It appears that the Obama campaign is giving Joe Biden, and Gov. Tim Kaine (D-VA) a serious look as potential running mates, at least according to the Wall Street Journal. The speculation is starting to get wild though. Everyone is floating names for Obama’s VP. Here is a look at those who are getting the most attention.
According to the Wall Street Journal , the seven names being considered by the Obama campaign are Senators Joe Biden, Evan Bayh, Chris Dodd, Hillary Clinton, and Jack Reed. There are also two governors on the list, Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, and Tim Kaine of Virginia. However, the WSJ story cites the ever dubious Democratic operatives as its source. This means that the source isn’t affiliated with the Obama campaign, and really could be anybody, including you or me.
Yesterday, Sebelius sought to downplay the speculation that she is on Obama’s shortlist, but she has never denied her interest in being on the ticket. Jack Reed said in an interview with The Providence Journal, “I am interested in serving in the United States Senate and that interest trumps any consideration of serving as a vice president.” He also said that if Obama offered it to him, he would turn it down.
Clinton is only on the list for the sake of appearances. She will not be on the ticket. Bayh is a long time Clinton supporter, and looks to be a fall back choice if Obama can’t get Kaine. Dodd is dealing with the charges that he got a special mortgage from Countrywide. He contends that he did nothing wrong, but this could kill his chances of being on the ticket.
It seems that Obama’s choice is going to come down to a senator or a governor, or change versus experience. The senators listed provide experience, while the governors are fresh faces that would fit Obama’s change message. We already know that Dodd is being vetted so he is on the shortlist.
Biden has seen his public role take off with the campaign, so he is probably on there too. Kaine was the first governor to endorse Obama, and comes from the critical swing state of Virginia, and Sebelius is not only the governor of Kansas, but she is from Ohio where her father was governor.
If I were to rank these seven names based on their odds of being chosen, the list would look like this:
1). Joe Biden
2).Tim Kaine
4). Chris Dodd
5). Evan Bayh
6). Jack Reed
7). Hillary Clinton
I think this list is bullshit. It’s down to either Bayh or Biden.
Justin,
It is early yet so there are probably 5-10 people still on the list. The problem with the WSJ is their source, who is this Democratic operative? My money is on Biden getting the nod, unless something comes out in the vetting process. Just the fact that Reed was listed on the same day that he said he isn’t interested tells me that the WSJ list is more than a tad questionable.
I live in Virginia and I am hopeful that Sen. Obama does not choose Tim Kaine. Gov. Kaine is not as talented a governor as Mark Warner was and the result can be seen in several areas. Our budget is in poor shape after a wonderful turn around under Mark Warner. Gov. Kaine is not as good a bi-partisan leader and it shows. I have spoken with many VA citizens who agree that Gov. Kaine is a disappointment. It would be wonderful to have someone who is strong, has amilitary background,is fiscally adept and has some age/experience. When selecting a VP, we must consider what kind of President they would be if something happens to the sitting president. There are several on the list that would be much better choices that Gov. Kaine.
That is a very interesting comment. Everyone seems to agree that Kaine is no Mark Warner, but I got the same impression as your comment from looking at his declining approval ratings in the state. It is good to have a resident’s opinion. Thanks for the comment.