The Vice President

It may or may not be a bit premature to look at possible running mates for the democratic candidates for president, but I've compiled a list of the possible choices facing Obama and Clinton.

Barack Obama:

Delaware Senator Joe Biden

Pro: He has a long record on national security and foreign policy and is a member of a key demographic group—Catholics. His attacks on Rudy Giuliani proved he can be an affable attack dog, a rare skill.

Con: Gaffe-prone and perhaps too fond of the klieg lights. He’s not accustomed to being anybody's
number two. Besides, he already has a good job.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson

Pro: He carries Cabinet-level and national security experience. As the governor of a battleground state and a member of key demographic group—Hispanics—Richardson brings much to the ticket. Then there is his important recent endorsement, delivered at a crucial time.

Con: Prone to sloppy speech. At times, he’s been a weak debater. And questions about his '04 "vetting" remain.

New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg

Pro: Executive and private sector experience. As a former Republican, he might make the ticket appear more ideologically balanced. Best of all, he brings infinite resources.

Con: Very liberal on social issues. Paired with Obama, he creates the Archie Bunker nightmare ticket: African-American and Jew. Obama doesn't need
the money.

Former Indiana Rep. Tim Roemer

Pro: A former six-term House member, he served on the 9/11 Commission. Pro-life.

Con: Pro-life.

Former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn

Pro: He has a solid national security record and a reputation as a moderate who can work across the aisle. Also, he’s a Southerner with gravitas.

Con: He's 70 and disliked by gay rights groups.

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine

Pro: He is comfortable talking about faith and has youth and energy on his side. An early Obama backer from a battleground state.

Con: Looks even younger than he is. No national security experience.

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano

Pro: Executive experience and a proven statewide winner. A Westerner from McCain's home state, she could boost the ticket there.

Con: No national security experience.

Retired General Colin Powell

Pro: National security credentials.

Con: Backed and promoted Iraq war.

Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner

Pro: Private sector and executive experience in a key state. Shares Obama's message of change and has won votes in rural areas.

Con: Currently running for Senate. No national security experience.

Virginia Senator Jim Webb

Pro: A decorated war veteran and former Republican from a key state, he looks perfect on paper.

Con: Blunt and unpredictable, he might be a reluctant campaigner.

Former South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle

Pro: A key Obama advisor from the start of his campaign, he is a veteran Washington insider who knows how to win in a red state environment.

Con: He is a veteran Washington insider who is now a lobbyist. Not cut out to be an attack dog.

New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton

Pro: Smart, tough, vetted. Could bring her own alienated supporters back to Obama and unite the party.

Con: As divisive a pol as exists in American politics. There is bad blood between the candidates, in no small part because she has suggested Obama is unready to lead.


Hillary Rodham Clinton:

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland

Pro: A popular figure in a key state, he helped deliver Ohio for Clinton. His Christian ministerial background could bridge God gap for Democrats.

Con: No national security experience.

Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack

Pro: A Midwesterner with a compelling personal story.

Con: Not an electric speaker. Might not be able to deliver Iowa.

Indiana Senator Evan Bayh

Pro: VP from central casting. He can point to executive and foreign policy experience.

Con: Indiana’s not a swing state. He’s a bit bland, not to mention inexperienced as an attack dog.

Illinois Senator Barack Obama

Pro: Could bring young and African-American backers, who are angry at Clinton, back into the fold. Popular with independents.

Con: They've said nasty things about each other. Any path to the nomination runs right through him.

Florida Senator Bill Nelson

Pro: A folksy moderate from a key electoral battleground.

Con: Not well-known outside his home state, which isn't well-regarded nationally after recent election debacles.

Retired General Wes Clark

Pro: Military experience. A tireless campaigner for Clinton who is familiar with the rigors of the presidential campaign trail.

Con: Ran a rocky 2004 campaign.

Hey, here's something rather interesting. Another possible choice for Hillary's VP could be Bill Clinton. There is no laws that I know that would prevent this from happening. Better yet, Obama and Bill as the democratic tag team.

Yeah right.