After the MTP interview yesterday there was lots of discussion of a Dean VP slot. I must admit that in hindsight the main reason was probably because we all got the "Dean Jones" from seeing him. And the most likely route to the presidency for Dean would be VP if Kerry wins.
However, something occured to me because of the discussion. Picking Dean could innoculate Kerry from one of the main charges that he is/will be charged with, being a politician of convience rather than conviction. Kerry can simply say that he is picking Howard because he inspires the uninvolved to participate in thier Democracy, and has found a way to minimize the effect of special interest money on the system - both of which are good for the country.
If done soon, it would also bring the money he needs to compete of course, as well as taking care of the Nader factor. However, because of the NE thing a Dean VP pick would be seen as a risk for Kerry, thus bringing him instant creds as a politician of conviction.
The credit for this thought has to be shared with Jonathon4Dean, who asked yesterday whether Kerry would go for "the easy win, or for real change?"