Gulity pleasure (VP speculation)

OK, I know what everyone really wants to talk about today now that the rest of the world has joined Daily Kos in recognizing that Barack Obama is the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party for POTUS.

Who's he gonna pick for VP?

Let the games begin.

OK, first, we might as well dispel the "Dream Ticket" idea. IMHO, that is not going to happen. Here's my logic (which, along with $1 will get you a cup of coffee at a convenience store):

1. The Clintons (and we all know that we get Bill if we get Hillary) are too much of a force in their own right. You do not want a VP who is going to get more press than the nominee. With a juicy pair like Hillary and Bill to quote daily, the MSM would forget all about Obama.  And, let's face it, if the primary season taught us anything, it's that Al Gore was probably correct in not using Bill as a surrogate in 2000.

2. The Clintons, more than anyone else in the Democratic Party, will galvanize a GOP in disarray.

3. As Hillary herself said, the Clintons have A LOT of baggage. Obama can carry his own bags, but why make him carry a steamer trunk for Hillary.

4. Hillary does not fit into Obama's new style politics theme. Clinton herself has made it clear that she knows how to fight in the trenches against the Republicans. Obama's plan is to stay out of the filthy trenches, while pointing out how much those in them need a shower.

Now, I know there is going to be a great outcry for Clinton to be the VP, especially from her most ardent supporters. I don't think Obama should or will choose her. We, as Obama supporters, must be careful not to go crazy in our objections. As smash artist points out in a most excellent recommended diary today, we need to begin to heal our party. So let's avoid comments like "There's no way Obama's gonna choose that @#%$&#-ing %$#@#*."

So who should it be? Choices seem to boil down to four categories:

1. A foreign policy or military expert. In this category you have names like Biden, Dodd, Webb, Nunn, and Clark.

2. Bill Richardson. For the Latino vote.

3. A Clinton supporter. Rendell, Easley or Bayh come to mind.

4. A woman. Names here include Sebelius, Napolitano, McCaskill, and Granholm. Pelosi is out for obvious reasons. So is Feinstein. Boxer has an outside chance.

I won't analyze all these categories; I'll let you guys/gals do that.

Yes, I left out John Edwards and Al Gore. They don't fit any of my categories, but I don't think either would take it. They've already been there, done that.

My choice, Sebelius. I know she's a lousy public speaker but she's a red state governor, a woman, and a fresh face. Three very good qualities. No foreign policy creds, but I think Obama can handle that issue just fine on his own. I also think Latinos will go Dem regardless.

Keep in mind, VPs rarely make the difference, good or bad. Muskie couldn't save Humphrey, Bentsen couldn't save Dukakis. Quayle didn't stop Bush I, and Lieberman didn't stop Gore (everyone realizes that Gore actually won, right?).

So, what do you think, kossacks?