Well, the Obama campaign has successfully stumped me on the whole running-mate question. I have no idea. Here’s their schedule leading up to his acceptance of the nomination:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008
Campaign Event with Barack Obama
Old State Capitol
Springfield, IL
Gates open: 12:00 pm
This event is free and open to the public. RSVP is strongly encouraged, please visit www.barackobama.com/springfieldSunday, August 24, 2008
Eau Claire, WisconsinMonday, August 25, 2008
Quad Cities area, IowaTuesday, August 26, 2008
Kansas City, MissouriWednesday, August 27, 2008
Billings, MontanaThursday, August 28, 2008
Denver, Colorado
USA Today reports that Barack Obama has made his selection:
Obama said he wanted somebody who is “prepared to be president” and who will be “a partner with me in strengthening this economy for the middle class and working families.”
He said he was looking for not just a partner but a sparring partner. “I want somebody who’s independent, somebody who can push against my preconceived notions and challenge me so we have got a robust debate in the White House.”
Just look at the adjectives: ‘prepared’, ‘partner (on the economy)’, ‘independent’. I’d expect Obama to argue that any possible running-mate is prepared and good on the economy. But ‘independent’? That might narrow things down a little. Obama seems to be hitting this idea that his partner will not be an ideological twin. Sens. Hagel and Lugar would sure fit that bill. I guess Evan Bayh would, too. But so would someone like Russ Feingold or, perhaps, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. Obama will travel to Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Billings, Montana, which could serve as launching points for the vee-pee announcement. Kansas City could serve the same purpose for Sen. Claire McCaskill, or Govs. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Tim Kaine of Virginia (who grew up there).
I’m not feeling Joe Biden here. But who knows?