The VP pick for Obama: Jim Webb

[Smid]

With Obama as the Democrat presidential candidate, he really needs a southern running mate. In the past 30 years, the only successful Democratic candidates have been southerners (Carter, Clinton). I believe that Obama would need a southerner in order to bring some southern EC Votes into play.

[Smid]

Sorry, Social Darwinist, I don't know either Easley or Webb well enough to give you an opinion on that. Webb's previous experience in the Reagan Administration I think would be enough to offset his lack of Senatorial experience. I don't know where Webb stands on the issues and whether he agrees or disagrees with Obama on issues that they each consider fundamental. Given the number of ECVs held by Florida, it might benefit Obama to look for someone from there.

[Smid]

Reading over his Wikipedia entry, I think Graham would be a pretty good pick for Obama - experience (both as Governor and Senator for 28 years), National Security credentials (cosponsoring the bill to create a Director of National Intelligence), wins in Florida with about two thirds of the vote... It sounds to me like he'd be a pretty good pick for VP, backing up Obama on his potentially troublesome areas, although I don't know how well he and Obama get on at a personal level. If he can deliver Obama Florida, and if his relatively right-wing positions help in SC, it could be a very interesting result.