A Comparison of Short Lists

When I look at the short lists for VP candidates, it seems that the DEMs have the opposite problem as the GOP. On the GOP there are several good choices making it difficult to decide which one to pick. When Obama was picking, it seemed like he had to choose who would do the least damage among a very unimpressive list. I'm sure Obama would rather not have had to pick a VP at all because of this. The long delay in announcing underscores his obvious angst at having to make the pick. I can see if there was a really good and exciting candidate, waiting to build good tension and anticipation. When finally announcing such a pick, there would be a climactic reaction. With Biden, it was such an anti-climactic response I cannot imagine the delay was strategic and that Obama was delaying until the last possible moment knowing what a dud it would be.

The Democrat short list was:

Joe Biden
Tim Kaine (of active eyebrow fame)
Evan Bayh

John McCain's short list seems to be:

Mitt Romney (great fundraiser and vote draw)
Tim Pawlenty (who I think would look better the more people knew of him)
Bobby Jindal (great pick, but we need him in LA)
Kay Bailey Hutchison (likeable and a good draw for women)

Every one on McCain's would be an asset that strengthens the ticket. Obama had to settle for Biden and try to spin that he would help in the foreign policy area. Neville Chamberlain had foreign policy experience to be sure, but... In short, if your foreign policy is poor it does not matter how experienced you are at it. Bob Shrum is experienced at Presidential elections, but given his 0-8 record I would not be eager to get his opinion on the subject.

I think the decision to announce the VP pick the day after Obama's speech is fantastic. If he picks Hutchison, the naming of a female VP candidate should eo much to wipe Obama's speech off the front pages. Should. We'll see. Either way, unless McCain falls for the media's bait to name Leiberman or Ridge; the pick should result in good solid results going into the GOP Convention.