practically non-existent), and assertions of her lack of experience are completely bogus (but if the Dems or their allied-MSM want to allege that, I say BRING IT ON!).

Your, along with the rest of the MSM's dismissal of Palin is due to one thing, and one thing only, YOU ARE ALL DEATHLY AFRAID OF HER ON MCCAIN'S TICKET (because you know deep down with her on it Team McCain and the GOP win in November). But as much as you try to pretend Palin away, or engage in self-denial, she is here, she will be Veep, McCain/Palin will then win for a number of obvious reasons, the GOP will be rejuvinated as the Party of REAL change, and Palin will likely go on to become the first female President of the United States (and as a life-long GOPer myself, I'll enjoy it all the way watching the squirming Dems and MSM).

You can take this comment to the bank!

I can't figure why Bill Bradley's name isn't being mentioned. If Gore hadn't had the party organization lined up, Bradley would have won the nomination and, without the hindrance of Clinton fatigue and media dislike which weighed down Gore, would probably have thumped Bush in 2000 and now be finishing up his 2nd term. Obama needs a nationally known, experienced and highly regarded VP selection to deal with the theme of inexperience and naivete which will be pounded against him during the campaign. What's more, what blue collar(or white collar, for that matter) white male wouldn't be favorably disposed to a former Knicks' superstar on the ticket? Not to mention, clean as a whistle and didn't he have good credibility with the women? I live in Va and like Kaine but can't see him as the VP pick; he has even less high level experience than Obama does. Of course Kerry picking Edwards didn't make much sense to me either. Obama needs desperately someone who will reassure the electorate, not put question marks in their minds, a Democratic Cheney, if you will, who will operate in the daylight, rather than on the "dark side". As noted by another commenter, to have a top 5 list which doesn't include Bill Richardson doesn't make much sense to me.

MarkinAustin; Thank you for the info on Chet Edwards. He sounds interesting, I looked up his subcommittee, it decides on military housing and benefits. I wonder if he is really being considered, or if that is just a rumor.

Broadway Joe: Love your complete list of dem Veep candidates. I disagree with Mark Warner in 1st place, but at 301,139,947, you got Hillary pegged right where she belongs!

No Ditto, all the polling says that the 18 million were made up of far more registered Democrats than anything else, including Senator Obama's total, which depended heavily on independents and Republicans getting excited in states where the Republican race was over. Just check the polls- don't make up stuff just because of unreaonable hatred for Hillary.

Leon

A black guy and a woman on the same ticket might be one too many historic barriers broken for America.

As a moderate Democrat, I would gladly welcome Hillary on the ticket with Obama.

And if McCain was smart, he'd search high and low for a woman for his ticket. Heck, I'll even take Condi Rice.

I'm thirsty for a female perspective on national and international affairs. I've had enough of male egos for the last 238 years!

McCain needs to go for a home run. He needs to jump start his campaign with an exciting VP like a woman or maybe a black guy. Romney is pathetic. That is a sure loser.

Most of the 18 million were part of Limbaugh's Operation Chaos, which was more successful than the corporate media cared to admit.

The smart choice would be Richardson.

==========

I like Richardson too but two minorities on the same ticket might be one too many. It might also p*ss off the Hillary crowd even more.

Debbie -

Your comments about Sarah Palin are ridiculous! She is clearly pro-life, so it would be expected that she would keep her baby regardless of any developmental conditions. I don't think this classifies her as a moron.

correct me if i am wrong, but intcamd1 certainly seems to have an unhealthy obsession with clinton and/or obama. anger management, anyone?

What about Sen. Russ Feingold?
=====

Too liberal. Obama already has the "lib" label. He needs a conservative white guy.

I keep reading about Hillarys 18 million supporters. Where's the money? I believe that many of these 18 million were republicans.

Jindal is a nut. He wrote something about an exorcism he participated in and was convinced he helped exorcise a demon out of a friend of his. I think the vetting process might catch that one.

And Sen. Feingold underlines the message of "changing the politics of washington"

What about Sen. Russ Feingold? Brillant, Rhodes scholar, co-sponsor of campaignn finance, voted against the Iraq war ( so at least he has good judgment), and unlike many of the other senators, he isnt "bought" and corrupted. I'm amazed that his name has never been mentioned!!!

I was at first a tepid Clinton supporter after Edwards dropped out and became increasingly committed to her as I reacted to the way the media and the Party leadership treated her, i.e., UNFAIRLY. However, I don't want her to be on the ticket because she would be blamed if Obama loses, as I fear he will. Best case is that