Veep Pick: Early August Or Sooner

21 July 2008 |permalink | email article

Informed sources say Barack Obama will pick his vice presidential running mate before the start of the Beijing Olympic Games on August 8. The Democratic National Convention in Denver starts on August 25, the day after the Olympics end.

The list of potential Democratic candidates has narrowed to a very short list, all of whom bring strength and a comfort level to the ticket.

Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware brings foreign policy gravitas while Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana – two states which have not gone Democratic in recent elections – bring youth and excitement to complement Obama’s vision of change.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, like Kaine and Biden a Catholic, also represents a lean GOP state but may fall victim to the ‘Clinton’ problem.

Sen. Hillary Clinton is being vetted, as she was in 2004 by the Kerry campaign. But the probability is that, while strongly favored by women, she won’t get the nod because she has too much political baggage.

Snubbing Clinton for Sebelius would create a huge firestorm.

Youth vs. Age

Obama stopped in Kuwait on Friday on the way to the trip to Afghanistan. While there he grabbed a microphone and spoke to U.S. troops in a large gym.

He also sank a long three-point basketball shot that was seen on American television. While there was no sound the troops were observed wildly reacting.

It’s the kind of iconic shot, in a TV spot, which will draw attention to the generational divide between Obama and John McCain.

Quote of the Day

“I’m not gonna go to attack Barack Obama. I’m going to go to explain why I, as an Independent Democrat, am supporting John McCain, hoping I can convince other independents and Democrats to join me in choosing the man who is clearly more ready to be he president America needs.” – Sen. Joe Lieberman, Al Gore’s 2000 running mate, on Fox News Sunday saying he would speak at the Republican National Convention if McCain wants him to. He will, and the Democratic leadership will respond appropriately in 2009.

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