The latest in a series of BuzzFlash videos on its hometown candidate: Who Should Obama Pick for VP?

Obama=someone new from a well-rounded background, like he is. Not Biden. McFlip=Lieberman With this latter slate, The Guinness Book of Records will be monitoring the world record setting case of a USVP candidate who loses twice for the same reason. bobz

My choice would be Bill Richardson. He's done good things in New Mexico (especially for the environment, standing up to the land barons) and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. He is an experienced international diplomat, he is Hispanic, and he is no pansy politico. Unfortunately, I'm guessing that the Democratic powers that be would consider this ticket too "ethnic".

The more infighting that goes on in the halls of justice and all that bunk, I can't imagine that it wouldn't have occurred to Obama to think outside the box and look for someone who could help him try to resurrect some sort of decency on both sides of the aisle. If he doesn't our country will most likely go down the tubes. There's a guy who's moderate though progressive, and also a pro-choicer and who has the medals and time served in the trenches in Nam to counter McCain in terms or arguing patriotism......his name is Chuck Hagel. You may laugh all you want but they together might be able to pull off the best presidency of this century by salvaging some of Bush's wreckage their first term(they need FDR vision to put people back to work) and then start working on our own country to help our own to get back on our feet. No more tax breaks for oil companies or any biggies holding their hands out for incentives. Nation building is off the table.........if we can't fix ourselves, we sure as hell can't go trouncing around the world trying to pretend we have all the answers to fix anyone else. Our social programs, which right-wing "Christians"..some joke, eh? think are horrible (totally unlike Jesus), need to be re-constructed.......the list is too long to keep going. Obama and Hagel could make the moderates in both parties pay attention to the fact that everyone outside of the United States HATES us, and it's not just the terrorists. It's everyone else who think we're CRAZY. The two could work out a plan, sign a paper..whatever, that after 8 years if Hagel runs, he'll do the same........pick a moderate democrat to work with him and across the aisle. We're running out of options and quickly at that..........this makes total sense to me. And, while they're at it they can keep all the religious factions out of DC and in their own churches where they belong......otherwise tax the bastards!! gizmoe

Barbara Boxer, of course, a great progressive Congresswoman....an honorable anti-war eco feminist ( unlike Hillary. a politician) who will campaign for impeachment of war criminals. She has a sterling voting record. We need a strong woman on the ticket !

Buzzflash....always good for a laugh.

Wes Clark is the only one in the running for the job. Try to remember that it is a JOB and there are qualifications one must meet in order to effectively carry out the duties of the office. For some strange reason, the real qualifications are overlooked in political reporting. If this job was posted at your place of work, it would have a job opening posting that looks something like this: Applicant should meet the following criterion- Must speak English fluently, (collegiate level minimum) other languages a plus. A demonstrated ability to organize complex systems. A grasp of domestic and foreign diplomatic procedures. Actually being familiar with other world leaders a big plus. A solid grasp of the military- including strategy, budget, impact of it's use, and realistic expectations of it's abilities. A good mathematics ability (again, collegiate level mandated). A good grasp, if not previous exposure, of several various cultures and religions. A history of success in business and/ or career. Knowledge of different branches of government, their duties and their powers. Knowledge of the constitution. A real rapport with the needs and desires of the majority of citizens. Keep in mind that Emperor Dubyah the Doltish has NONE of these. Clark speaks at least five languages. Graduated Valedictorian at West Point. was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford where he obtained a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Master's degree in military science Presidential medal of freedom recipient. Was Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO from 1997 to 2000, retired as a 4 star general, disagreed with attacking Iraq. Led a multinational, multi billion dollar budgeted, multi lingual, multicultural, multi religious, military force with thousands of members very successfully. He was shot four times by a Viet Cong soldier with an AK-47. Never deserted. Supports the ideas of Universal Health care coverage for all, Tax relief for everyone making less than two hundred grand a year, Impeachment and prosecution of criminal actions of Bush administration, Prosecution of torture and war crimes. What else can you ask for? He is the only person on the list that actually qualifies!

Sammy Norge: Obama needs either Richardson or Clark. McSame needs Paris Hilton, or maybe just his mistress's naked tits. That would certainly get some attention!

RFK Jr is a passionate supporter of the environment. Has links to the royal family of Democratic politics. Has overcome a physical disability. Has appeared for years on all of the major news networks. Is not a part of the Washington establishment.

And remember: The future of America's foreign relations will center around the issue of natural resources. Who better than an environmentalist to act as our representative to world leaders?

We did OK with Al Gore ...

As for McCain, I could care less.

Doesn't matter. No matter, S.O.S.

Looks like he goes from a statistically insignificant 1 point lead to a whopping 9 point lead just by picking her for his VP.

Or he could listen to all the Clinton-haters and see how that turns out.

OK, at least we know John Edwards is definitely off the list. And with Terry McAwful saying how great VA Gov. Kaine is, rather than promoting Hillary, we can be sure that Hillary is out of the running, also (Terry wouldn't dare, otherwise.) Also, Jim Webb gave a Shermanesque statement, so he's out, also. Sam Nunn is a right-wing creep and Evan Bayh is a human Sominex, so I say Obama will raise Kaine.

McCain won't choose Gov. Jindahl, because even Johnny is smart enough not to pick a brain-damaged kid who claims to have met a demon. Romney will be a close second, but he's too much of an empty suit. Pawlenty also has the advantage in providing coattails to Norm Coleman (speaking of empty suits).

McCain ......... Elizabeth Dole

Obama ......... Wesley Clark

about all I can say is that the Democrats have a number of good possibilites and the Republicans don't.

I am amused at the idea that McCain may choose Jebb as a running mate. Are you kidding????? Jebb may as well forget the idea of EVER running for president. The name "Bush" is forever engraved on the 70% of the American population who is aware of what a failure of a person "W" is, and the destruction he has caused to this country and the world. I don't see them EVER voting for another Bush while we're all alive - of course, I could be wrong. McCain will pick Lieberman - and Lieberman will accept (the back-stabber that he is). At one time, I would have predicted that Obama would pick someone off the radar, but after some of his recent votes I am wondering if he'll go with the "mainstream" candidate for VP. Gosh, let's hope not! The party needs some "shaking up" and in order to back up his message, he needs someone who will do the same. I can see him asking Edwards, which wouldn't be a bad thing since he has name recognition, but he also wasn't in Washington long enough to be currupt (or as currupt).

Not sure about Obama, hopefully a political unknown (I am available) McCain has two choices. 1 - Joe Liberman 2 - Hilary Clinton

Obama---Caroline Kennedy McCain---Leiberman

McCain will likely make the surprising pick of Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. He won't want to pick a House Rep, because the Republicans won't want to give up any seats in case they lose the White House. However, a Senator like Murkowski, who isn't up for reelection until 2010, can run and not give up her seat if McCain loses. Plus, picking a woman would be a cynical ploy to win over female voters, and would steal some of Obama's thunder as running a "historic" campaign. Finally, Alaska's status as a major oil producer would continue our 8-year-tradition of giving the oil interests a seat in the Executive Branch.

Obama will resist advice to "balance" his ticket with a nice, "normal" white guy, and pick Bill Richardson for his experience, his strong anti-Iraq-War position, as a nod to the Clintonites, and as an attempt to appeal to Hispanic voters.

Jim, My best guess for Obama is Bill Richardson. My best guess for McCain is Mitt Romney. That's it but I'm probably wrong. Jim Hawkins

That Obama might listen to some of the ludicrous progressives who want Hagel They know nothing about the man, and can only see Iraq.

In looking at both men and their campaigns, I think that the question of McCain's pick for VP might well be obvious. I predict that the final 2 on the list are Pawlenty and Lieberman, but that Pawlenty will get the nod. Lieberman has been traveling w/ Johnny Mac, and has been made a palatable choice to moderate and reasonable GOPers with his constant adulation and propping up of McC. Additionally, it would be a HUGE story (God knows JM needs some positive press!) if a former Dem candidate for VP (now an independent) "came to his senses" and supported the GOP for unity and america. JM would steal Obama's call for such unity. While the GOP rules may forbid this on its face, I think that mcCain could make it happen. HOWEVER, Pawlenty will get the nod. Why? McCain is no longer the maverick he once may have been. He needs youth on his ticket, and someone who the far, nutty right consider OK. Pawlenty fits these to criterion AND has the benefit of potentially stealing a blue state from BO. For Barack...it is much harder to discern. Obama is principled, visionary, and sincere in his desire to bring about a sort of socio-political awakening in how gov't works and how the people perceive their leaders. While all the polls suggest that the economy is the biggest thing on the minds of voters, he DOES have the perceptions of callow youth and weak military cred working against him...or perhaps better said: he is prone to attacks based on these two items. So understand all this ...what will he do? There is the possibility of Hillary. Given all the people/pundits ruling it out entirely it would be a HUGE story. Further it would guarantee that she doesn't run against him in 2012. Also, it would would bolster him with the die-hards, help with the economic issues, and provide him with a pitbull VP who will make health care legislation a priority. The big problem? Bill. I am afraid his post presidency has not been thoroughly vetted. Also, HRC does not bring substantive CHANGE to the ticket (her being a woman is NOT a viable indicator of change..it is mere circumstance). Joe Biden is all the rage these days...but recall that he is prone to saying silly things and got caught "borrowing" a speech in '88. He is also a Senator..two sitting Senators on the ticket? Wes Clark would have been good, but his recent trouble with McCain's war record may have ruled him out. John Edwards? Unfortunately the rumors currently surrounding him have assured that that particular boat has been sunk in the dock. The answer? I have narrowed it down to either Evan Bayh or Chuck Hagel. Bayh is the safe, moderate choice that bolsters his cred in the economy who is preferred by HRC folks, AND is a beloved figure in IN, a state that he could deliver to BO by being on the ticket. Hagel is a soon to be former GOP Senator (retiring) who is moderate, and very vocal over his crticism of Bus/McCain. Additionally, his military know-how is good, and most importantly... it would be a choice that would DEMONSTRATE Obama's commitment to healing the divide between red vs. blue. Yes the DNC charter says that this is hard...but as the nominee, I thin he could make it happen. Yes, it is true that Hagel doesn't share ALL of the values that Obama has (reproduction rights, etc.), but Obama HAS said repeatedly that he wants people on his team who are NOT "yes men", who will challenge him. And you know what? I'd agree! Obama/Hagel & McCain Pawlenty. Obama, I believe, will pick his VP before JM does. While it would be smart for JM to pick on Monday morning, I just don't think e will. If there is a misstep to be taken, the McCain camp does so, but I digress. BO will pick his VP either by the end of next week, or early the week of the 4th.

Sestak is a telegenic former admiral who represents a right-leaning district in Pennsylvania. McCain's already made up his mind about his VP pick, and we can count on it being an off-the-wall choice -- as Heather Wilson would be. She is Rhodes scholar and an Air Force veteran. She is running for the US Senate seat being vacated by Pete Domenici, with whom she was implicated in the US attorneys firing scandal. McCain will pick her because he probably thinks she would appeal to disgruntled Hillary supporters simply because she is woman. She would actually have the opposite effect of driving Hillary supporters to Obama in droves because of rightwing extremist views across the board.

sadly.... Jeb is the most offensive of the 3 OBAMA will pick his moment... then pick his words carefully... then pick EDWARDS (my fave) or RICHARDSON (another great choice)

While I agree with posts below suggesting that Jeb Bush is waiting in the wings as a factor of Republican Royal Assent, I suspect that 2008 is simply too soon for more Bush. Jeb will pop up in 2012. I think McCain will tag fellow douchebag psycho war-nut Joe Liebermann as an attempt to exhibit "reaching across the aisle" (albeit to the "Connecticut for Leibermann Party", and not the Democrats). Obama, I believe, will pick Wesley Clark to counteract McCain's "warrior" mojo. It would be nice if he would choose a real progressive, but please...

You just can't beat the executive and foreign policy experience of Richardson as Managing Director of Kissinger and Associates. But, if Obama really wants to piss off the Democrats and suck his cult following more into Neverland, he will pick Republican Chuck Hagel. McCain will pick Jeb Bush (by prior arrangement) with the Bush Crime Family. With the nomination of Obama, Karl Rove has engineered the complete demise of the Democratic Party. Bend over, folks

Obama is the clear front runner so he doesnt need to make a pick that will give his chances a big boost just make a good solid move that keeps the train going in the positive direction it already is headed. The choice I think he should make and probably will make is John Edwards. I like Edwards a lot and believe he is sincere. I like this pick for a of reasons. Edwards has been vetted already so there will be no surprises. Also it just seems like the the right thing to do as at least one of the candidates that got cheated in the last two prez elections should be part of this elections winning ticket. Edwards also plays well on TV which has become a big factor in the screwed up mess we call the presidential election process. On the crass calculating front I believe a lot of voters want to feel more comfortable with Obama and including a handsome white guy could be just the superficial element that appeals to those types. I also think Elizabeth Edwards would be a benefit to the campaign as both candidates would have strong modern women as their spouses and this could appeal to some women who are on the fence with Obama. McCain will probably pick Giuliani because McCain is on a roll for doing and saying really dumb things. Also the Repubs cant resistant playing the 9/11 card. There should probably be a 12 step program for them to get over this addiction.

McCain SHOULD pick Romney > gives him a 'shot' at MI and finance/eco 'cred' AND Romney topped [w40%+] a 'will help mCSame VP poll, everyone else running in the 'teens' or lower, (lord knows HE, McSame doesn't). McCain WILL pick Fiorina Carly, (late of HP infamy) and MUCH handwringing on MTP 2 weeks ago opposite McKaskill. He HATES Romney and it's difficult/impossible to get between a hater and his 'object of' and... she'll be a disaster. Please 'Gramps' fuck this decision up too, please please, please. Obama ? DON'T HAVE A CLUE ! But, I trust HIS judgment. Kennedy ? (Caroline) as an outside 'shot'. I'd like to see Jim Webb in the slot. One PISSED OFF Viet Vet ('72-'73)

McCain: Romney, for his economic experience (which McCain has admitted is not his strong suit...), relative youth, and bringing in votes from the northeast and midwest. Obama: Biden, for his foreign affairs experience (without having to pick a general), and relative age. He could pick Kaine to get the southern angle, but it won't help with the first criteria, and Obama already has his own inroads with the south by bringing out the black vote. Also, Biden will be the better pit-bull for Obama. Ironically, McCain already is his own pit-bull; to pick someone else who is even more rabid would just be absurd. Rather,he needs a rational voice (suggesting that GOP ticket should have been the other way around...).

McCain will pick Romney. There are too many pluses to ignore: (1) help with Michigan; (2) widespread perception Romney is an economics expert; (3) Romney is younger and seems more vigorous but is not too young; (4) Bush prefers Romney and McCain wants Bush's help in raising money; and (5) Wall Street loves Romney; (6) Romney came in first in a recent poll regarding who would help McCain the most with the voters. Obama will likely pick a former general, probably Colin Powell or Wesley Clark (though Clark did himself no good in recent comment about McCain) but possibly some other general, in order to counter McCain's military experience. He probably considered Sebelius, but polls show she wouldn't help, as Hillary supporters would not be sympathetic.

I'll approach this as if I were a campaign advisor to each. Senator Obama has a wealth of riches from which to choose, each with assets and liabilities. Personally, I would advise Bill Richardson for his resume, heritage, and geography. Also he could act the role of pit bull, allowing Obama to stay "presidential". Senator McCain should avoid anybody even remotely connected to the Bush II regime. If he chooses Romney, he would be faced with the 5 sons/Iraq problem. Huckabee would help with the fundamentalist vote, but would scare off everyone else. Jindal recently showed himself caving in to public/media pressure, although media is N.O. media is trying to cast it in positive light. I would advise Ron Paul, which would minimize threat from Bob Barr.

McCain will pick Romney, because McCain can't get anything right. (he should pick Ron Paul, to start getting the party back to its core principles.)

Obama will pick someone who is completely off the radar, totally unexpected. Which means that I don't have a clue, and neither do you. I don't think his choice of a running mate will be much of a factor in the election, so he will choose a VP who he can rely on as a partner in the administration. So it will be the person he feels is sincerely on board with his vision of an America rising above the past divisiveness.

Hillary is therefor out of the picture, because she is very polarizing, and played the politics of division. My personal preference would be Bill Richardson: both diplomatic and executive experience.

McCain isn't going to pick Richard Cheney-based solely upon his poor aim with a $60,000 shotgun (look it up - that 28 gauge is a hand-made millionaire's toy).

Candidate Obama will not select Jesse "Hymietown" Jackson because he isn't in the market for a Bris Milah.

"In the part of this universe that we know there is great injustice, and often the good suffer, and often the wicked prosper, and one hardly knows which of those is the more annoying."
- Bertrand Russell -