Obama’s Veepstakes

By Jay Warren
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: February 18, 2008

Okay, it’s Barack Obama’s turn. Who do I think will be on his short list for VP? The key for Obama is finding someone who has a lengthy resume. He doesn’t need charisma or youth in a running mate. He needs foreign policy experience and gravitas. Being a Washington DC politician is less of a factor than for Hillary or McCain, but it’s hard to see a ticket of two senators being overly successful in a change election.

- KS Gov. Kathleen Sebelius: She was an early backer of the Illinois Senator and helped him win big in KS. She has won huge victories in a deep red state and might make it competitive in the presidential contest. She can also appeal to other Midwestern voters.
- MO Sen. Claire McCaskill: See Gov. Seibulus.
- AZ Gov. Janet Napolitano: See Gov. Sebelius, Sen. McCaskill with one difference, Napolitano can possibly appeal to Southwestern voters.
- DE Sen. Joe Biden: He proved to be a very good debater during the presidential race and has remained neutral since dropping out. He has massive credentials in foreign policy which could counterbalance Obama’s thin resume in this area.
- NM Gov. Bill Richardson: Check out the same posting for Clinton (he’s a fit for both) and remember that he’s remained neutral. Further, like Sen. Biden, his lengthy resume would bolster Obama’s credentials.
- Longshots to keep an eye on: former RI Sen. Lincoln Chafee (now an independent who endorsed him), CO Gov. Bill Ritter, WI Gov. Jim Doyle, NM Sen. Jeff Bingaman, and WI Sen. Russ Feingold.

Absent from the list are Virginia’s Democratic options and there are more that three. I’ll outline them in a later posting.