Barack Obama's Potential Vice President Picks

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Joe Biden, Evan Bayh, Hillary Clinton, Tim Kaine; Illinois Senator Barack Obama has some strong talent to pick through to be his vice presidential running mate. But which picks are good ideas, and which are bad ones?

Illinois Senator and presidential hopeful Barack Obama's campaign has confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times that the VP pick will be revealed at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, where Obama kicked off his campaign in February of last year, and where then State Senator Abraham Lincoln made his famous "House Divided" speech.

And, people in the political speculation game have it narrowed down to 4 main competitors, Delaware Senator Joe Biden, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh, New York Senator Hillary Clinton and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine.

So, to start, what's the verdict on Joe Biden?

Good Idea

Certainly. Biden has a foreign policy resume a half-mile long, especially as he sits as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and, since he's been a senator since 1972, he would help erode the inexperience criticism that's been leveled at Obama.

However, in a cutthroat political sense, he comes from a state, Delaware, that wasn't going to vote for McCain if he were the only guy on the ballot, and brings along the stigma of being another northeastern liberal. On the whole, Obama could do much worse, though.

How about Evan Bayh?

Bad Idea

Unfortunately for Hoosiers that would like to see one of their own back at Number One Observatory Circle, Bayh just doesn't cut it for the Obama ticket. He would undermine Obama's credibility on the Iraq war since he not only voted for the authorization, he sponsored it. Bayh was under consideration since he could possible placate Clinton supporters and maybe turn Indiana blue, but there's other, better ways to accomplish that.

Finally, in the end, Bayh is a bore. Even when the Indiana Senator get's after it, he's as interesting as cold cereal. That's a meal America will most likely pass on.

What about Hillary Clinton?

Good Idea

Though, in any other election climate, Clinton would really bring little to a presidential ticket: she comes from a safe Democratic state, she's an easy target for Republican opponents, and she's lacking on charisma. But 18 million people have already stood up for her. And you can't ignore that. Plus, she would put states like Florida and Arkansas in easy play, and solidify Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Finally, what about Tim Kaine?

Bad Idea

This one is simple. As much as Obama and Kaine have good chemistry together, Obama doesn't need someone serving their first term in major elective office.

Obama's got that angle covered.

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