Vice Presidential Speculation

Vice President Speculation Forum – for Barack – ranked in rough order of plausibility, and leaving aside Hillary and John Edwards, who for different reasons I think won’t be chosen.

Jim Webb, D, VA. A prime example of a “Reagan Democrat”, his military bona fides include the personal - his son is actually serving in Iraq. Intellectual (a trait likely to appeal to Barack) - he has written books and was Reagan's Secretary of the Navy, the first Marine to hold that job. He’s had high profile assignments, and is on both Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, helping Barack on the national security issue McCain is sure to raise. Bonus: Virginia is a traditional Red state rapidly turning purple.

Bill Nelson, D, FL, former astronaut, and also on both Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees. Less charismatic/ popular/ great backstory than Webb, but from an even more important swing state.

Also from Florida:
Bob Graham, retired senator and former governor. His executive experience could help ward off the ‘never ran anything’ meme, and as a bonus, he chaired the Senate Intelligence committee and voted against Iraq resolution in 2003 because (unlike Hillary) he had read the entire intelligence report on WMD.

Wesley Clark, D, Arkansas. As Supreme Commander of NATO during a successful war in the former Yugoslavia, has military credibility (although unpopular among much of the brass, apparently). Ran desultory campaign in 2004, and closely linked with the Clintons, which could either help or hinder his chances, depending on the level of enmity/ opportunism there.

Sam Nunn, retired D, GA. He also could serve as an effective counter to McCain on national security. Could particularly help with the link between nuclear policy and foreign policy, as Iran/ terrorist/ other nuclear proliferation could be huge issue. Georgia also possible purple state, given the 2008 relative primary turnouts and McCain’s loss there.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, D, Kansas – gave the State of the Union response, an early endorser of Barack, and could help a red state cross over, with perhaps having coattails in other Midwest states. Obviously also appeals to those who want a non-Hillary woman on the ticket, to help keep female voters in the fold and turning out in droves.

And on the off-chance he wants to really push the unity and inclusiveness theme:
Chuck Hagel, R, Nebraska, retiring. A decorated Vietnam vet who presumably can’t be Swift boated, and well-known Republican thorn in the side of Bush, he’s already known to work closely with Obama on nuclear non-proliferation. He has already been linked to leaving the Repubs for a VP post as Bloomberg's running mate in his (apparently foregone) independent bid.


And for funs and grins –

Bill Clinton. The Constitution apparently doesn’t forbid it, but… it’ll never happen.