Now that the Democratic presidential nominee has been determined, it's time to move on to the next big parlor game: Who's Obama going to pick as his Vice Presidential running mate?
What follows are the preliminary "Lyons Veepstakes Rankings," as of June 4, 2008. They may change as the summer progresses. But as of now, this is the best cheat sheet you're gonna find.
I should make it clear up front that these rankings are not based on personal preference, but are instead a prediction of who the most likely selectee will be, based on careful analysis and keen insight.
You're welcome.
-Andirant
THE RANKINGS
1) MARK WARNER- Former Virginia governor who is currently running for the Senate seat of retiring Senator John Warner (no relation), he brings moderate views, executive experience and a business background. A Harvard Law grad like Obama, this politically astute campaigner could help steal VA, a borderline swing state. An IT and telecommunications expert (he was an early Nextel investor), this 21st century politician reinforces Obama's message of generational change. Unlikely to alienate anyone, he won't hurt with downscale whites either.
2) SAM NUNN- Former moderate Georgia senator is a foreign policy expert who is highly regarded in DC. He may appeal to southern white men and help make GA competitive. He's been out of office long enough that he doesn't have the stink of incumbency. But he's older and doesn't exactly reinforce the change message. Sort of a Dick Cheney without the dickishness, he's a safe, smart but unspectacular choice.
3) BILL RICHARDSON- Former presidential candidate and current New Mexico Governor came out for Obama despite massive pressure from the Clintons. He has a superb resume as a UN Ambassador, a Cabinet member and a former US representative. As a Hispanic, he could help buttress Obama with a group that hasn't taken to him in droves. Plus NM is a serious swing state. But he's sometimes clumsy with his words, is prone to gaffes and has a reputation for being a little too chatty with the ladies. He also padded his pre-politics resume regarding his baseball career and whether he'd been drafted.
4) JOHN EDWARDS- This southern white male certainly offers strengths where Obama is weak. The former North Carolina senator complements the nominee's change theme nicely and is viewed as a fighter for the downtrodden. But he didn't do well as an advocate for John Kerry when he was the VP candidate in '04 and he couldn't help carry NC for the Dems that year. His time may have passed. Besides, word is he'd rather be Attorney General.
5) ED RENDELL- Politically savvy, charming, popular Governor of Pennsylvania, a state Obama must win. A Clinton advocate, he might help win back alienated supporters of her. But Obama should not need him to secure PA, and oh by the way, he's Jewish. That may help in Florida. But a Black & Jew combo may be too much for even some Democrats people to handle (said a fellow Jew).
6) JIM WEBB- Former Reagan Navy secretary brings military experience, a moderate reputation and support from a possible swing state (Virginia). Also brings a surly demeanor- he's a bit of a loose cannon. Why give up a Democratic Senate seat if there are other, stronger options from that state?
7) TIM KAINE- Current Virginia Governor could also help in the swingable state. He has executive experience and appeals to conservatives, in part because he's pretty conservative himself, maybe too much so. But as with Webb, why give up a current Democratic office-holder in a state where they rarely get them.
8) HILLARY CLINTON- Experienced and respected for her command of the issues, selecting her could quickly unify the party. She would bring in millions of passionate supporters. But she would also alienate many Obama supporters and seriously undermine his change message. Beyond that, currently uninspired conservative Republicans will finally have a reason to turn out to vote. Plus, there are lots of questions about potentially sketchy financial sources of Bill Clinton's foundation and library. And does Obama really want Bubba loitering around the White House again?
9) TED STRICKLAND- Another Hillary surrogate, the Ohio Governor helped her win that state and could do the same for Obama. But that's not a sure thing and other than executive experience and geography, he doesn't offer much to compensate for his bland demeanor.
10) CHUCK HAGEL- Retiring Nebraska senator is a Vietnam vet, a strong opponent of the Iraq war, and oh by the way, a Republican. Picking him could prove that Obama is trying to end the partisan gridlock in Washington. But Hagel is a traditional conservative on most non-war issues, including abortion. It's hard to imagine rank and file Democrats would go for him. He might get consideration for Secretary of Defense but probably not VP.
11) EVAN BAYH- Current senator and former Governor from Indiana, this strong Hillary supporter offers a pretty face, some influence in an almost-swing state and little else.
12) WESLEY CLARK- The former general and '04 presidential candidate, this Hillary supporter would offer military experience and the chance to compete in his home state of Arkansas. But he has little experience in the political trenches, ran an unmemorable campaign when he ran for President and highlights rather than mitigates Obama's lack of military chops.
13) KATHLEEN SEBILIUS- Kansas Governor could appeal to women and offer support in a typically red state. But she's unlikely to turn KS blue and Obama might alienate lots of Hillary supporters if he picks a woman other than Clinton.
14) CHRIS DODD- Connecticut senator and former presidential candidate came out early for Obama so he'll get a look. But he is unlikely to guarantee CT for the nominee and a Dodd VP would mean one less Democrat in the senate. Besides the fact that he just doesn't give off a presidential vibe, the long-time legislator doesn't reinforce the "change Washington" mantra.
15) KEN SALAZAR- Like Richardson, the Colorado senator is also Hispanic and also represents a possible swing state. Unlike Richardson, his resume is thin, he's very conservative and him joining the ticket would mean one less Democratic Senator.
16) AL GORE- Mentioned here mostly as a formality, he'd provide executive experience, respect from virtually every Democrat and star power. But why would this Oscar and Nobel saturated media darling want to be a second banana again? He wouldn't.
17) MIKE BLOOMBERG- Also a Jew. From New York. Who's rich. And short. Not gonna happen.
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