Obama's TOP FOUR VP choices (the Completely Unofficial but Mathematically Exciting version)

[kay1864]

1. Sen. Jim Webb
2. Gov. Bill Richardson
3. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
4. Sen. Joe Biden

This time I actually used three sources, not just one like last time. Mark Nickolas, the blogger from last time, has updated his predictions with version 5.0. In addition, I found two recent "top 10" lists.

(here's where the exciting math comes in) I then weighted their choices (10 points for #1, 9 for #2, etc), and summed points if a candidate was on more than one list. The four above were the clear winners (26 points, 20, 18, and 16; Clinton and Biden were tied for 5th place with 11).

http://www.politicalbase.com/profile/Mark%20Nickolas/blog/&blogId=2582
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/18/politics/main4191907.shtml
http://cjonline.com/stories/062908/loc_297191093.shtml

[asdjrocky]

1. Richardson can't be vetted. nt

[kay1864]

2. Huh?

Explain please.

[Occam Bandage]

3. It's the beard. It repels vet-rays.

[asdjrocky]

6. They tried in 2000 with Gore.

There's too much "stuff" there in NM. (As I've been told on background by people that worked in the Clinton administration and NM government.) Seriously, I like the guy, always have, but he can't be vetted.

I wouldn't bet a dime on who Obama will pick, but I'd bet a million on who he won't pick.

[leftofcool]

8. Allegations of sexual harrassment

Probably not true but allegations can hurt

[Blue-Jay]

4. Why? Is he a fictional character?

:shrug:

[asdjrocky]

16. Ok, I get it.

He can be vetted. Just not successfully. Fair enough?

[Occam Bandage]

5. 1. God no, 2. Sure, 3. Eh, 4. Rather not. I'm pullin' for Clark.

[adoraz]

7. surprised there is no clark

[kay1864]

9. On only one list

10 pts, 6th place.

[adoraz]

10. yeah I saw that

still surprised that he wasn't on the 2 lists.

[kay1864]

12. Me too, I think he's a great speaker

Plus he adds both gravitas and military experience.

[SuperTrouper]

11. I am not convinced; Sebelius and Richardson are out

I'd say Webb, Biden, Clark, and Hillary.

[kay1864]

13. "Sebelius and Richardson are out"

Explain please.

[SuperTrouper]

18. Sebelius and Richarson out because:

IN MY OPINION, a Sebelius choice would be seen as a slap to Hillary and her supporters; Sebelius does not deliver a State, was not a Hillary supporter, and unfortunaltely lacks the zest and charisma that will be needed to complement the ticket. I, as a Hispanic American, would be very proud to have Richardson as VP but unfortunately it would be difficult to have an African American and a Hispanic sharing a ticket the same year for the same party. That is why I think that Obama/Clark or Obama/Biden or Obama/Clinton make more sense

[kay1864]

20. I think Joe Average wouldn't automatically equate Richardson with "Hispanic"

He's got a very Anglo name. Yeah, the RWers would put the word out, but most of their audience wouldn't vote for Obama anyway.

Generally, most Americans don't have much knowledge of a VP beyond his/her name. But fortunately for our side, a lot of Latinos know about Richardson, and his selection would get a lot of play in the Hispanic media.

[Oleladylib]

14. so is Webb out..you can't win with 2 newbies...face it.

[Stop Cornyn]

15. Webb is more valuable in the Senate, Biden's 3 decades in Washington DC clash with Obama's main

campaign theme of change; Sebelius doesn't bring any electoral votes to the table.

Richardson isn't my first (or 2nd or 3rd) choice, but he brings more to the table that the other three (actually, Webb brings plenty to the table, but he's needed in the Senate and would be more useful there than as VP).

[SuperTrouper]

17. I would like to see Richardson as a Hispanic BUT

I think it would be very difficult to have Obama/Richardson resonate in the South and the Midwest. That is why I lean to Obama/Clark. Webb is not necessarily a newbie, he has valuable experience prior to his election to the Senate. And Sebelius is not an exciting choice since she lacks charisma and I'd rather have Hillary instead of Sebelius as VP

[JVS]

19. Of those I like Sebelius best

[kay1864]

21. Despite her ranking I have serious doubts that

Obama would select a female running mate. Too much "groundbreaking" on one ticket. Sad but true.

[Kermit77]

22. Clinton is out

Clinton is out. Bill can't be vetted. Nothing personal just financial stuff.

My picks are Tom Kaine, Joe Biden, Ed Rendell and Ricardo Sanchez.