Obama V.P. drama intensifies
There's speculation, chatter, and a new name in the mix - Texas Congressman Chet Edwards -- but no announcement from the presumed Democratic nominee.
Democrat Barack Obama was poised to announce his choice for running mate as the chatter about possible vice presidential candidates this morning increased in volume, if not substance.
With the news media concentrating on two senators and a governor, the talk this morning turned to possible surprise choices. Obama has said he has made his decision but has teased reporters by insisting he is waiting to announce it at a moment of his choosing.
The campaign has said Obama and the vice presidential pick will hold a rally on Saturday in Springfield, Ill., where Obama announced his presidential drive months ago.
The three major vice presidential choices, according to media reports, are Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware and Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana. Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is also said to be on the short list.
Among the dark horses are Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bill Richardson, two of the candidates whom Obama defeated for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Attention this morning also turned to Texas Rep. Chet Edwards, who represents chunks of central and north Texas including Waco and Crawford, where President George Bush has his ranch. Edwards has been mentioned by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Edwards, 57, has been in the House since 1991 and before that served in the Texas Senate. He is a businessman, specializing in real estate and media, including rural radio stations. He has an MBA from Harvard.
The Obama camp was playing the choice very close to the vest, a move designed to heighten speculation and interest as the party prepares for its convention in Denver next week.
While refusing to name names, Obama has outlined what the criteria are for his selection.
"Obviously, the most important question is: Is this person ready to be president?" Obama said in an interview aired this morning on "The Early Show" on CBS.
"Can this person help me govern? Are they going to be an effective partner in creating the kind of economic opportunity here at home and guiding us through some dangerous waters internationally?" Obama said.
The likely Democratic nominee also said he wanted "somebody who is going to be able to challenge my thinking and not simply be a 'yes person' when it comes to policymaking."
Obama, home in Chicago, has no public events scheduled for today. Republican John McCain, at his ranch in Sedona, Ariz., also has no events scheduled.
McCain has yet to pick a vice presidential candidate. Among those on the short list are said to be former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
But among Republicans there are also possible surprises. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, an abortion-rights supporter, and Connecticut Sen Joe Lieberman, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, have been mentioned.
michael.muskal@latimes.com
