Ok, I've been against Hillary for VP. After the suff she said, and stunts she pulled, I see no reason why she should be on the ticket.
However, this is math. Not personal opinion.
So, what can Hilary bring that can "prove" her worth to the ticket...
Looking at fivethirtyeight.com, there is only one reason to bring Hillary aboard.
Kerry had 251 EV. Lets assume Obama can hold onto those (or, if he loses a state like NH, makes it up with a win elsewhere).
Hillary wins AK. A state which Obama will never win. Thats 6.
Hillary wins WV. A state Obama will never win. Thats 11 total.
(Obama's win for AK is 0% and 22% for WV)
Assuming for the moment Hill as VP will actually deliver those states, that is 11 EV Obama would not otherwise get.
That still puts him at 262. He needs Colorado (9) or NM/NV (10) to win.
So. Without Ohio OR Florida, Hillary can (if she actually delivers AK and WV) gets Obama the nod.
However, VP choices from VA (Warner/Webb 13 EV) or Ohio (Strickland 20 EV) would do just as well, assuming the VP makes those states auto-blue.
The key then, is Florida. Yes, Hillary beats McCain there. But, what about McCain's VP. Crist is popular there. What if McCain plays for Fla with a popular Govenor?
In which case, Hillary's "guaranteed" EV are LESS than VA or OH.
Note also, does McCain have as strong VP choices in VA or Ohio as he does in FL ????
I dont think so.
Basically, the "math" would say unless HRC can absolutely positively deliver Florida, she would NOT be the best choice.
Discuss....
Edit - Yes, a bit fast on the take. AK = ARKANSAS. And yes, Kansas is 6 EV.
Forgive me, I'm old. :)