Obama Starts Search for a Running Mate

Barack Obama hasn’t officially declared victory in the long Democratic presidential primary. But that hasn’t stopped him from looking for a running mate.



The Associated Press reported this morning and the Obama campaign did not deny that the Democratic frontrunner has begun the vetting process of potential vice presidents.


The shortlist, according to Democratic operatives: Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.
Other names that have been dropped are Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, former Georgia Sen. Sam Nunn and New Mexico Sen. Bill Richardson.


One name that didn’t pop up as a likely option: Hillary Clinton.


Speculation has flown that the former first lady is staying in the race—even though she faces an insurmountable gap in delegates with Obama—because she wants to negotiate the vice presidency.


While choosing Clinton would help Obama attract the strong coalition of white women and lower-income voters who have rallied behind his rival, there’s one big (as in 6 foot 4 inch) problem with choosing Clinton. Namely, her husband.


Former president Bill Clinton has been a controversial figure in this campaign and many Democrats believe he would be a third wheel in an Obama-Clinton White House.


There’s also the change problem. Obama has run a campaign based on breaking the Washington status quo. Choosing Clinton may contradict his message.


Sebelius could help him win over female Clinton supporters. Strickland, who campaigned vigorously for Clinton in Ohio, could also help bring in the voters who formerly backed Clinton. Dodd, meanwhile, would bring some white-haired experience to the ticket similar to the way Dick Cheney brought experience to George Bush in 2000.


While much has been made about bringing in former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards to help with white blue-collar voters, most operatives agree his fiery populist rhetoric wouldn’t do much for Obama who is already perceived as being liberal.



http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/0...-running-mate/

Sebelius!!

i think traditionally it has to be a gov...NOW ideally i would like bill Richardson...

but two men of color...thats too much...

sooo i guess it has to be one of the other lighter shade ones.

I think his best options are Sebelius and Strickland.

Strickland is a very popular gov and can deliver Ohio and help with more socially conservative dems.

Sebelius can possibly deliver Kansas, help with more socially cons. dems. , and women.

If I were him I would go with Sebelius because of the women vote, but who knows.

I also considered Hillary and but other than bring her disappointed followers, I just dont see what else she brings.

I've never known about Gov. Sebelius but after looking over her accomplishments while in office I can't see why Obama would not choose her,she is obviously the best VP out of all of them imo.The most important accomplishment from Sebelius would definitely be the balancing of the budget in Kansas & Bill Clinton was famous for on the national stage.I think that she has the best qualities of both Bill & Hillary Clinton what more can you ask for in a VEEP.

I think Ted Strickland is the best choice from this group given that he's fairly energetic for an old guy (66) striking that delicate balance between change and experience. Obama can win Ohio and it would make his life a lot easier.

White male voters are Obama's problem so he needs to reach out to them somehow. Nunn also isn't a bad choice (a Dick Cheney type) especially with his wealth of foreign policy/ defense experience.