The VP game

Pundits and political junkies been playing one of their favorite parlor games for months, namely, trying to guess who the presidential nominees will pick to be their running mates.

Prior to now, it was a rather silly exercise, but the announcements will be coming shortly from both campaigns, so speculation now isn't as idle.

I only have a couple thoughts on the matter of Obama's pick.

First of all, I sincerely hope he doesn't pick Mr. Milktoast himself, Evan Bayh of Indiana. The fact he's consistently mentioned in the top 3 likely picks scares me.

First of all, the guy is a solid DLC "Republican Light" sort, and therefore lives by their golden rule, "Though shalt never say anything too tough about a Republican."

The guy is about as exciting as watching paint dry, and it's simply inconceivable that he'd be effective at taking swipes at the Republican ticket, an ability which I feel is absolutely crucial for any running mate of Obama.

Obama isn't a natural fighter either, and to have someone who's even MORE bland and adverse to fighting fire with fire would be disasterous.

One lesson the Dems should have learned well is that the American people do NOT like candidates who don't seem able, willing, or capable of defending themselves and standing up for themselves. It's not so important what they believe in, but we need squishy, nowhere candidates like a hole in the head.

A much better choice would be Joe Biden, as he's perfectly willing, and very capable, of standing up to Republican attacks and nonsense in a straightforward, yet unoffensive manner. Bayh? Someone could accuse him of having a gay affair with bin Laden and he'd first say that while he respects their views, he'd have to take exception to that characterization.

I hope that nightmare doesn't happen.

I was really dejected when Jim Webb essentially took himself out of the running for VP. I think he would have been ideal for several reasons, primarily because, like Biden, Webb doesn't take crap from anyone, and can handle himself in a knife fight with skill. He'd be a great asset in that department, as well as lending Obama his sterling credentials as a military and foreign affairs authority, something which would go a long way to knocking down McCain's only perceived strength. And not only that, he might be expected to help Obama's chances in the crucial state of Virginia.

That said, there's always Hillary. A bigger shock I can not imagine, but then again, I think that all and all, she'd be a net plus for the ticket. But again, I can't imagine that happening.

McCain's pick? I'm guessing it will probably be the Ken Doll Romney, in light of how Republicans seem to make their picks. McCain may rather have bamboo shoots shoved under his fingernails than have Romney as VP, but then again, McCain has already demonstrated repeatedly that when it comes to getting into the White House, there's no principle he won't gladly toss in the trash, no personal beliefs he won't gladly compromise or utterly reverse if he thinks it will help his chances.

There's other candidates being talked about, primarily on the Republcan side, and they're all safely in the catagory of "Who??", unknowns for all intents and purposes. Pawlenty, and for a second, that weirdo Bob Jindal. Then there's old Tom Ridge, which would probably be a smart pick for the white-haird dude.

On the Dem side, the chattering class keeps talking about Virginia gov Tim Kaine, though I don't understand how he's considered a good choice.

Don't know if you've given it much thought, but answer these two questions: Who do you think Obama SHOULD pick? (and why.) And who do you think he WILL pick? (and why.)

Same for McCain if you're so inclined.