Did I Hear a Veep Part II

With the main contenders out of the way, let's take a look at some of the other possible vice presidential picks:

Bill Richardson - A very strong candidate in the realm of foreign policy and experience. Has served as both Ambassador to the United Nations and Secretary of Energy, and would certainly be able to help Obama on the experience issue. The fact that he is the current governor of New Mexico is also a plus considering that the state is central to Obama's western strategy. The problem? Having the first black presidential contender running alongside the first latino vice presidential contender may spell disaster. As much as I wish this wasn't an issue, it seems certain that a double minority ticket will have even more trouble locking-in the voters that will have second thoughts in the polling booth.

Chuck Hagel - Could it be possible? A Republican vice president and a Democratic president? Surely it could, but would the parties allow it? These are all very exciting questions that may in fact lead to very exciting answers. The Republican Senator from Nebraska has been a strong opponent of the Iraq War and holds many moderate opinions that could possibly mesh with a democratic ticket. If Obama wants to put some meat behind his message of unity and an end to old-politics, this could certainly be the way to do it.

Joe Biden - A six term Senator from Delaware with a wealth of experience credentials but an aura of stagnation that you can smell from a mile away. Similar to the case of Mrs. Clinton, but one must be at least 36 to remember a time when Joe Biden wasn't in office. New politics? Hardly.

There are of course a number of other possible contenders that the Obama campaign will certainly be considering in the coming weeks. They will have to consider such factors as how the individual fits with the self-proclaimed message of "change," how certain swing states may be affected by the decision (in any direction), and most importantly how well the nominee and the nominee's family feel about spending the next four years with this person. That's a lot to consider, and it will certainly not be an easy decision for anyone. I have no doubt though, that Barack and his campaign are quite pleased to be facing this choice.