Vote for Obama's Vice President

My top ten Obama VP picks attracted a huge number of hits and a good deal of comment, not all of it entirely flattering about my political judgment.

However when I went through the suggestions made by commenters I didn't feel constrained to make too many changes before putting it to a vote.

I removed Oprah because she had only been included to be puckish and because, as an Illinois resident, she is ineligible. I also took out Al Gore and John Edwards because, while they might have made sense at an earlier stage - to help Obama win the nomination - they are now unlikely.

I added in Rendell and Strickland because they make sense in terms of demographics and Hagel because, although a long shot, he would strengthen foreign policy experience, wrong foot McCain and make Obama look more independent and less classically liberal.

Over to you. Vote by clicking by one name and clicking the Cast Your Vote button. Closes midnight Thursday 15th.

UPDATE: Unfortunately our original poll omitted Jim Webb. We spotted this very shortly after the poll began when only a few of you had voted. If you are one of those few, please cast your votes again. And thanks to those who pointed it out.

UPDATE: Polling has now closed. The results will be announced shortly

Comments

[Bruce Robertson]

Since Obama hasn't been elected to the office of President and is highly unlikely to be, just what is the point of this speculation?

[Owen Edwards]

Missing Ted Kennedy. More likely, if still an outside shot, than Gore or Edwards.

[Rob Blackie]

Hang on - where's Jim Webb gone?

He's easily on the top 10 - and even has some staff overlap with Obama...

[Elmo]

"as an Illinois resident, she is ineligible."

wrong.no such constitutional requirement.

[David]

Where's Jim Webb gone?

[Kevin]

US constitution

Article 2, Section 1

Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.

(The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not lie an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate...)

Is this the rule "as an Illinois resident, she is ineligible." referred to? Does it mean the Illinois electors can't pick two Illinois inhabitants? I could see how that would sink the ticket.

[Elizabeth]

Oprah would be eligible to stand on the same ticket as Obama but it would mean the electors in Illinois could not vote for both of them. In consequence it could raise the spectre of Obama winning the Presidency but the running mate losing the Vice-Presidency by not being able to have the votes from the President's home state.

Hence for example Cheney had to change his state of residence (from Texas to Wyoming) to run as GWB's running mate.

[luvwknd]

If Obama wins the nominee & desires to be Prez, he'd better select Hillary or his battle with McSame will be LOST!

[Itbme]

I agree with Bruce, Obama won't get elected. So the real question would be: Who should Hillary's Vice President be?

[James Marsden]

Every one of those choices leaves gaping holes for Obama.

Jim Webb's books about a man having sex with his son may get a lot of the country upset.

Biden's hairpiece and big mouth does him in.

Rendell said that Obama cannot win without white votes - he is out.

Strickland can't do squat about Ohio; plue, he just got elected Governor. No foreign policy experience.

Because of Sebelius, the KS economy has taken a nosedive. Not the image you want to project.

Richardson is seen by Clinton as a traitor. Picking him as VP would open that scab again.

Wesley Clark is a certfied nutcase. Plus, he nearly started WWIII when he challenged the Russians in Kosovo. He also endorsed the Iraq War until he decided to run for President in 2004 and turned against it.

In short, Obama's got huge problems with a VP pick, and his list can't be very long because of the lack of experience in the Democrat Party.

[Avant Strangel]

I'd go with Kathleen as she's a woman that would pacify the unreasonable femi-nazis who say they MUST have a woman somewhere, she brings a state with her, doesn't have the negatives or scandal of hillary and more importantly she's got the skills and she'd be the woman who should run to be the 1st woman president and not Hillary.

The downside is ironically enough I don't know if WHITE MEN are ready for that amount of change. As far as homeland security goes isn't that what we have armed forces for? I think it more important to have a strategy and vision to address the issue in it's entirety. Not have some person with a military record just to appear tough. It's about being smart.

So if I had to pick a guy. Well richardson would be out because he's got lady problems not unlike Bill. And the Repubs would have a field day with that. Clark? Military but what else really? Is he dynamic enough if he had to be PREZ?

Edwards? Well had he come out and endorsed Obama earlier I'd say yeah. But despite Obama winning his state. Mr. $400 haircut still hasn't said anything despite his wife stumping for Hillary. Any other choices I'm not sure the rest of this pool is any good. When I think VP I think person who could be President as well

[Viv]

Is this a joke? It's a fact that the majority of Times readers haven't a clue who Obama really is or what he represents (ah yes, change...but he has yet to qualify what or how) let alone what any of the above stand for.

[judy george]

I was ready to vote for John Edwards but don't see his name on the list. Why not?

[Desmond Taylor]

I nominate John McCain as the VP. He does not belong to the Republican Party, and has his name on more Democrat legislation than any other Senator.

[Linda]

1)Re T. Kennedy, Owen either is too young or has a short memory. There are still plenty of voters around who have a kneejerk reaction to the word Chappaquidick. Besides, you don't want two liberal Democrats on the ballot.
2)There is an uneasy feeling that Obama is risking his life if he is elected. Rodham Clinton as veep - and next in line would be Madam Speaker - three lightning rods in a row. All we would need is some unbalanced rightwing member of the public who decides this is too much. Rodham Clinton has numerous other disadvantages too well-known to name. If Obama is the choice, there are better ways to balance the ticket. And if we need to show we can elect a woman, there really are other tough-minded and capable females in the country. Some are even veterans.
3)Kathleen who?
4)Haircut or no, I would still go for Edwards, the source of many good ideas adopted by the candidates for the presidensity as their own.

[bill]

what about some one like EVAN BAYH. endorsed hillary, but didnt have much to say negative about obama.Youngest governer elected in his home state of indiana. Two term senator, and experience across the board. Long time democrat but not percieved as a politician of the old

[JOggy]

it would stand against everything Obama has been campaigning for if he made Hillary Clinton his VP. I think Bill Richardson or Gore would be more suitable.

[wtf]

"I removed Oprah because she had only been included to be puckish and because, as an Illinois resident, she is ineligible. "

Why do they pay you? That's not true at all.

[Will M]

Wow. Neither Bloomberg or Napolitano on here. The former helps massively with independents, the latter puts Obama on the right foot for a South-West strategy, scoping from California to Texas via Kansas, with a far more impressive CV than Sebelius and high Latino positives. And both add executive experience.

[Mike]

Bill Richardson all the way. Plus with hispanics, plus in the south, maybe puts Texas and NM into play, secures southern California, maybe Florida. Executive experience at State level, and as Energy Secretary. Foreign policy bona fides as well, shores up Obama's weaknesses without overly pointing them out. Minus is on the military side.

[DANNYSTEW]

"Since Obama hasn't been elected to the office of President and is highly unlikely to be, just what is the point of this speculation?"
______________________________
How did you arrive at your conclusion? Wishful thinking?

[tom]

I would love Richardson due to his foreign policy experience...two minority politicians...too much for some people's senses but perfect for mine! Let's celebrate America's diversity!

[Phil]

Jim Webb. There is no way that the majority of women voters will vote for McCain. Democrats have consitenly won the women vote with all kinds of candidates. What they need is 1) to increase the minority & the youth turnout 2) to improve on the white male vote in some key battle states. I believe Obama can take care of the first challenge as evidenced in this campaign. A small part of the solution for the second challenge would be having a vp like Jim Webb: a conservative pro-gun former republican democrat with strong millitary background.

[mikeb]

Who dare say the selection has not been made in this 'bread and circus' farce?
Among all three only one thought is common:
same dung -different piles

[jim san diego]

Bill Richardson will bring Obama Texas which is 47% Hispanic. Election over Obama-Richardson wins.
PS and New Mexico and Arizona too.
End of subject.

[wilhelmina78]

NOT FOR HILLARY AS OBAMA'S VP. it would mean Obama would have to also put up with Bill. Obmama can do better.

[young usa]

What about rumor about Sam Nunn? Aside from Hilary, I don't think Obama should pick anyone from the Clinton administration if he wants to project new kind of politics.

[Alan Unsworth]

Richardson would be ideal...older, more experienced, a Westerner, and Hispanic. Hillary won't be on the ticket, come what may.

[Darrell Kern]

If Clinton rides the Obama ticket- Obama will not be long in the White House- that woman will anything to be President, so I would not put assassination past her. This country needs a wake up call.

[Terri]

What about Colonel Ann Wright?

[Keble]

Daniel - you omitted my English Springer Spaniel, Spruce, who is old enough in dog years to be the American VP for Obama. Spruce has done far more for me than any candidate on you poll. Born and bred in America of English lineage. He cannot be considered for any Republican post as he is not an Evangelical Christian. Bottom line is that I've come to the point of trusting my Spaniel far more than any American politician. Too bad my other Spaniel, Taffy, is too young. Now that would be a dream ticket...Spruce and Taffy.

[Mike McEleney]

The selection of Clinton would be a mistake. If Obama wins she would be a constatnt reminder when a mistake is made. (besides where she goes, Bill goes)

Richardson impressed me during the debates and I feel that he wuld make a good VP to whomever wins.

[Nikki]

Bruce, presidential candidates are expected to campaign with their pick for VP.

I'd like to see Edwards run with Obama. He'd go further than Hillary courting the white blue collar Americans.

[Bryan Stanion]

I would have voted for John Edwards too. I am attracted by the idea of Kathleen Sebelius, but fear her lack of overseas experience, plus her femaleness, might not work. Jim Webb looks a good bet.

[Maureen Cooley]

Speaking as a long-time resident of the state of New York, it appears that our junior Senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) may remain in her current position.

But why not ask her whom she would choose for VP?

Bayh sounds good. But Indiana is another mid-western state. (No offense, Hoosiers. If Bayh is selected, I'll back the choice.)

Richardson is remarkable, with his background in foreign relations and energy and as GOVERNOR of a south western state. Richardson can speak Spanish fluently...an asset.
He has the experience and capability to step up to the plate, and take over, if necessary.

Whoever the nominee is, that person will be going through closets, looking for skeletons.

[David Cunard]

"John McCain . . . has his name on more Democrat legislation than any other Senator." Which is why many Democrats would feel more comfortable voting for him than Barack Obama. A match-up with Hillary Clinton would be very different in November

[grumpy old man]

If I had a vote it would go to Ms Sebelius. It would give her a chance to prove that HRC is not the only woman in the US political life and a succesful term would enable her to be a Democrat presidential nomination in due course with a real chance of keeping Hillary Rodham Mitty Clinton out of the White House.

[Terence Hale]

Hi,
My assessment is that Mr. Obama is unlikely to be elected as president of the United States. So the question who would be his VP is academic. Gives the impression of being an American Mr. Brown. Just how he intends to finance his election intensions is mind boggling.
Regards Dr. Terence Hale

[colin grayson]

he isn't going to get elected , nominated or not , so what is the point of this ?
he could be a saint but from my observation there are too many people who would vote for the devil rather than see a person with black blood elected

my guess? he will get the nomination unless the senior figures in the democratic party wake up to the fact that the female vote just might get clinton elected , but the black vote isn't big enough to get obama through

pity , but there you are ; but how come the republican leaders are smart enough to see that helping fund obama to the canditature is their way to winning the presidency , but the democratic leaders don't seem to see it ?

how about a new idea ....anyone who wants can stand for president if they can get 10 million people to give signed nominations ; after a first round , the leading 2 run off for president

will never happen ...would take power out of the hands of the politicians and give it back to the people ...their choice would win

nobody notice how easy that would be with modern technology ?

[Morgan]

Can't believe Nancy Pelosi isn't being mentioned....she appears to be doing a good job as the current speaker.

[brian hunwicks]

The choosing of a VP in the event of an Obama victory must be seriously considered,and consequently should rule out "celebrity" candidates such as Oprah as I would expect there to be an extrordinary number of assassination attempts on Pres Obama given the US propensity for manufacturing nutters with guns

[A]

.....Al Gore anyone.......would also counter the experience questions the republicans will attack with....freeing Obama to argue for a generational change from the OLD politics and thus bring McCain's age into play.....

[T. J. Cassidy]

Hillary as V.P. would be Obama's best possible life-insurance policy.

[Mike]

It's between Wes Clark and Bill Richardson for me. All the mud-slinging from Hillary's side has undermined her right to any place on the presidential ticket. My money's on Wes as he is articulate, got a good military background and - as irrelevant as the issue should - is white.

[John]

Why on earth have you included Chuck Hagel in the list? He's a Republican. Do you think Obama has a chance of persuading the Democratic Convention to choose a Republican as his running-mate? I would have thought Obama would do himself a lot of harm by trying to pull a stuunt like that. In any case, if he was going to choose a Republican as vice presidential candidate, it would more likely be his closest friend in the Senate, Richard Lugar.

[Leon]

ELMO: "as an Illinois resident, she is ineligible."

wrong.no such constitutional requirement.

------------

wrong. here's the constitution:

"The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not lie an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves."

If Obama chose Oprah both are from Illinois and so that state couldn't select her.

Are you suggesting that illinois could 'elect' a different VP candidate, knowing full weel that the nominations form other states would give Oprah the nod?

[Pete]

ABC - Anyone But Clinton

[Joseph Schlesinger]

Michael Moore.

[Subramaniam]

How about Jesse Jackson for VP?

[the Truth]

WHY DID OBAMA SAY HE WOULD HAVE VOTED AGAINST THE WAR IN IRAQ? I NEED TO KNOW HIS RATIONALE.

THE TRUTH

[Roxanna Cain]

Clinton will be the nominee, so your vote thing is stupid. Panama City, Panama

[Joseph Schlesinger]

Dear The Truth,
Did you know your "caps lock" is on? Easy mistake to make.

[Guy]

What about Mayor Michael Bloombery of New York.

[Andrew]

Obama should follow the Spiro Agnew strategy in picking a vice - President, that is, someone so awful as to deter all but the most insane gun nut.

[Dianne]

Edwards - still stumped as to why he's not on the list

[Barbara-USA]

Forget Hill because we sure as hell don`t want Bill.
Our choice for VP would be Colin Powell, his past experience would be invaluable to Obama

[Andrew Metcalfe]

Elmo, technically you're both kind of right. The US Constitution prohibits electors from voting for both a presidential and vice presidential candidate from the same state as themselves. In theory, this might deny a vice presidential candidate with the most electoral votes the absolute majority required to secure election, even if the presidential candidate is elected, and places the vice presidential election in the hands of the Senate. In practice, this is rarely an issue, as parties avoid nominating tickets containing two candidates from the same state.

[Brinoto]

Actually, Chuck Hagel could be a brilliant move. Of course the Dems would be put out, but that is what Obama is suppose to be all about - thinking out of the box in an effort to what is best for the country irrespective of party politics.

[Joe Blogs]

me for VP anyone?

anyway, we in the UK can speculate all we want, but there's still something niggling away, saying Obama can't get elected over mccain. his low turnout of middle age white americans suggests this.

[Christopher Wood]

One commentator, said what on earth do Times readers know about Obama? He is quite right, of course, but the liberal elite in the UK would like to see him elected because he is black; (or white) if you are not one of the liberal elite.

[Robinson]

If you go to Wikipedia and read Wesley Clark's biography, you'll be pretty amazed at what a distinguished and clever man he is. On the other hand, a running mate has got to be someone who can pull in voters from the other side. I'm not sure Clark would be able to do that.

[Pandora]

I missed it, but why exactly did you rule out John Edwards? Could you replay your argument please.

Meanwhile, would-be vote for the fab JE registered here.

[Leon A Davis]

Clinton no, no and NO! 45% of the electorate will not vote for her under any circumstance and that percentage is reflected among party elders as well. Ted Kennedy and Nancy Pelosi for starters. There's the old adage that you have to campaign to the left in the primaries and run to the right in the general and still holds true. And Obama truly needs help in the South to win back Reagan Democrats. He's dead in the water without them. Another Mondale or Dukakis. So my guess is he'll think outside the box and select a white, male, anti-abortion, pro-gun running mate. Like Casey or possibly Strickland. He'll lose maybe 10% of the extreme left but collect three times as many moderates and quite a few conservatives like myself. I've been donating on a regular basis but am holding off right now to see if he does have a brain cramp and pick HRC. In which case I'll hold my nose and vote for Duke Tully's (Google him) wingman.

[Sandeep]

Where's John Edwards? Considering his Southern appeal and that he is the most prominent Democrat who's recently endorsed Obama, his omission from the list is difficult to understand.

[Jesse]

General Wesley Clark is the best choice for VP. He opposed the war, he is a white guy from Arkansas, he is a 4 star General Officer that Senator McCain would have to salute. I am in the Army, and many of soldiers that I speak with support Barack 100%; their only concern is the lack of military experience. General Clark will solidify this perceived weakness. If not, many people will vote for Sen. McCain just because of his experience and background. Especially independents and left-leaning republicans. Senator McCain is a viable candidate, a lot of democrats are underestimating him. I am neither a democrat or republican. In my elected officials I look for leadership and ability to manage the many differing opinions and conflicts that arise in office in productive ways. I am not alone in saying that I would vote for Senator McCain over Senator Clinton because it is obvious that he is a much better leader. Despite the recent shift in focus, the republican party will push hard on the scare tactics that helped get President Bush elected in 2004. Sen McCain is even better suited for that argument than President Bush could ever dream of...it is in Sen. Obama's best interest to have the qualifications that General Clark brings to the table. As far as Gen. Clark supporting Sen. Clinton, Sen. Obama would just be demonstrating his ability to reach across boundaries by selecting the good General, once again illustrating his natural leadership ability. Lastly, General Clark is lily white, which sadly is something that Sen. Obama needs to address in is VP nomination. As mentioned earlier, there is too much racism and sexism that exists in this country to have a viable minority/minority ticket. In my opinion, this is why I feel that General Wesley Clark is the best option for VP. But, who the hell are we to say who is best for Senator Obama? Because I support him, I will support his decision for VP. If he needs any of us to tell him who to nominate, he isn't the leader that we all know he is. On that note...who do you think Hillary would be pressured to choose for VP?? If she somehow does pull this coup off, she will have a lot of favors to fulfill. That is why I am glad that the best leader for our country is going to win. Barack Obama.

[Andy Coxon]

Hillary Clinton don't make me laugh. One, Obama can't stand her, two, the Democratic party won't forgive her for not ending this earlier, three, she's not going to woo back the southern white male voters over McCain, four, there's no chance of Obama, a big city northern senator is going to pick another big city northern senator from NY when he needs the south.

John Edwards is going to be his running mate. He ticks all the boxes.

[H.L.Kimball]

Jim Webb would be an interesting choice for VP. His father was a career military man,he was a boxer in college,served in Vietnam as a Marine officer, was wounded in combat and after recovering returned to his battlefield unit,went to law school and earned a law degree, worked for Ronald Reagan in a high level Defense Dept position, is a talented writer with several published books and screen plays, has a son who served with the military in Iraq,and in his Virginia Senate campaign was known to return some $50 contributions back to his supporters as he thought they needed the money more than him.

H.L.Kimball
Newport News, Va

[fr bob rickard]

former governer of virginia.
mark warner

look at his record and think about it

[Mick]

John Edwards, or Jim Webb. Chuck Hagel if ya wanna cause a stir, and really bring some unity

[John Jacobs]

There is a saying "The devil you know is better than the Angel you don't know" For now Obama and Hillary have sized each other's weakness and strong points. It would make much wisdom and for the two heads who have campaigned extensively and polled large votes to take it to the bank and crush McCain. Former first lady Hillary and first gentlemen Bill brings Presidential experience to the new President and also solid teamsters. In combination of their positives and negatives, we may see a unified America despite their opposing views especially on the war. If they appear to have the same minds and judgment, we would once again experience the similar mistakes Bush/Cheney administration has brought to Americans and the world. Our position in the world today challenges our future destiny. The shape of the new world of America depends by and large on the baby boomers in combination with the taste of the old recipe without the crispy fried brains of warmongers. There is more ahead to learn and to take advantage of this blessed earth, not to end it quickly and recklessly. We the people have learned of the past mistakes at a time we thought of grazing safely and took the politicians for their word. Thank God for George Bush's presidency and administration, Americans are fully awake now to dissect every policy carefully before approval. It is this reason Obama and Hillary must join hands to forge ahead with their campaign theories practically and ticket it to first class Presidential administration.

[Jaffer Bhimji]

Obama should be Vice President and Hillary President that would be the dream ticket.

[jdj]

In thinking about VP, you've gotta leave some leeway to consider whom Obama would want in his cabinet. Edwards might make a good VP, but he would make an even better Attorney General. Why make Wesley Clark the VP when you could appoint him Secretary of Defense?

Who will Obama choose for VP? I'm not sure. I do know that at least one viable choice was left off the list: Montana's outrageously popular governor, Brian Schweitzer.

[robert]

Ron Paul. Clearly, if Obama wants to end politics as usual and connect with the whole country... this would be the most spectacular way to do it.

[joncitizen]

Posted by: Jesse | 15 May 2008 15:40:11

^^^

Wesley Clarke for all the reasons this gentleman identified.

He would've beaten Dubya in '04 if the Dems had've had the smarts to nominate him.

[Jackson Kernion]

He wasn't up there, but I feel Michael Bloomberg would be a perfect VP pick for Obama. It would demonstrate Obama's willingness to transcend partisan politics and Bloomberg would bring hard-nosed pragmatism to the ticket that would complement the impression many have of Obama being a naive dreamer.

[captainplatitude]

I think that you made a mistake not including john edwards.

[Rick Dee]

Obama will be the Democratic nominee. I really like Edwards, but I think he'd be happier as AG, and do a great job, as well. Richardson is terrific, but my money's on Wesley Clark. His military experience will be helpful before and after the election.

Those who are saying that America won't vote for a black guy are really saying that they won't. You racists are in the minority. Get ready for a shock to your value systems in November.

JIM WEBB!

He is a rising star in the senate...and hes pushing through a awesome bill for GI" (McSame critized..now he might be playing fair...since the spotlite is on him)

Webb would balance the Obama ticket.

Obama/ Webb 2008

[Matt]

The VP pick is a name not on the list. Sam Nunn. Former Senator from Georgia. Famous for national security credentials (former chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee), bipartisanship (jives with Obama's message), work to prevent nuclear terrorism (through his organization Nuclear Threat Initiative).

He's also a popular Democrat from the South. And with Bob Barr (Georgia) running as a Libertarian, and John McCain not a great pull for Southern Republicans, Sam Nunn might put Georgia in play.

Sam Nunn should be the VP pick.

[Angry Reader]

I'm frustrated that the Times didn't have mini-bios for each candidate so we could make a more informed decision!!!

[Nick P]

I find it astonishing (and kinda arrogant, perhaps) that you have left John Edwards off. He is an ideal VP because he will encourage all the Hillary Clinton supporters back towards Obama as like her, he (bizarrely for a wealthy lawyer) appeals to the poorer supporters. I don't understand the specifics of why poor white Yanks find two rich white Yanks more appealing than a black rich guy but it seems pretty clear they do. So, my vote is John Edwards or nothing.

Shame on you for not even allowing him a slot. And ironic too, methinks you will find!

[Laurie Ann]

Hillary Clinton, any day. She's a bright, intelligent and loyal woman. She's always known how to work in a team and would make a good anchor. She has a very strong base in the country, not only among females but also among Hispanics.
Personally I consider John Edwards to be a loser. I also feel that without HRC Obama will find it very difficult to win. I believe both Hillary and Obama to be exceptionally intelligent and gifted people,who belong to the same Party, who did not have rich parents,and who have made the most of their education and youthful ideals. As the saying goes -two heads are better than one. However I do not know if Obama's team will allow that-they seem to have got a lot of mileage out of calling her every name in the book.

[Pam Read]

John Edwards for VP is my first choice.

If not JE -, anybody but the stale old body Clinton
or should I say 'Clintons'

[Amy Scott]

My vote would be overwhelmingly Chuck Hagel. Had he run, it would have been the first time I would have considered voting for a Republican in 40 years. He is a man of character and would truly reach across the partisan divide.

[DJ]

Pardon my ignorance on the subject, but I just read an article in RCP (forgot by whom) that basically that Obama won't have a choice because of superdelagate's pressure...it'll have to be Hillary. He stated it's likely the very reason she's staying in till the end, to end up on the convention floor as VP. Tell me it ain't so! Obama DOES get to choose, correct? Is it the sole choice of the nominee to choose who they prefer, or can it be pushed upon him by the SD's? Sure hope not. Hillary would be a HUGE mistake. Darrell's very early post here is, I think, correct. I would fear for O's physical safety if she is VP. She'll do ANYTHING to be President, unfortunately....

[PSK]

The best VP for Obama -- Sam Nunn. Southern, not partisan, wealth of foreign policy experience, name recognition with older voters (since he is pre-Clinton). Elections-aside, Nunn is also intelligent and thoughtful -- meaning he would actually be an asset as VP.

[Incubus Man 16 Sydney]

When considering the super-delegates, it's really impossible for Obama to refuse Clinton.

[ATLw]

I missed the poll, but DEFINITELY my pick would be Wes Clark, for about a zillion reasons not mentioned in the article. Even with the major electability points aside, he's peerless in what he could offer an Obama administration after the election. Plus, he already comes with a broad support base, lessons learned from his last campaign, and just the right amount of name recognition.

[Gerry]

1 Webb (VA)
2 Evan Bayh (IN)
3 Sam Nunn
4 Gene Taylor (MS)
5 Joe Leiberman (CT)
6 Allen Boyd (FL)
7 Dan Boren (OK)
8 Joe Bacca (CA)
9 Jim Cooper (TN)
10 Zell Miller

[William Jackson]

I will not vote for Obama if he does not pick Hilary Clinton as his VP! She deserves it! With her 17 million votes, they would have it in the bag and Good Bye John McCain!!!

[Larry Mergen]

Anyone except Hillary Clinton or the woman senator from Missouri.