And the Vice Presidential Candidates Are...

On January 20 I predicted that this would become a 4 person race within three weeks.  I further predicted that the ultimate outcome would be Romney vs. Clinton.  As we approach realization of that 4 person race prediction (only 3 dems and 4 reps remain) (I'm less sure now about Romney winning the nomination), I thought it would be fun to further predict who each candidate might select as a running mate.

Let's start with Billary.

It would be political suicide for her to pick a female VP, but this election has been full of surprises so I'm not going to rule it out.  To that end, I couldn't help but notice that Hillary and Pelosi made almost identical comments before President Bush's State of the Union Address (both gleefully noted their relief that this would be the last EVER such address by Georg W. Bush).  Could they be aligning???  Also, Speaker Pelosi had the most smug look on her face throughout the address...  The cat that swallowed the canary?  But assuming Clinton's advisors convince her that a male running mate is a safer bet, and despite Gore's assertion that he is done with politics, I think she HAS to be considering him.  Not only could they save money AND help the environment by recycling yard signs, but he also took half of the American vote in his bid for President.  And I know a lot of people are talking about what a powerhouse team Clinton and Obama could be, but that'll never happen.  It's pretty obvious that they don't like each other.  But I think it's entirely possible that she will offer the spot to Edwards.  Did you notice how he took it easy on her in that last debate???

Romney?

Romney-Huckabee!  Huckabee is staying in long enough to keep the evangelical religious vote from McCain, hoping that Romney can gain momentum and sew-up the Republican nomination.  And then will come the "Huckabee as VP" announcement.  It'll go a long way in comforting the Elephants who are worried about having a Moromon President.

Who would Obama select, given the chance?

You know what would be SO interesting? Obama-Paul! What better way for Obama to show that he is the guy who can rise above partisan politics?  I'm not saying it will happen, of course it won't!  I think Dr. Paul will run as an independent.  I'm just saying it would be exciting.  Realisticlly though, Obama will likely select John Kerry.  But is it possible that (Kennedy) could have been manuevering with his enthusiastic endorsement of Obama the other day?

What should McCain be looking for in a running mate?

I'm a Republican.  But there's no denying that Republicans are completely dependent upon older, white voters.  We need new blood!  So what McCain should be looking for is youth, energy, and "change."  To best address concerns that he represents the same 'ole same 'ole, establishment, good 'ole boy image of the Republican party, what better choice could he make than a female or minority running mate?  He'd be a fool not to consider former Secretary of State, General Colin Powell, though General Powell would never accept.  Or ELIZABETH Dole???  But alas, reported hints have been dropped indicating a McCain-Pawlenty ticket.  The Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty offers youth and he secured a commanding victory in his first bid for Governor.  But he did not enjoy that decisive victory in his more recent bid to retain his position, and it just doesn't excite me nearly as much...

Comments

[Bill Matt]

Hmm.

Now that Edwards is out, I would love to see him as Attorney General. I don't think Edwards would do a second run at VP.

Thinking that Obama or Clinton would be facing John McCain, some strong foreign policy & military experience would be very helpful. Either would do well to tap former General Wes Clark, or former Sec. of Navy (under Reagan) Jim Webb. Governor's Richardson and Sebelius' names have been floating around as well.

For the "anything but another white guy" block, stellar name recognition and strong academic and administration experience, the Romney or McCain choice should be Condi Rice. She is a rock star among the right.

[Populista]

Kerry as Obama's VP, are you serious? As a Republican, this is more likely wishful thinking on your part. I'm thinking Edwards would be much more likely for either Clinton or Obama. Or Biden. Or Mickey Mouse. Kerry is through.

[amac]

My dream team would be Hillary/Obama. That's the ticket!

Of course, Hillary is married to her real running mate......

[Heather Spielmaker]

Bill Matt-
I agree on C. Rice. I thought about that after I posted and I think it's a great match.

[Aubrey Marron]

While we're dreaming, I like the idea of an Obama-Kennedy ticket, but not Ted. Caroline!

[Ricky]

I would like to have the desire for Clinton-Obama on the same ticket explained to me.

Will Billary turn around and say "oops, just kidding?" about taking money from a slumlord? Does Bill really want to have to say, "c'mon Barack, that talk about a fairy tale was just politics!"

And Obama is supposed to act like he has just seen the light, and the Clintons represent the future, and not, in fact, the past? And that 4-8 years under the tutelage of Bill and Hillary would then give him the experience necessary to run for President, all because he has been closer to the Oval Office in that span?

How in the world could anyone take that ticket seriously?

[Dave Woods]

I foresee Obama, with Biden as a running mate, victorious in November.

[Jo D Am Bro G O]

John Engler would complement McCain quite nicely, putting a true conservative on the ticket, although in the VP slot only.