Obama's short list.

[Perky]

First of all It seems doubtful to me that he would pick a Fellow Senator. Why put a seat in play.

Secondly....While Obama's gravitas will not be a serious question his experience will be front an center.. and focused on a response to "Radical Islamist terrorism". Because that is what McCain is going to run on. Obama would need to convince pople that he and his team are ready for that challenge. So the wuestion may come down to someone who is ecperienced on either Foreign Policy or Defense issues and is a seasoned hand.

A lot of Dems are not going to like the options....but the name of the game here is pulling in independednt to a winning coalition


SOme names to think about that woulr also provide some ticket balance....and innoculate Obama somewhat.

Bob Kerrey (Nebraska -Former Senator, 9/11 comission and the ISG)

Bill Richardson (Great Resume, but only a fair campaigner)


Jane Harmon (D-CA, Chair, House intelligence Committee..ultimately she wants DiFi's seat I suspect)

Lee Hamilton (Co Chair 9/11, Strength in Foriegn Policy, Indiana. Respect like Lugar but a Dem....May be too old)

Sam Nunn (Sharp as a tack and could bring in Georgia but boring)

Bob Graham (Inteligence Committee, retired... puts Florida in Play)

Bill Cohen (Yeah he is a moderate Repuke, but he is a sharp guy (former Senator and Form DOD Secy under Clinton) and while the base may not like him....Swing voters will)

Dan Murtha (probably too much baggage...but he would be fun to watch in a debate with some weak-ass republican)

There is a lots to criticize here.....But these are names that are probably going to be floated and I suspect one or two will make the shortlist.

[americathabeautiful]

1. Hillary has the most baggage. She wont be on his shortlist

[Perky]

2. I agree... There is no upside.

[cali]

3. I don't know who he'll choose to run with if he's the nominee, but

I'm sure he won't pick any of the people on your list. None of them bring anything to the ticket. Why wouldn't he go for someone like Governor Strickland? That's much easier for me to see than anyone you listed.

[Perky]

8. If McCain is the nominee...he is going to need to shore up his defense creda

Strickland would be a solid choice otherwise.

[CreekDog]

4. Please no Bob Kerrey, no "I think it's great his middle name is Hussein"

Don't reward that.

And I find him to be occasionally a great leader, but more often than not totally unhinged and unreliable.

Joe Biden is a better choice and a good campaigner. Byron Dorgan would be high on my list for his knowledge of foreign policy and global economic issues in addition to his midwest, red state background.

[Mass]

5. Only name I can see on your list is Richardson. Some are simply too old (Hamilton, Nunn, Murtha, ),

others have a much too big foreign policy difference with Obama (Kerrey, Harmon, ...).

I think he needs a Southwestern governor from the South or somebody with a lot of military experience, but I have not yet I would make found a name that makes sense at this point.

[Unsane]

6. Richard Holbrooke.

[Mass]

7. No, please!!!!!!!!!! I could see Biden, but do not think, though, he is interested.

[mmonk]

10. good God

[Unsane]

11. Thanks, I'm convinced Holbrooke is a poor choice now.

:crazy:

[mmonk]

19. If one thinks the invasion and occupation of Iraq was a great idea,

then Holbrooke is fine. Besides, I believe he is connected with the Clinton camp.

[mmonk]

9. Wow, there are some really long standing corrupt people

on your list. Obama won't be able to tout change with most of them. Richardson is the only one even worth considering.

[Perky]

14. dupe

Ijust am very unusure about him in a debat or on the stup in mid October.

[Perky]

15. I think Richardson would be an asset to the administration

Ijust am very unusure about him in a debate or on the stup in mid October.

[mmonk]

20. He does have problems in that area. But nothing I think that would

be fatal to a campaign.

[sfam]

12. What about John Edwards?

Just wondering...

[Perky]

13. I like Edwards... I like his message...the problem is that he does

not enhance the ticket. He does not have the Foreign Policy Credentials that Obama lacks.

I think Obama has to go with someone with that experience...

[phillysuse]

16. You mean - Wesley Clark

Probably wouldn't do it - His son said he would never be anyone's Dick Cheney.

But maybe if his country calls, Clark will again answer.

[totodeinhere]

18. Edwards has already been there and done that.

I doubt if he would accept.

[abburdlen]

17. Wes Clark

In the (infamous) Reno Gazette-Journal video Obama briefly discusses what he might look for in a running mate-

Qualified to be President
Fiercely independent
Integrity
Military experience, understand the culture of the Pentagon
Economic background
Business experience

Clark fits those criteria well.
The fact that he endorsed and has campaigned for Clinton I don't think rules him out, he quickly backed Kerry after it was apparent the nomination was sewn up even though just days before they were fighting it out for votes.
I also think it might be somewhat of an olive branch to Clinton supporters putting someone from the Clinton camp on the ticket.