Politics

Who Will/ Should Senator Barack Obama Choose As His Running Mate?

By now, its probably pretty obvious that Senator Barack Obama will be the Democratic Presidential nominee for 2008. It’s just a matter of Hilary Clinton admitting defeat, after 11 straight losses including Wisconsin.

Anyway, every Presidential nominee has to choose a running mate, and I’ve been thinking about who he’s going to choose and why, in decreasing likelihood. Here are my picks:

1. John Edwards - Why not? Edwards is like a miniature Kennedy, with a degree of charm and charisma. He could be a suitable Vice President. However, his wife is going through cancer treatment so it’s hard to say whether  he’d say yes.
2. Hilary Clinton - Can you imagine how historic that would be? Except Hilary might Bogart all the glory.
3. Al Gore  - Obama has been accused of not having enough experience. Who better to choose than Gore, who has been a VP for two terms and should have been President? (I’ve given up hope of him running as Presidential candidate, so this is my backup idea.)
4. Ralph Nader - Why not? Nader has probably tried for more terms than anyone still active in Presidential races. He might have learned a thing or two in all that time. And regardless of what you might think of him, he’s an intelligent person - a rare commodity amongst politicians. He’s previously split votes by declaring a Presidential bid as independent. Unfortunately, he just declared a new bid. It might be a smart strategic move to bring him on as Obama’s running mate.
5. John McCain - Of the all the Republicans, McCain seems the most likely to win.  If the ruling party fixed the elections for the last two terms, then McCain is going to get in regardless. But if not, it seems Obama is destined to be the next President. What better way to ensure that than sleeping with the enemy? (I’m probably nuts. I don’t even know if this cross-party fraternization is allowed.)
6. Ron Paul - Once again, I don’t know if cross-party fraternization is allowed, but this would be a very interesting matchup. Ron Paul supporters have been very vocal on the Internet. I know I’m sick of the Republicans, but if there’s going to be a historic presidency, why not go a step further and pick a running mate so controversial that most of mainstream media ignores his existence. Having him as a running mate might bring his supporters to vote Democrat.

Okay, I was just kidding with some of the choices. I guess I’m a bit naive. What do you think? Who should be Obama’s running mate?