Top ten Obama Vice Presidential picks

So it's Obama. But who's going to fill the second slot on the Democratic ticket?

UPDATE: Vote in our poll here

1) Hillary Clinton

Many believe Obama will have to offer the VP slot to Clinton. Andrew Sullivan called it the hate-filled dream ticket. But will she accept it? If Obama loses, she may see a 2012 race opening up before her.

2) Al Gore

He's certainly got the experience. But the eco-warrior probably has no desire to return to Pennsylvania Avenue. Winning his endorsement would have set Obama up for the nomination. Does he need Gore any more?

3) John Edwards

A serious contender. The North Carolina Senator ran with John Kerry in 2004 and would bring the Southern link currently missing in Obama's campaign. But would he want to do it again? And would Obama feel Edwards should have been with him earlier?

4) Kathleen Sebelius

Sebelius's name has been cropping up more and more frequently. The two-term Governor of Kansas fills in many of the gaps in Obama's support base. She may not have much foreign policy experience but she'll bring a red state with her. And a female Vice-President might help soothe Clinton's supporters. One to watch.

5) Bill Richardson

Also extremely likely. Pundits state that he's been running for VP since the beginning. He brings foreign policy experience and the Hispanic vote with him.

6) Wesley Clark

A former four-star general, Wes Clark served in Kosovo and studied PPE at Oxford. He would lend Obama military clout and cross party-lines in his appeal.

7) Jim Webb

The junior Virginia senator since 2006. He could provide the machismo that Obama needs. A military man with a son in Iraq, he's regarded as one of the most authoritative Democratic voices on the conflict. Known to carry a loaded pistol on occasion.  As a former Reagan man he would add to Obama's cross party appeal and make it slightly harder to paint the candidate as an unrepentant liberal.

8) Robert Casey

The Pennsylvania senator has already endorsed Obama. As VP, he would help out in the white working-class states. And his Catholic faith would reach out to an important voting bloc. 

9) Oprah Winfrey

She's already one of America's most powerful women. Could DC be next on her world-domination agenda? Just a thought.

10) Joe Biden

Might he be the first Biden in a thousand generations to run for President? A senator since 1972, his presidential runs have never taken off. But his international experience might make him a good choice and he'd appeal to the white male vote. His description of Obama as 'clean' didn't do him any favours though. And some think he is more likely to be Secretary of State.   

Comments

[Anthony]

I think you overestimate Wes Clark's cross-party appeal - and possibly even his military clout. He's not well liked either within the military bureaucracy or by the GOP. Probably Jim Webb would be a better pick on those grounds.

Also think Bob Casey might be a bad choice. I'm glad he beat Rick Santorum, but I hear on the grapevine that he's pretty dull on a number of levels. True, the Catholicism thing might be a boon, but I think that if appealing to the white working class is the thing, yet again Jim Webb looks better.

[Philip Walker]

"Brings the Hispanic vote"? "Reach out to an all-important voting bloc"? Really, do you intend to suggest that Americans vote 'en bloc' according to personal characteristic, and that they will only vote for candidates with whom they share that characteristic?

[Jon Kaarbø]

Dead Wrong. Obama will most likely choose Evan Bayh, former Governor and now Senator from Indiana. He needs to pick a moderate Democrat from a red state and turn it into a blue state.

[GARTH STRONG]

STRONG COMMENTS:

1) HILLARY CLINTON: Yeaaack! Not a chance! However, he has been highly kidsy-glovesy and kissy kissy with her...to an almost fatal extent! Will he make this BIG mistake?

2) AL GORE: ha- ha- ha- ha- haaaa!
Dani, at least you have a good sense of humour! He's a very nice boy, but he has Global Warming on the brain!

3)JOHN EDWARDS: Quizas, perhaps...but no!

4)KATHLEEN SIBELIUS: They could make sweet music together!

5)BILL RICHARDSON: Who? Ok, YES!...but....NO!

6)WESLEY CLARK: Best bet! Attennn- shunn!!!! Heavy, heavy!!!

7)Jim Webb: Loaded pistol? uh - uh!
No - No! Obama needs to stay away from those.

8) ROBERT CASEY: Casey closed!

9) OPRAH WINFREY: Dynamite! Intruiging. Trouble is that her cajones are bigger that his. Who do you think would end up being the real President? Who was President when Bill Clinton was president ..and getting blown in the Oval Office? On the other hand they would probably be the most honest team since Eisenhower was in office!!!! Just what the USA urgently needs.

10) JOE BIDEN: No go, Joe!

[andrew frost]

Really, do you intend to suggest that Americans vote 'en bloc' according to personal characteristic, and that they will only vote for candidates with whom they share that characteristic?

Why in some cases Yes just look at the support for Clinton. despite showing every sign of being CRAZY.
Catholics and white women voted for her in enough numbers to make it drag on this far

[Sue Melin]

I think Oprah is madly in love with Obama. If they make a team then he will, unfortunately, win.
It should be obvious by now that Obama
hates Hillary's guts! Kathleen bears a striking resemblance to her, so she may get picked.

[Jonathan]

Why do you continue to think Al Gore would ever, ever run for Vice President, when he could have had the Presidency easily.

Some more thoughts on the Veepstakes: http://http://airingofthegrievances.blogspot.com/2008/05/whos-eleventh-most-influential-jew-in.html

[Olddog]

He should call Ron Paul.

[Chris Swanson]

Scratch Webb, Bayh, or Mark Warner. These three are needed to hold (or in Warner's case win) would-be Republican senate seats. It doesn't make sense to damage your majority in the Senate like that.

Ed Rendell seems the most fitting choice, as he would help with the divide within the party as well as the appeal to working class whites.

[Tony Francis]

Here's what Kathleen Sebelius brings to the ticket: She is a Catholic, so all the Catholic-haters will be alienated. She is rabidly pro-abortion, having vetoed a partial birth abortion ban and a bill to provide state inspections of abortion clinics, so the church going Catholics and the fundamentalists will be alienated. Her surrogate filed a lawsuit with the Kansas Supreme Court to get them to raise taxes in Kansas over the objection of the legislature, in violation of the separation of powers doctrine in the Kansas Constitution. Besides that, she has all the magnetism and charisma of a month old banana. Please Barack, do youself a favor. Put her on the ticket. Get her out of Kansas.

[Mike S]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but why not Obama/Bloomberg? That would allow the Dems to become an incredibly appealing Economic ticket (I know that the Dems should automatically be getting a lot of votes because the republicans are the party that screwed up the economy, but many voters seem to think mccain will be able to improve the economy).
Imagine a debate between Bloomberg and Romney (if say Mccain were to choose Romney as his running mate). Romney's supposed economic wisdom would be completely eliminated and he would then be bringing nothing to the republican ticket. On the other hand Bloomberg can point to New York's public economic success rather than how Romney can only talk about how he made his own personal fortune. (Bloomberg also made a personal fortune but he clearly has more political experience dealing with the macro-economy. Bloomberg was also considering a presidential bid last year (although obviously once he saw the Obama and Hilary support there was no reason for him to waste his time and money), but I truly think Bloomberg would be a great fit for the ticket. Anyone agree?

[Tony]

What about Sen. Claire McCaskill? I think she would be a great running mate!

[ringo]

Joseph Leiberman.

- first, because it will keep some deranged klansman from blowing Obama's head off

- second, because if he doesn't choose Leiberman, McCain will.

[Matthew H]

Not sure why you included the silly ones. Casey? Winfrey? GORE? C'mon.

Evan Bayh would be a fine choice, as somebody else mentioned. It's a shame that Mark Warner is running for the Senate, otherwise he'd be the obvious pick. Sibelius would be a wonderful choice...actually, so would her dad, but he's 86 now. However, I'm sure he'd work hard to bring Ohio to her and Obama.

I would put Sibelius #1, Richardson #2, Bayh #3

[Ned in Placitas]

ABC... Anybody But Clinton.. He chooses her at the expense of my vote (and I suspect many others). She's earned nothing but disdain! Seriously... How could he put her on the ticket when the only thing she's said the past 2 months is he can't be elected! She burnt her bridges. Its time for her (and bill) to retire.

No Senators especially the "old politics ones" but many because they're needed where they are. I still remember almost breaking my TV watching Joe Biden on Charlie Rose pimping the Iraqi Invasion. Everyone knew that was folly. Joe should join Hillary in retirement.

Gore? forget it... is busy selling carbon credit scams.

Clark? No way... we've had it with the war mongers, especially Clinton supporters.

Edwards? No.. He's going to be busy being attorney general then Supreme court.

Webb maybe.. but what's this book he wrote? baggage.

Richardson.. yes brings the hispanic affinity vote.

Sebelius.. Yes ...brings a red state and women affinity vote. I like either one of those two.

Don't forget Sam Nunn.. I like his stock too (check intrade.com)

[Nickberry]

Kathleen Sebelius gave the Democratic response to the last State of the Union Address and put everyone to sleep. And notably those supporting Hillary will not accept just any woman.... and what woman could even come close to Hillary?

Robert Casey is also BORING... and he could not even deliver his district (Scranton) to Obama... in fact Obama did very poorly there.

John Edwards... Been there, did that.... and he actually was not bulldog enough running as VP. Need someone with sharp teeth.

Same for Wesley Clark as he showed when he ran last time...not hungry enough for high office... and since he is a Hillary supporter, he may also not have his heart in it.

At least Oprah Winfrey had "judgement" enough to leave the church of Rev. Wright.

Jim Webb and Obama would be like oil and water... more so than Hillary and Obama. Such would be a contentious match.

Bill Richardson could not even get the Hispanics to vote for him when he was running for President. And he is too wimpy to stand up to the GOP and defend his presidential candidate.

Al Gore is way past playing second fiddle to anyone.

Joe Biden is the only sane choice... except he is from Delaware and probably thus will not be considered.

My opinion on Hillary is that she will make the smart choice is asked to be VP running mate.

[Randall, from out West in the USA]

Bill Richardson is the one I find most preferable. Now that the rancor of the primary season will soon be over, it will be good to have someone like him who speaks softly in a reasoned manner. He would help the voters forget about Hillary and her negative campaigning.

The one drawback is that he switched allegiance from Hillary to Obama after having served in two appointed positions under Bill Clinton. He might be seen as a turncoat. But he has the least baggage of any of the ten listed.

[Smart one]

These are interesting, but only 3 are viable. I listed them in order of likeliness:

Obama/Webb
Obama/Richardson
Obama/Clinton

Good day.

[Brian C.]

The biggest question....

Will HRC supporters not vote or go with McCain if he doesn't pick her? McCain has a 9 point lead in Florida right now (Real Clear Politics), not to mention a 3.4 point lead in ohio... you can't be a dem and take the presidency without these two states! Hillary on the ticket is actually more viable than everyone's thinking. Gore won't take another vice presidency... been there, done that... Edwards is doubtful, he didn't push Kerry over the top.

HRC is my guess, many will be upset if he doesn't pick her. She deserves it. Remember Johnson and Kennedy!

[Brian C.]

The biggest question....

Will HRC supporters not vote or go with McCain if he doesn't pick her? McCain has a 9 point lead in Florida right now (Real Clear Politics), not to mention a 3.4 point lead in ohio... you can't be a dem and take the presidency without these two states! Hillary on the ticket is actually more viable than everyone's thinking. Gore won't take another vice presidency... been there, done that... Edwards is doubtful, he didn't push Kerry over the top.

HRC is my guess, many will be upset if he doesn't pick her. She deserves it. Remember Johnson and Kennedy!

[Carolina]

Andrew Frost, what about all of the black people who consistently vote for Obama at a rate of over 90%??? Funny how people conveniently ignore the obvious!

[John Pen]

Obama/ Hillary...if not they lose all Hillary's supporters and lose to McCain.

[Lillian R. Dean]

I would pick John Edwards for VP Just a thought!!!! The rest is History!!
Lil

[dan Buchwald]

Casey did a great job helping Obama win Pennsy... oh, I forgot...

[Kate Harvey]

IF he chooses Hillary...or Al, then I will vote Republican.

[jerry strong heart]

there are some picks from native america*
winona laduke who ran with ralph nader.
she calls the 500,000 strong native american church* a grouping who ordinarly don*t vote at all.the circle around them is large and strong*america would finally make peace with native america* we don*t even have a native american national holliday*never mind the poverty on some reservations is massave* lowest mortality rate,lowest birth rate,and highest unimployment in the country* with the poorest run health service thats government opperated*

[Doug]

You mentioned neither of the two best choices as a running mate for Obama, Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana and Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania. I'm not sure how any serious list could overlook those two. Pretty puzzling.

[Barbara-USA]

My own personal Dream Ticket would be Obama and Colin Powell, but thats just me.

[Daphne Kenward]

I think Kathleen Sebelius, would be a better idea than Hillary. Past History would taint his leadership with sleaze. Hillary & Bill it would be full of confrontations and no unity. Bill Richardson who is honest and a strong supporter. Who had positive things to say. Hillary on the other hand had played Race, Played with FOX NEWS, on the Rev Wright sound bites when Hillary & Bill both know Rev Wright and also knew none of what was being said was true, I call it decietful. Hillary would be working behind the seen to bring down a government, it would be a desaster.For that I agree with the Kennedy's I personally sees Hillary as some one that I could not trust. The way she knew about the Florida Michigan situation from the start, and now later want to change the rules to suit her self when every one knew the rules, and Hillary thinks she is a special case. Then there is the case pending against her & her husband for Electorial FRAUD, she would be a very bad choice indeed. Joe Biden was a person I have a lot of respect for, and he was against the war all along, which I also saw as a very bad & stupid decision. It has caused lives, it has caused a run on the economy due to lack of investments. Oil prices aiming towards 200 US dollars per barrel. McCain's economic policies will have no merit while aiming to be in Iraq, and a pending war with Iran, and the evangelical' s such as Hagee who want end times, also want a war with with RUSSIA as well and because the Russians knows this they are now flexing their muscle, the only country the envangelical seem to be interested in, America attacking are the ones with oil. America is a desperate country, a country desperate to survive in an old system that has burnt it self out. A Country that lacks vision in the direction it needs to go in these troubled times. Most people whom are moderate will have already recogonised that America is verging on the old system of all EMPIRES DIE, and America without the insite that death is inevitable, for us all, as well as disfuntional Empires, History has shown that time and time again, So lets look at a few who committed crimes against its own citizens, and against the world, Most of Europe & America, and ancient times Rome & Egypt. Their Empires died and cursed by their evil deeds. I do not think America will be spared, because Biblically it stated that their evil had reached clear up to Heaven due to the enormity of their crimes. The American government thinks that they can find life on Mars, and it matters not what they do to Planet Earth. But Man has no other planet on which he can survive, and if it were possible, it would remain elusive, because to destroy one planet to move to another to destroy, regardless of which order man would destroy the whole world, because they are trying to compete with nature, what is real to what man has tried to invent which lack truth and accuracy. Politicans by nature are VIPERS & liars who lack one thing they promise things they have not got in their powers to acheive, because theirs days and years are numbered, they are classified as the Beast of Revelations, wild beasts because they plunder and rape the innocence of the vonerable who put trust in Political criminals, as a result we have the toughest time in recorded HISTORY global warming with economic desaster, Oil shortages, food shortages, wars, desease, extintions of animal & plant life because the wild beast cannot be contained, their desperation for power and the reality of what man is faced with, is different for the wild beast and what is nature.His number is 666.

[Olddog]

Having Hillary along for the ride would be like bringing the "Bride Of Chucky"

[Andre Carrington]

Andrew,

Just a little rejoinder about Hillary Clinton. In you post you stated that:
"Yes just look at the support for Clinton. despite showing every sign of being CRAZY.
Catholics and white women voted for her in enough numbers to make it drag on this far" ...

Remember, Senator Obama draw 90 plus percent of the African-American vote, a far higher proportion than Senator Clinton does in Catholics and white women.

As for being crazy ... if Senator Obama wins let's see where we are in 2012 ...

[velvetdays]

Wes Clark is a thousand times more qualified to be president than Obama. A THOUSAND TIMES.

Bob Casey wouldn't even guarantee PA goes into the blue column in 08, his father was a popular figure here, he is not.

[Maria Gratia from Florida]

Richardson will not bring Latinos. Latinos value loyalty.
Sebelius has little traction for women. She threw women under the bus to go for Obama.

[L Watson]

Obama should distance himself from Hillary just like he did from his minister. Hillary is a bigger liability. We remember what a national disgrace Bill was and many voters will not want either of them anywhere near the White House ever again. Bill will not behave any better just because he is First Husband. Do we really want to give him another chance to embarrass the nation? Hillary looked the other way back then so she could get where she is today. They both suffer from Truth Deficit Disorder.

[Bruce Lynch]

When will Obama play the white card? After all he's half'n half Kenyan. So if you believe in voter blocs -- he's gotta appeal to Clinton's gun & bible toten guys and the gals over 50 who are her stalwarts. Otherwise, they fit the profile of the Reagan Dems. It's no donkey in the White House without'em. I live next door to these people.

[Dave Reeves]

Kathleen Sebelius: The first time I ever saw her on TV and listened to her speak at some Democratic function I was impressed. She exudes intelligence and class (Doubles up on Hillary Clinton)The next that I saw her was on CNN in an interview and I remember thinking that this woman could be President some day. She could help solve a lot of future problems for the Democratic Party. A real "can't-miss" lady.

[Stan]

Americans do not vote primarily for candidates with whom they share personal characteristics. If they did, Obama wouldn't be the likely nominee. Nevertheless, there's some tendency to vote along these lines, and I think Obama knows it. He'll pick a white male from the culturally conservative wing of the party.

[Dollard]

I hope Senator Obama will not not pick wicked Hilary, he won't be able to sleep because she is crazy.

I hope Obama will pick either Webb, Richardson, or Edwards.

[Ted Link-Oberstar]

Of your top 10, only 4 look reasonable.

-Clinton - Not gonna happen
-Gore - Been There, Done That
-Edwards - I just don't see it.
+Sebulius - I could see this one - get the women's vote without HRC baggage.
+Richardson - Maybe (upside is he's a foreign policy king, downside is he's a walking gaffe machine.)
+Clark - Maybe
-Webb - Like it, but never happen. Can't give up that Virginia Senate seat.
+Casey - Helps in PA and with the Catholic vote overall. Wouldn't rule it out.
-Oprah - I don't think so.
-Biden. Secy of State - yes, VP, No.

[David]

He is probably going to pick Gov. Sebelius. She balances out several places on the ticket all at one time.

And Hillary will never "lower" herself to serve anywhere but at the top of ticket, whether she is qualified or not ("not" is the correct answer there by the way).

[f2c]

HILLARY CLINTON: Yeaaack! Not a chance! However, he has been highly kidsy-glovesy and kissy kissy with her...to an almost fatal extent! Will he make this BIG mistake?

Posted by: andrew frost | 9 May 2008 18:26:01

↑

Andrew,don't panic.

He only put her name to draw your attention. Right,Daniel?

[Adama]

Oprah? no he will not do that. he is smart enought and love the mixage. he will prefered a white guy to share the office with. maybe
kathleen sebelius. obama respect this woman very well.

[WJP]

KATHLEEN SIBELIUS: They could make sweet music together!

I am hoping to hear more about her and if it is a great thing, she would get my vote as OBAMAs VP!!!

I would love to see a winner with a woman of great character and potential to be his VP! Awesome and a nice thought for 2012 IF Obama plays out an excellent two terms!

[S. Barraclough]

Barack shows no signs of the mental deficiency which would cause him to shackle himself to Hilary. I can imagine that it might give him a chance of winning the Presidential race, but can you imagine Hilary as Vice-Pres? I heard a speech of hers the other day in which she claimed to be running for the post of 'Chief of all the Americas, North, South and in-betweens'! I know a lady from Columbia who was left incandescent by the speech, and I expect that everyone from Mexico southwards felt much the same way! She would in my view become a complete liability! But what the hell, it is a [North] American problem, I wish the USA luck with it!

[John]

What no Bloomberg?

[Maria]

If we can't have Hillary on the ticket - we have no representation. Therefore, we have nothing to lose by staying home.

[prudence eely bond mcguire]

DAFFY DUCK!

[Jamie]

10:1 it's gonna be Richardson. He has immense foreign policy experience, not to mention experience serving in the cabinet under Clinton. He's from New Mexico, so he's got clout in the south, and he could tip the Hispanic vote, a factor that frankly doesn't matter much because the Democrats are never too worried about losing the Hispanic vote in presidential elections. Sebelius is an interesting idea, but rather left-field and she doesn't bring a lot of name recognition.

[Morvan]

If he nominates HC as his running mate she will be President within a year; obstacles to her ambition have a habit of being removed.

[David Allen]

He has to win first. It's not a given.

[TDM]

Oprah?

I kinda expect the VP to be a politician of some sort. Call me crazy...

[Nick]

Ed Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania, former Mayor and District Attorney of Philadelphia, a Clinton backer but not a demagogue about it, and very poipular with the white working class. Would deliver Pennsyvania the way Sen. Casey couldn't, and would appeal across state lines to Ohio. Also a former head of the Democratic National Committee with lots of IOUs out, and very popular with the Democrat rank-and-file.

[Dave from NY]

Kathleen Sebelius is my personal choice for Obama's VP. She is a female with executive experience plus the proven ability to win statewide in a red state.

John Edwards could not even deliver his home state when he was on the ticket last time. He showed no real strength in 2008 except for a second-place finish in Iowa. He would not bring enough supprt to the table to merit VP, although a great choice for Attorney General.

46% of the country will not vote for Hillary Clinton no matter what. Her name on the ballot would galvanize Republicans around their guy and send Obama to a certain and crushing defeat. Not a good choice.

Al Gore was already Vice President and would not be interested in being the #2 man again.

Richardson would make a solid choice, but he might make a better National Security Advisor or foreign policy leader or chairman of the civil rights commission.

Clark would make a solid choice. But this election will be a domestic election, an economic election, and the stongest candidate will be a money man who is a proven vote getter and with executive experience. Clark would make a very good VP, but a better Joint Chief of Staff or a fantastic Homeland Security chief.

Webb would actually be the best choice in the group if he didn't have that book scandal. You also don't want to give up the Senate seat because there is no guarantee that another Democrat could win his seat in the next election. But a very good pick, one of the top two or three picks out there.

Casey could not delever his own district for Obama, let alone his whole state. A good choice, but there are far better choices than Casey. A decent choice for Attorney General, however.

Oprah, with no political experience, no constituency, never having held elected office? Probably a worse pick than Hillary - and that's saying something.

Biden would make an OK VP. He would make a better Secretary of State.

Janet Napolitano, Claire McCaskill, Mike Bloomberg, Sam Nunn, Michigan Governor Stabenow(?) would all make good VP fits for Obama.

[vincent]

I am an outsider,AFRICAN from SOUTH AFRICA.
I think the following is vital for Obama's VP:-
1)WOMEN
2)WHITE
3)CATHOLIC
4)STATE INFLUENCE
This can only be...K.SEBELIUS not HRC(untrustworthy and bitter)

[Daphne Kenward]

Oprah would do all the right things, but Oprah would not be interested, she like's to do her charitable work in the nation privately to help the poor and vonerable, which she has delivered over the years. Hillary would be the worst choice, Hillary & Bill who thinks they should be the elected choice, would cause problems for the administration and not act in the interest of the country, or the Democratic party, dogs do not give up barking because someone them gave a bone. They may stop for a short time. Hillary reminds me of a story my Grandmother told me as a child, The Crow and the Fox, the crow was in a tree the crow had a bit of cheese in its mouth the fox said to the crow I heard you can sing very nicely, and the fox said to the crow can you sing a song for me, the crow was so flattered, as the crow began to sing, the cheese fell out of the crows mouth, and the fox ran off with the cheese because the fox got what he wanted. A wise man is carefull of who he surounds himself. There are people out there who are interested in American change, and the role that they can play to improve the society and the long term success of a country. Hillary & Bill is interested in themselves first and America second and the Democratic party last.The Democratic Party is the platform from which they use to promote the Clintons Dynasty.

[Drew]

In response to Philip Walker, yes it is evident from exit polls and the like, that people do tend to vote for a candidate who shares similar characteristics to their own. Articles published every day talk about Clinton having a 25 point lead over Obama amongst white voters and Obama having a massive lead over her from black voters. It may seem like a poor generalisation to make in a world where race/gender should not be considered an issue, but unforunately it is true and candidates will employ tactics to utilise this.

[sharon from Chicago]

please, Lord, anyone but Oprah (and Hillary, of course)

[dss111]

Al Gore is the man who brought us NAFTA, giving contracts to Halliburton to do things the military always did for itself under his "reinvention of government" program, and, especially,....especially, selection of Joe Lieberman as his VP, the republican in the clothes of a democrat, who no one gave a twit about before. With such bad judgment, dead brain thinking already clearly displayed, why would anyone want him near the control panels again???????

[Avant Strangel]

Kathleen, Webb (depending how he voted for the war) or Casey look like the strongest options.

Kathleen I'm particularly fond of because after the VP slot SHE can run for President and we can forget about Hillbillary!

[Craig]

Sam Nunn is the best choice.

If he chooses Hillary Clinton as a running mate, he might as well give the Presidency to McCain.

[Hasslington]

Your first three suggestions are very unlikely indeed. Your other suggestions (Oprah aside) are all strong ones. I would also add Evan Bayh, Sam Nunn, Ed Rendell, Ted Strickland, and Chris Dodd to the list--some (though not all) of whom are Clinton allies.

Right now, Bill Richardson and Kathleen Sebelius might be the most likely V.P. candidates, but I would give Richardson the Secretary of State position, and ask either Joe Biden or Kathleen Sebelius to be V.P.

[Pete]

This article is completely wrong. The only choice: Admiral Jay Fallon.

[Tom]

Dear Tony Francis,

Nobody is 'pro-Abortion.' Although people who are against a woman's right to choose often frame support of abortion rights as 'pro-Abortion,' it simply means you do not think abortion should be legal. I do not like tobacco or cigarettes. I do not think they should be illegal. I do not like abortion. It is not my role to tell a woman she can't have one. Get it?

Thanks.

[Jenny Jackson]

Why in the world would Hillary want to be on a ticket for dog catcher with Obama, let alone as vice president. Obama cannot win against McCain. Obams destroys his own credibility by losing. Hillary will run again in 2012 and become the first woman president of the USA. Tough luck, Obama.

[V. J. Homer]

Hillary would be the best choice -- she just spent several months galvanizing Democrats to go out and vote in amazing numbers. (Sibelius would be no substitute, because it's not being female that makes Hillary valuable to so many of us -- it's being herself.)

Once Obama is at the top of the ticket, the media -- which for the most part is pretty liberal (Except for Fox and Limbaugh) -- will stop bashing Hillary for daring to make Obama work for the nomination and go back to bashing Republicans, instead.

Over 15 MILLION people have already voted for Hillary these past few months. And those of us who've followed her career for decades trust that she'll surprise Obama with what a loyal advisor and colleague she'll prove to be.

[Rok K.]

Hillary is out, Obama would realize with her being just a heartbeat away from the big job, his life wouldn’t be worth a plug nickel come 21 January 2011 (see amendment XXII) – this would enable Hillary – in her mind -- to become only second to Franklin Deficit Roosevelt – in time served in Office. Recall there are many deaths associated with confidants and sycophants of the Clintons.

Oprah is out. Both are from Illinois (see Article II section 1 clause 3 and Amendment XII).

Algore is out – he makes too much money promoting the myth of Global Warming. To take that kind of pay-cut the dental plan would have to be outstanding.

Casey is out – he too is a rookie and doesn’t yet know where all the heads are in the Capitol. Besides Casey is anti-abortion – a violation of Democrat Party core principles.

I doubt any experienced pol would want to hitch their wagon to an unproven rookie star regardless of how messianic he might appear at first blush.

I fear for the future of our Republic; I fear I’m beginning to lose heart. I recently culled quotes from one of America’s foremost curmudgeonly writers of the 1920s & 30s – H. L. Mencken, Things haven’t changed much since he made these observations:

“No one in this world has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby.”

“Complex problems have simple, easy to understand, wrong answers.”

“The demagogue is one who preaches doctrines he knows to be untrue to men he knows to be idiots”

“Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance.”

“A good politician is quite as unthinkable as an honest burglar”

“The aim of public education is not to spread enlightenment at all; it is simply to reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed a standard citizenry, to put down dissent and originality”

[Frank J. Garza]

A good choice would be U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas. Doggett is a white moderate from a crucial state critical in presidential elections. Plus, as a bonus, Doggett looks a bit like a young Abraham Lincoln.

[Leon A Davis]

The only name on this list that makes any sense whatsoever is Casey. He's a conservative white Democrat and would truly balance the ticket. Hillary no, no, and double-no! For starters, look what happened to JFK after he picked Johnson. HRC is Johnson in a pantsuit, only she has a bigger pair and she can't wait to push the Big Red Button to prove it. Plus, Michelle, as I predicted, has emphatically vetoed HRC. The Most Reverend Algore has founded his own religion with 10 times the fervor of the most zealous Scientologist. Any day now, he's gonna start tossing virgins into volcanos. Yuck! Edwards is an empty suit with a hundred-dollar haircut who will not defer to Obama in a thousand years. Biden is smarmy. Richardson is an honorable man, as far as an ex-Clintonite can be called honorable, but you don't need two ethnic minorities on the same ticket. And that goes for a woman VP as well. Webb a loose cannon. Too volatile and vulgar. The oppo will reprint passages from some of his novels and that will be that. Oprah is a billionaire with many business interests. Try asking her to put all that in a blind trust! Yeah, right. Obama will likely pick a conservative white guy with an A rating from the National Rifleman's Association. Take it to the bank.

[KB]

Bloomberg. Brains and money.
He can help with the huge economic crisis that is just starting. He may even find out how little gold is really left in Fort Knox.

[Jennifer]

I am for an Obama/Sebelius ticket. Sebelius has the real experience, and has done great things for her state. When she entered she inherited a debt that she overcame all the while without raising taxes. She is highly regarded. Please check out her wikipedia biography.

[tom]

None of the top three are even on your list ! Everyone in DC will be amazed if the VP isn't Tim Kaine. Chris Dodd and Brian Schweitzer are also on top of the list. Murphy would be the favorite of Obama but Murphy may be too young. Yes, it's going to be a Catholic.

[johnNO]

I believe that Barack Obama will not countenance having Hillary as Vice pres. because he wouldn't have the freedom to move. It will be a great day for America, and the World if Obama is the chosen one.
The Clintons have shown throughout this Primaries Campaign that they are divisive, and very ruthless, and neither of them has shied away from alluding to "race" as the underlying consideration for voters.
Set this man free, and turn your backs to all those nasty, yesteryear ideas.

[Lani]

Here is a little something about Kathleen Sebelius.

Recognition

In 2001 Sebelius was named as one of Governing Magazine's Public Officials of the Year while she was serving as Kansas Insurance Commissioner.[24]

In November 2005 Time named Sebelius as one of the five best governors in America, praising her for eliminating a $1.1 billion debt she inherited, ferreting out waste in state government, and strongly supporting public education — all without raising taxes. Also praised was her bipartisan approach to governing, a useful trait in a state where Republicans have usually controlled the Legislature.[25]

In February 2006, the White House Project named Sebelius one of its "8 in '08", a group of eight female politicians who could possibly run and/or be elected president in 2008.[26]

[Carolyn P]

Hillary: That ship sailed, finally, with her resorting to racial divisiness. Even voters who wanted a dream ticket (like me) would no longer support it. It would signal for me the selling out of Obama's entire platform of change.

Gov. Richardson: Not a bad choice.. I'd vote for that.

Gov. Janet Napolitano (Arizona)... Just a suggestion.

Did I mention a big HELL-NO to Hillary Clinton??

:)

[Ross Saliba]

I think Wes Clark , would make a great Vice President to Barack Obama,he has a huge strategic experiance in vast field-areas & is extemely intelligent. He is my tip. Ross Saliba / Melbourne,Australia.

[ben]

How about William Cohen? He's got the defense and foreign policy experience.

[John]

I think you have used humor in mentioning some of the names, however I think, if I were Obama, I would choose Sam Nunn most probably.

[sarah]

Dont people realize that by making Clinton no 2. you appeal to her supporters at the expense of offending Obama's supporters??

[Simon David]

First let's eliminate the Oprah joke....he already has Michelle!

Obama needs either the governor of a swing state or someone with a military background.

Gore, Edwards or Clinton are not going to happen - the first two don't really want it, Clinton has ruled herself out with the red phone advert and at the end of the day she's another blue state senator.

Biden is a secretary of state, Wes Clark is a defence secretary, and Bob Casey is a plodder.

The problem with Webb, Bayh and Mark Warner is that the democrats desperately want to hold onto those senate seats.
Kathleen Sebelius - Obama already has a strong Kansas connection, and it's not a swing state anyway.

So you're left with, in my view
- Ted Strickland (Gov Ohio)
- Ed Rendell (Gov Pensylvania)
- Richardson (Gov New Mexico)

[Ture Sjolander]

Anyone will do !! Take my words!
www.worldleaders2008.homestead.com/

[DrBill]

None of the above, except MAYBE Sibelius.

My pick is the current (D) Governor of Ohio, which is going to be a very critical swing state.

Frankly, even though picking a veep based on electoral demographics is considered important; I think that for this election, it won't be as critical since the dems are going to win by a landslide.

It is the perfect storm. We have the worst president and most unpopular in our history (he's more unpopular than Nixon!!). Formerly safe districts for GOP candidates are now going to Dems. A democrat just won a house seat from what was considered a "safe" district in Louisiana, which has been redder than red for the past two decades.

From a purely strategic reason, there is no point in having Billary on the ticket because my great state of NY is solid blue. She adds nothing to the ticket, and is a lightening rod for the hate machine of the right wing.
Obama dosen't need the Clinton baggage. NOr does he need Bill roaming around the west wing looking for new cute interns.

[Clem Guttata]

Sen. Russ Feingold and Sherrod Brown are high on my list.

[DBX]

Oprah? You must be on drugs. Hillary? Forget about it. Sebelius? Quite possible in my view. Claire McCaskill? Uh, why did you leave her off the list? Female senator with executive experience in government from a swing state where Obama has problems. A far better bet than Sebelius, actually.

As for the others . . . check out Simon David's post above. i think he's on to something with those remarks.

[Rob]

My pick has always been Condaleeza : she has the experience, she doesn't want to be 'top dog', & what an example if the US could have a trans-party leadership!!

[Daphne Kenward]

I think where Americans needs to go now is to do some soul searching. The next thing is to remember that America is made up of all the people of America. The next thing to think long and hard about what Democracy really means, those who are not cirtain, check the Dictionary, if you do not own a Dictionary ask others who know the meaning. Democracy is not for white people or black people or Hispanics, it is for all the people who live inside that country, regardless of where you came from originally, you live in a Democracy so RACE is a none issue in a Democracy, if it is a true Democracy. Segregation is not a Democracy, that is a Racist State. The Unity of a country is what makes it a strong country, we can look at the factions in the Middle East, and the Divisions. It does nothing to build, but all to break down. people must feel they are a part of the American dream a part of the system a part of the country.America has wasted Billions in Iraq while claiming they are doing it for Democracy, well I do not agree with mass murder under any kind of umbrella. While having a one sided policy leaving out60% of the population in substandard housing and education in their own country, while proclaiming to be the GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD & A SUPER POWER. And does not have any interest in peace and does everything to stir up wars. Oil was the reason for that war. What people nead to do is be careful of who is running your MEDIA. Who Runs FOX NEWS. RUPERT MURDOCK a Jewish guy who has managed to have the whole world fooled, with the Iraq war, the Fox news lies about OBAMA an many more one sided issues with not an ounce of truth to it. And sell the story of the Israeli - Palestinian Propaganda campaign, while those people are living in poverty, and fear and Israelies massacre thousands of innocent women and children every year, it is disgraceful, it is time America gets their News sources from more reliable sources, and stop reading Rupert Murdocks rags, and watching it some one said C-Span is a good source for information.

[Chris G]

Oprah? For starters, if you're going to write a column about American politics, please take a gander at the U.S. Constitution. It prohibits the President and Vice-President from being residents of the same state (in this case, Illinois). Besides, there's a reason you haven't seen her around much, politically speaking. She pissed off a lot of her viewers by endorsing Obama.

Obama's fundamental problem is that if he picks someone with too much experience -- Gore, Biden, and possibly Richardson -- he looks as if he needs adult supervision; if he picks someone with too little experience -- Casey -- the Democrats will look as if they're sending in kids.

Clinton, Casey, Webb and Biden are also bad choices because then the Democratcs offer an all-Senator, a.k.a inside the beltway, ticket.

Clinton? Why would she want it? She'll have much more influence as a Senator than as VP.

Webb's seat may go Republican if he's appointed.

Biden is too gaffe prone.

Clark - forget it. This isn't the time to roll out someone who needs campaign training wheels.

Sebelius will bring a red state with her? News flash! The last time the Democratic nominee for President won Kansas was 1964. Besides, you may have heard that Obama already has a tie to Kansas (his mother's side of the family). He doesn't need two.

Gore? Why would he want the job again?

Edwards has already said he doesn't want to run as VP again; moreover, he was a wet blanket as the nominee in 2004. See Debate, Vice-Presidental, 2004.

[DYLAN RIVIS]

So it's Obama ?

Someone had better tell the Clintons.

[lester]

shweitzer. montana gov, heartland/ agriculture guy. pro NRA

[D Young]

John Edwards? He couldn't even carry his own home state, he would be useless as a running mate!

[Tony Francis]

Dear Tom: Yes, someone is pro-abortion and that is Kathleen Sebelius. The Archbishop in Kansas City has told her to quit coming to communion. Yes she is a good little Catholic girl. Where do you people get off saying Sebelius didn't raise taxes? Of course she did. She even got her buddies on the Supreme Court of Kansas to order a tax increase through judicial fiat - in direct violation of the constitution of Kansas. Then she illegally promised the utilities (behind closed doors) they could raise rates. She guaranteed it. I think all you people who nothing about her are correct: she would be a great running mate for Obama.

[Sam]

Barack Obama/ George Clooney '08

you are guaranteed to get uneducated/female white voters.

[Jennifer]

Casey? You've got to be kidding about that helping this guy. You people are really out of touch! Mid-state Pennsylvanians WERE offended by BHO's hateful remarks. Hillary would win the state, but him? Like many in those 'small towns'. Let's just say that I don't want a president who views me, my family, and the millions living around me as "bitter", 'Bible thumping', presumably uneducated, unemployed, etc... Perhaps the candidate needs to review history in terms of his racism - Pennsylvania was the FIRST state to OUTLAW slavery, and that was before the state became the second state to go with the U.S. Constitution.

[Brian Phillips]

Powell or Richardson are amazing choices.

[Crow]

Wesley Clark? The infamously dangerously incompetent General and political wacko appealing to the nation? I don't think so.

[Tom Dockery]

What about my high school classmate,California congresswoman,Ellen Tauscher.She was on John Kerry's long list in 2004.

Ellen gives Obama street cred-Wall Street cred.She was an investment banker in the 1980's before moving to California and marrying the president of Computerland.

She would help Obama with the older white women-being one herself-and the younger white women-she's written children's books.

Foreign policy?She's one of Bush's most strident critics and has been to Iraq several times.

It's a slam dunk.

[Micheal]

Bloomberg? never. We have enough from him here in NYC. The only thing he does is raising the price of everything. Property taxes, Water. And writing parking tickets in the millions. Please, if he will be VP rest assure that he will have a no standing zone sign on every block in the US and giving out tickets. So please don't even mention his name.

[wes]

If anyone here is stupid enough to believe Sebilius can deliver Kansas in a National general election then I'm accepting all bets. As much as I'd like for her to be gone, Obama needs alot more than her to have a shot.

[Darel]

With respect to the suppoerts of Obama and after review of Obama's economic plan who in the world he plans to pay for it? I read his plan in detail as well as Clinton's and McCain's and no one has it correct?

"W" has outspent more then any president and both the left and the right are supportive of the sham of an economic stimulas plan.

None of them with expection for those obtain less media coveragage are talking about real issues. Obama yells "Change" yet I have attended four of his rallies and he says the same thing at all of them.

Let's support our founders ideals and return to the law of the land and support an economic plan that makes since.

In closing I will never ever support a health care plan that requires me to withdraw fees from my paycheck nor will I withdraw a single penny from my staff. We must form self study groups and inform the population with the threats of both the left and the right and bring about ideals which are supported by our founders, nothing less and nothing more.

I will not vote for Obam, Clinton nor McCain...

Only Ron Paul.

[mohamed kutubu koroma]

I think Senator Obama should select a very smooth running mate .Hillary has lots of baggage starting from White Water land deal,the death of Vince Foster,White house travel office,the failed medicade issues she championed in her husband's first term.Compoundibg that further is the deep ideological differences between Obama and herself.

Mohamed Kutubu Koroma,
Washington DC.