The New York Times has been reporting that contrary to his public statements, John Edwards would consider, if asked, being Barack Obama’s running mate. Buried on page 2 of their story about the Edwards endorsement was the following little gem.

“But privately, he told aides that he would consider the role of vice president, and favored the position of attorney general, which would appeal to his experience of decades spent in courtrooms as a trial lawyer in North Carolina; and his desire to follow in the footsteps of Robert F. Kennedy, one of his heroes,” the paper said.

Most of Edwards’s former staff had landed in the Obama campaign before Edwards even endorsed, so the foundation was already laid for Edwards to play a key role in Team Obama. I think Edwards would be a fantastic choice for VP. He has much of Clinton’s appeal, but not her frosty campaign style or baggage.

An Obama-Edwards ticket would be charisma overload on the campaign trail, both men are amazing campaigners, they even look like a ticket. On the other hand, if a President Obama is sincere about changing the culture in Washington, then having John Edwards as attorney general would represent a 360 or 180 degree if you like, turn away from the days of Alberto Gonzales.

For his part, all Obama will say is that John Edwards would be on anyone’s shortlist. That’s true, and it may be odd to say, but I think the decision to run with Obama will be up to Edwards.

He will have to decide whether he wants to be in another grueling general election campaign, or if he really prefers attorney general. Either way, John Edwards is a great addition to the Obama camp.

Read the rumor here.