The American Cynic

With less than a month to go before the Democratic National Convention, the speculation on exactly who John McCain and Barack Obama will choose as their running mates is reaching a fever pitch. Okay, well, maybe not, but it certainly is getting interesting for those of us wake up wondering what on earth Evan Bayh had for breakfast or where Charlie Crist and his bride-to-be are registered.

The time has come for me to weigh in on who I view as the top four candidates on each side, provide a quick scouting report and make my bold, “take it to the bank” predictions.

Let’s start with the Democrats. Before jumping in, let me say this: Barack Obama will not under any circumstances select Hillary Clinton. While she brings a lot to the table, she also brings a lot under the table. If Bill were to run off with a Little Rock Hooters girl and was permanently out of the picture; maybe, but as is, Clinton will not be the pick and will not be discussed any further here.

Evan Bayh supported Hillary Clinton and could bring a few of the more politically engaged Clinton holdouts into the fold. He, as is Obama, is a Senator, however also served as governor in Indiana. He enjoys a tremendous approval rating in the state and would almost certainly rescue it from the Republicans if he were on the ticket.

YEAH, BUT: Indiana is in play without Bayh on the ticket and could tilt for Obama with only Bayh’s endorsement.

Jack Reed hails from Rhode Island (ho-hum), a secure blue state. He is attractive for several reasons. Reed has extensive foreign policy experience and is a senior member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. He traveled with Senator Obama on his trip to the Afghanistan and Iraq. He attended West Point and Harvard and was an Army Ranger. What more do you want?!

YEAH, BUT: Despite the fact that he’s a military man who is against the war, he lacks the national name recognition for it to make a huge impact. Luckily, Obama has the ‘impact’ part of this down.


Tim Kaine is the only (current) governor in the final four. He is considered a rising star in the party and has a solid approval rating in a state that seems to be trending Democrat of late. If Virginia is truly in play for Obama (and it is) then Kaine could seal the deal and deliver it in November.

YEAH, BUT: As with Bayh, Virginia could be within reach without bringing Kaine onto the ticket. He was hot early, but has cooled of late.


Joe Biden is the iron horse of the group. He’s seemingly been running for President since Obama was in diapers. He brings an extensive and undeniable foreign policy resume with him and is a fiery and experienced politician. He fills in nearly all of Obama’s gaps.

YEAH, BUT: He’s a familiar face that America may have grown a little tired of. Though fresh and sharp and effective, he may contradict the message of change in the minds of many.

ODDS ARE: My money is on Evan Bayh. He was my original pick, so I’ll stick with my horse. He should edge out Kaine. The draw securing a traditionally red state in November will prove to be too much to pass up, and both of these choices offer that opportunity.

Tomorrow: John McCain