I believe Obama should wait as long as possible to announce VP...

[book_worm]

I've been listening to the news and it seems McCain is waiting to see who Obama will pick as a running mate and go from there. For instance, if Obama doesn't pick Hillary or some other woman as his running mate, then InSane may choose a woman to try and appeal to Hillary's older female base. I think Obama should wait as close to or until the convention as possible. I don't think it is imperative to have a running mate two months in advance of the convention. I think the pressure will be on InSane to announce a VP more than Obama because of his age.

[bryant69]

1. I agree

I don't know what he gains by announcing right away, and I think he is giving up more than he might gain. That said, both VP pics are going to be meaningful this time around. McCain needs to be thinking about his age, but also about how much the Conservative Base doesn't like him; does he pick a fascist to appeal to them? Or does he write them off.

Obama has a different problem, and isn't is as dire a straits as McCain - basically he is getting dinged on Experience, so does he pick someone who can balance him out there?

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[LakeSamish706]

2. I agree with you, and they mentioned that very thing on MSNBC last night... n/t

[NJmaverick]

3. McCain and Obama has two different situations

Obama's choice, if done right, will strengthen his ticket. McCain's choice will be see as an alternative for someone who's health may not allow him to complete his 4 years.

[Hugabear]

4. If McCain picks a woman VP, it will be quite obvious that he's pandering

I don't see it happening, but it would be pretty obvious to anyone with half a brain that he is just trying to pander to Hillary supporters.

[MadinMo]

5. Very good point.

You are right that the McCain people will be pushing to know who his pick will be. And you are right it is not even necessary to have an announced candidate before the convention.

AND We can hope Obama picks someone who will accept a VP seat with the toned down power of most if not all VPs prior to Cheney. My take is that Hillary would want as much power as Cheney if not more. Not sure we want a powerful VP.

[hokies4ever]

6. Agree. See where the Republicans are leaning for their V.P. pick first.

[liberal N proud]

7. Don't they usually wait until the convention?

[book_worm]

8. In the old days yes, but since '76 the process has been very open

and since '84 and Mondale picking Ferarro the VP has been announced prior to the convention.

[Ganja Ninja]

9. I'd wait and see how Hillary behaves over the next few weeks.

He may want to give her the slot or he may not. If she raises a stink then he could name his VP sooner rather than later to close the door on her.

As I see it McCain & his VP will not present much of a challenge.

[robinlynne]

14. I wouldn't if I were him. I think it would be downright dangerous to do so.

[LucyParsons]

10. I agree - thanks for pointing this out

I hate McCain. Just as an aside.

[Iggo]

11. My gut feeling this morning...

...after watching the two speeches last night, is this: Obama kicks McCain's ass head-to-head.

Why give McCain someone else to run against? Obama should take his sweet time picking a running mate.

[gratuitous]

12. Agree, but for different reasons

First, what's the rush? I noticed this morning on the Today Show a lot of badgering of the Obama people. Since Hillary hasn't seen fit to concede, and indeed has drawn this process out quite a bit,* I think it would be just and fair for Obama to let her dangle on the line for a while. But Obama impresses me as far more gracious than I, so that may not be the case.

Next, with the talking chuckleheads clamoring for it, that keeps the attention on Obama and off of McCain. Bask a little, increase the buzz, and let the media give you some free publicity.

The Republicans are going to get munched in November, so the only suspense now is Obama's running mate. Why should he announce before McCain, who has been the presumptive nominee for weeks for the Republicans?

*Clinton's designated mouthpiece on Today, Howard (?) Wolfson, said that after five months of campaigning, the Clinton folks still aren't ready to let the fight go. News flash, Mr. Wolfson: When the final buzzer sounds and the other team has a higher number on the scoreboard? It means you lost, and the result will be the same now and a month from now. The game is over.

[robinlynne]

13. I think Obama should be very careful in his choice. I hope it's Edwards or another

progressive.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

15. Wrong Forum - take it to GDP

[bdamomma]

16. I also think he should be no hurry to name a VP.