The Veepstakes: an early look

Because neither Clinton nor Obama has broad or deep foreign policy experience, it seems clear that either as Presidential nominee would choose a running mate who would reassure voters that a future terrorist or national security threat could be handled well in the White House. That would seem to favor some senior, respected figure such as former Rep. Lee Hamilton, co-chair of the 9/11 Commission, as Democratic Vice Presidential nominee. Sens. Joe Biden and Chris Dodd and Arkansas Gov. Bill Richardson all have stronger foreign-policy credentials than Clinton or Obama and might be possibilities. Without a running mate strong on foreign policy, either Clinton or Obama could be vulnerable in the general election, especially if McCain were the Republican nominee. If McCain is the Republican candidate, he will want a running mate who is identified with economic and domestic policy. Romney or Giuliani would fit but might not want the job. If either Giuliani or Romney is nominated, the running-mate search likely will focus on a Republican from the West or South and not from the eastern seaboard. Both have governed in heavily Democratic constituencies (New York City and Massachusetts) and are suspect among traditional Republican voters in the heartland. The Vice Presidency has finished the careers of many aspiring national figures. Only George H.W. Bush has ascended directly from that office to the Presidency in recent political history. Accordingly, some of the bigger names may not want the job, if offered, or might be difficult to control by the president if elected. Another wild card could be the desire of one of the presidential nominees to signify bipartisanship by selecting someone from another party or a certified independent.