Veepstakes

We can't resist engaging in the current parlor game of divining who will be Sen. Obama's running mate, so here are some of our possibilities (in no particular order):

Sam Nunn, former Georgia Senator and respected military and nuclear non-proliferation expert; a "graybeard," Nunn will be 70 this fall (almost McAncient vintage) but could help Obama in the South.

Bob Graham, former Florida Senator and Governor, respected foreign intelligence maven; another "graybeard," Graham will be 72 by election day but would be an asset in Florida, a State the Dems would like to have another crack at.

Gen. Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Commander and presidential candidate, a Clinton backer and someone who would take care of any perceived "national security" experience deficit for an Obama ticket.

Ted Strickland, Governor of Ohio (need we say more?), he could also help bring in former Clintonistas and the "Appalachian demographic."

Jim Webb, first-term Virginia Senator, who has the military and foreign policy chops (as well as the aforementioned appeal to the "Appalachian demographic"), but is fairly new to the scene and only won his race against George "Macaca" Allen by 0.5% of the vote.

Ed Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania, who has adamantly dismissed talk of a VP slot, saying "I like to be my own boss;" much the same appeal as Strickland, and Dems will likely carry Pennsylvania anyway. And, last but not least,

Evan Bayh, Senator and former Governor of Indiana, who has pulled 60+% of the vote in his contests in Indiana, could bring Indiana into the Dem column, and has the executive experience Obama would value.

Of course, there is no "perfect" VP selection. Each one of these possibilities, and others not named, have pro's and con's. But that's part of the equation Obama (or McBush, for that matter) must weigh in making his selection.