My top three choices for Obama's running mate and why...

[book_worm]

1) Bill Richardson
Governor of New Mexico and one of the most accomplished people in the Democratic party. He has also served in the House. He was President Clinton's UN Ambassador and Energy Secretary. He has also been a diplomatic trouble-shooter. He would certainly clinch New Mexico for Obama and help the ticket in several other key western and southwestern states.

2) Jim Webb
US Senator from Virginia. I think Webb would be the one who would help most with independent voters. He is a former republican and served as a Navy Secretary under Ronald Reagan. He is strongly anti-war and has gone so far as to have words with Bush face to face on the war. I think we have a good shot at Virginia this year and Webb would probably lock it up. He may also be helpful in neighboring North Carolina which is also a target of the Obama campaign.

3) Brian Schweitzer
Governor of Montana. A former rancher and businessman who narrowly lost to Conrad Burns for the senate in 2000 was elected Governor of Montana in 2004 and is considered one of the nations most popular governors. He was a irrigation developer in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. He spent several years in Libya and Saudi Arabia and speaks Arabic. I believe Schweitzer could make Montana competitive and with his ranching experience could help in the farm belt and other western states like Colorado and Nevada.

[papau]

1. All good folks - but Bill campaigns poorly, Jim has sexist rep,,Brian gets no extra votes - Only

Edwards or Hillary adds 5 to 8% to Obama vote total in key states, and Edwards has said no, and Hillary brings both parts of 50/50 split back together with enthusiasm - as opposed to they have no place to go and see how women now vote for Obama.

[anonymous171]

2. Obama is going to consider all possibilities.

My dream ticket is Obama/Schweitzer, but I don't think it will happen. Plus, Schweitzer is integral to our transformation of the west.

[melissinha]

3. Don't want Richrdson for VP

Why? Cause he is accomplished and the VP spot is relatively powerless, I would prefer him as the Secretary of State, now that would be a dream come true!!! .:loveya:

Now Schweitzer, thats an interesting guy, he would really get the regular guy vote as he is such a character. I think that would be really good. That sounds like a good idea. Whats this, him running with a Republican? That would be a much better choice for VP than Hagel who is still a Republican... he is about unity...

Here's an opinion piece on this by a guy who is familiar with Montana politics: http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/06/on-brian-schweitzer-as-vp.html

[SeaLyons]

4. Richardson is out....

If Obama chooses Richardson, it will REALLY insult HRC supporters and further divide rather than unify. Webb is problem also when it comes to women voters.

I know I'm an x-HRC supporter, but she definitely seems the only logical choice to insure victory.