With the Clinton campaign slowly coming to the realization that this is over for her, I think it's time for some speculation below the fold.
First, what should be the main driving force behind Obama's VP decision, picking someone to win over a certain demographic or region, or picking someone that is more inline with his campaign's message? Can he find someone who would meet all of these criteria?
Second, should we anticipate McCain selecting a Female VP in order to court upset Hillary Clinton supporters?
Third, is Obama still obligated to pick a Hillary Clinton supporter as his VP as a way to mend fences?
Personally, I think he has passed that point. That point was back in February or March in which if Clinton dropped out he might have been a little obligated to pick someone on her side to mend fences. But now that she has drawn this race out to June 3rd, I do not think Obama is obligated to do that, I think he has earned enough political capital (as George W. Bush likes to say) in beating Hillary Clinton in a long drawn out race to pick his own VP without regard to mending fences.
I think Brian Schweitzer would be an excellent choice. Face it, Obama has rural voter problems... but so has every other democrat in recent history. I think this guy would help with that problem.
Per Wikipedia:
In March 2005, Schweitzer suggested that Montana's National Guard troops be recalled from service in Iraq to assist firefighting during Montana's wildfire season. He has also gained national attention lately for his focus on converting Montana's vast coal reserves into fuel, which he has said is one way to wean America off of foreign oil. Schweitzer has been interviewed by 60 Minutes (first aired on February 26, 2006),[3] and Charlie Rose (March 7, 2007) regarding his work in this field.
Schweitzer is against gun control.[2] and a vehement critic of the REAL ID legislation.[4]
There are a couple instances in which he's been critical of Obama over the last couple of months, but nothing to damaging I think:
While Schweitzer has not proposed his own universal health care plan in Montana, he believes Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., is right to have endorsed a mandate on the national level.
By not requiring individuals to purchase insurance, Schweitzer believes Obama's plan to forbid insurance companies to deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions will lead to healthy people opting out and sick people opting in.
"You've got to get everyone in the system," said Schweitzer.
He is dismayed that Obama cast a vote for President Bush's 2005 energy bill while regularly criticizing the president on the issue.
"Sounds like Senate-speak," said Schweitzer.