John Nance Garner reminded us that the vice presidency wasn't worth a bucket of warm, well, let's just use the word "spit." A later FDR running mate, Harry Truman, probably thought otherwise. A piece by Albert Hunt on Bloomberg.com that hilariously suggests the site's namesake as a serious VP candidate, nevertheless provides perspective in correctly noting that running mates almost never have any discernable effect on the outcome of the race. Hunt offers Virginia Senator James Webb, Delaware Senator Joe Biden, and former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn as possible Obama running mates who might provide balance to Obama's inexperience and liberalism. (Is Lee Hamilton too old?) For John McCain, Hunt suggests he move away from Bush and toward youth. Washington outsiders Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, and, strangely enough, Joe Lieberman are names thrown out. (If Lieberman's in, then I'm out!). Do you have any suggestions on VP candiates that might improve the prospects of Obama or McCain? And might Hillary pull a Reagan circa '76 and name a running mate despite trailing in the delegate count?

I am crossing my fingers that McCain balances his ticket with Colin Powell. Powell left the Bush administration, which would help distance himself from Bush.

I like Powell, and always have. I believe that he has the skills to lead our nation if need be.

Besides, if he chooses Powell, it kind of negates the "race" issue.

For Obama I would suggest a more moderate northerner, perhaps Lieberman.

For Hillary, why not former congressman Fred Grandy. Grandy would be perfect in the role Hillary would give him.

Be well,

Sponge

I can't see why McCain wouldn't pick Huckabee. He is southern, an evangelical, would shore up a huge portion of the base, etc. Yet nobody thinks thats going to happen so I must be missing something.

the huck stuck his foot in his mouth. i think he is out.

For the benefit of anyone unfamiliar with early '80s/late '70s television, Fred Grandy, who later served as a congressman from Iowa, played "Gopher" on the Love Boat. Very funny.

You guys haven't mentioned ANYONE I like! Geeez. :-) Romney and Jindall (LA) are the only guys who would get me excited enough to give John my vote. I hope I spelled Bobby's last name properly. When's John going to reach across the aisle to conservatives like me?

Morgan

McCain needs a conservative, relatively young, experienced, Hispanic woman who lives in Ohio. I'm sure many men in Cleveland feel the same way. And, like McCain, they are all likely to be disappointed come November.

Until the GOP limits all primaries to GOPers only, we'll continue to have a string of McCains (that is, if the Republican party isn't dead by then). Romney is the only choice and not only should he be the VP pick but should have been the nominee.