I know, people are getting tired of these diaries. So am I! But since I have nothing better to do today, I figured, why not?
First of all, let me go over who I think should NOT be Obama's VP choice.
1. Hillary Clinton. I hate to admit this, but I was actually entertaining the thought of having her on the ticket at one point. She does bring in older voters, middle-aged women, and Hispanics. But, the comments about Obama not crossing the CIC threshold disqualify her somewhat. And the recent flap regarding the Bobby Kennedy assassination make her consideration impossible. On top of that, Obama has apparently already said NO.
2. Jim Webb. I'm sorry, but I don't see Webb as a solid contender. I know there are a ton of people out there who are enthusiastic about him. I am not. He doesn't have huge favorability numbers in his home state of Virginia, so he doesn't put that state into play more than it already was with just having Obama at the top of the ticket. And he is perceived as a bit of a hothead, and that's not the quality people are looking for as VP. I admire Webb greatly, but I think the Senate is a better fit for him.
3. Joe Biden. His policy expertise is legendary, he is likeable and has all the credentials, but he doesn't add much in the way of regional influence. If Obama chooses him, it's a fine choice but I don't think it increases Obama's chances of winning.
4. Ed Rendell. An Obama/Rendell ticket polls very badly. End of story.
And now for my top four:
1. Mark Warner.
He was actually my first choice for President before he suspended his campaign. If he had ever gotten any serious national media attention, he would have been a force to be reckoned with as a leading contender for the Presdiency. As a VP choice, his immense popularity in his home state of Virginia would bolster Obama's chances of winning there. In fact, it might just make Virginia a lock which would allow Obama to focus on other swing states like Colorado, Nevada, Missouri, and Ohio. His efforts in reaching across the aisle as Virginia's Governor are fondly remembered there and dovetail nicely with Obama's core beliefs. On top of all this, he has charisma to burn.
2. Bill Richardson.
Bringing a wealth of foreign policy credentials, Richardson is my second choice for VP. He is very popular both in his home state of New Mexico and also on a nationwide basis. Furthermore, his appeal among the Latino community is huge. His presence on the ticket would put Texas and Arizona in play and would lock down New Mexico for good. It would also greatly increase Obama's chances of winning states with large and/or growing Hispanic communities like Colorado, Nevada, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. He has problems - he's not the best speaker and/or campaigner - but these are qualities that can be improved.
3. John Edwards.
He already has household name status and high favorability ratings nationwide. We've already seen how an Obama/Edwards ticket polls against McCain. And Edwards is young enough that he could run in 2016.
4. Carol Channing.
She is extremely popular in both the gay and senior communities (not to mention the gay senior community). A former general, she adds much in the way of military creds. (Okay, I'm kidding).
Runners-up:
Gov. Sebelius, Gov. Strickland, Sam Nunn, Anthony Zinni, and Wesley Clark (for the purpose of unity).
*UPDATE* It is my understanding that Mark Warner can run for both the Senate seat and the VP slot at the same time. Am I wrong?