Seattle Times Political Caucus: Who would make the best running mate?

The Seattle Times Political Caucus is an online community aimed at adding diverse voices to our coverage of politics. As the election season unfolds, we're asking participants to weigh in on key political questions. Today's question is about potential running mates for the two presidential candidates:

What do Barack Obama and John McCain need from a running mate? Of all the names being talked about as possible running mates, who do you think would be the best choice for each candidate, and why? Is there someone out there who you think would make a great vice president for McCain or Obama but likely isn't being considered?

Geoff Ankeney, Olympia:

I'm not sure that vice-presidents are particularly meaningful in the tactical minutiae of presidential campaigns. Things are changing these days, with the cult of personality dominating politics more and more. But in general, VP's are window dressing and the candidates win the game almost entirely on their own merits.

That said, the candidates have to pick someone. It would be easy to argue for the knee-jerk analyses — that McCain needs a hip, younger running mate (and "hot", preferably). Obama needs a white female, especially an older one who can offset the "too young" argument. But I think the more important thing to consider is "fit". Who do the candidates actually like? Who do they hang out with? Who do they go to for advice already anyway? A unified and genuinely warm ticket comprised of two professionals who respect and even like each other would make for a more compelling ticket than a surgically-perfected, poll-tested coupling.

Scott Kastelitz, Bothell:

I feel that during this election cycle, more than any in recent memory, the vice-presidential candidate selections will play a pivotal role in determining our next president. Each presidential candidate has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and selection of a VP to fill those voids and pull in voters from the center is crucial.

Barack Obama's campaign has been built on his ability to connect with and inspire people of all ages and walks of life on a level not seen in my lifetime. However, his minimal leadership experience and lack of clarity on issues is concerning. Choosing Hillary Clinton as his running mate could quell some of those fears. Although they've had their differences, this is the best selection he could make because Clinton, love her or hate her, is the closest thing the Democrats currently have to a seasoned national leader. She also brings with her a sizable bloc of loyal voters. Obama himself provides enough of a "wow factor" that his VP selection needs to be someone who can bolster the ticket with much needed experience like Clinton would.

John McCain has the opposite problem. His senate credentials are solid and he has experience in many of the basic categories deemed important for a candidate to have. However, McCain's biggest issue is that he can't seem to connect with people on a personal level and his message is still unclear. For this reason, I feel his choice should be Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty. Pawlenty, although relatively unknown, brings needed youth to his campaign and is from a potential swing state that he could help turn red on election night. McCain's experience will work in his favor, but the Republican ticket needs a shot in the arm like Pawlenty to start connecting with the masses. This selection is the closest thing the Republicans have to a "wow factor" to combat that of the Democratic ticket.

Carey Christensen, Stanwood:

Irreverence is the first temptation when handicapping the veep-stakes. Imagine John McCain flanked by his wife Cindy and possible running mate Mitt Romney. The Mattel dream team: Barbie and Ken have your back, G.I. Joe! On the other side, an Obama-Clinton-Clinton ticket is great theatre; questionable politics. I'll take a pass, and so should Obama.

Instead, I'll play it safe and sane this July 4th weekend, and pick Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty for McCain and Virginia Senator Jim Webb for Obama.

Tim Pawlenty has youth and management experience. A two term Republican governor in a Democratic leaning swing state, his hard line stance on immigration and other conservative issues balances McCain's centrism. Other young governors have been suggested as running mates for McCain, but, at 37, Louisiana's Bobby Jindal is too young, and Florida's Charlie Crist, though only 51, looks as old as McCain.

Jim Webb is a war veteran with administrative experience and a record of bipartisanship. He adds authority and credibility to the Democratic position to end the war in Iraq sooner rather than later, and is a popular figure in Virginia, a longtime Red state that Obama has a chance to turn Blue. An Obama — Webb ticket comes with the bonus that both are the real authors of best selling books. Is a literate, literary White House too much to hope for?

Outside pick for either camp: Bill Gates. Retired from Microsoft, simply saving the world through his foundation may not be enough of a challenge.

Don Manuszewski, Cibolo, Texas:

These two candidates need the opposite things — or put another way they need someone like the other. Obama needs someone who is older, more experienced and (yes I'll say it) Caucasian. McCain needs someone who is NOT what he is — an old, rich, white Republican. I use race here because no matter what anyone from either side says — it is important and talking publicly about it doesn't make it wrong.

So — who to pick — I liked the idea of Sam Nunn for Obama. He's got everything Obama needs and could bring home some of the iffy southern states.

For McCain — I really like Jindal although I don't think McCain has the nerve to pick him.

As far as a person who is not really on the radar, I'd say if McCain chose current Defense Secretary Robert Gatesit might work. Because he's the anti-Rumsfeld. Fired Bush and Rumsfeld appointees and has credibility.

Megan Gustafson, Redmond:

I can see why the candidates themselves struggle with this question. Many factors come into play: voting records, what states the person could bring to the table, complementary or uncomplimentary attributes to the presidential candidate.

Normally, I would say each candidate needs to look at the 2004 election and see where the races were <5% close where and find a VP that could help them win those states. Obama would want to capture where Kerry missed in Iowa (7), New Mexico (5), Ohio (20), Nevada (5) and Colorado (9) and McCain would want to capture what Bush lost with Wisconsin (10), New Hampshire (4), Pennsylvania (21), Michigan (17), Minnesota (10) and Oregon (7).This would lead to Obama with, a Southwesterner, Bill Richardson and McCain with someone, a Midwesterner, like John Danforth. This probably won't be the case in this election cycle.

In a well-rounded idealistic election, Obama needs an experienced person like Wesley Clark. McCain needs a young future of Republican Party like Bobby Jindal or Tim Pawlenty. This would really shake things up.

However, more likely we will get Hilary Clinton and Mike Huckabee, the second place candidates in the primaries/caucuses as Vice Presidential running mates.

Kurt Workman, Kennewick:

There's been some speculation that McCain might pick Mitt Romney as a running mate (mostly from former Romney supporters). McCain's smart enough, I think, to know better. Unlike the majority of post-Newt Republicans, McCain's weakness is with the Christian right. Romney's Mormonism hurts the ability to get these people motivated second only to... I don't know, maybe Farrakhan. McCain needs to pick someone from the South, with strong ties to the Bible Belt. Huckabee might not be a bad choice.

Tracy Green, Mill Creek:

Ever since presidential candidates have been allowed to select their own running mates the whole exercise of searching for a vice-presidential candidate has been a train wreck with few exceptions. This year the two major candidates can only hope not to hurt themselves by their choice.

Barack Obama has not been in Washington DC long enough to have tarnished his rock star status. Because he is still considered an outsider his running mate must be well-connected though removed enough from the ugliness of the beltway to not be a drag. Sam Nunn becomes a reasonable answer to this tricky question. Nunn hails from Georgia, a southern swing state which is also the home of Libertarian, Bob Barr who will be pecking away at conservative votes there. Nunn is moderate, pro-military and has been out of the public eye long enough to stay off the radar of the GOP attack machine.

The first thing McCain needs to consider is in a running mate is hair color. If his choice is a person with grey hair the whole ticket will seem old. (my apologies to Florida Governor Charlie Crist) If I were him I would not even take a chance on someone with blonde hair. Dark, handsome candidates need only apply. Obviously his choice must offer some conservative street credibility. Scanning his choices among the list of governors would be a wise choice so he doesn't nab someone already connected to the Bush administration. Mark Sanford appears to match these criteria nicely.

Susan Fagan, Pullman:

They each need to find running mates that will complement their style of leadership, that will "fill in the gaps" in areas where the presidential candidates are less experienced, and that will bring constituencies with them that the presidential candidates aren't engaging.

Of all the names being talked about as possible running mates, who do you think would be the best choice for each candidate, and why? Barack Obama would do well to choose Senator Clinton. She has an incredible broad base of support and can bring years of experience, including international experience, to the ticket. John McCain should choose Gov. Mitt Romney because he has plenty of economic experience, and Senator McCain said the economy isn't exactly his area of expertise. It's kind of refreshing when a candidate admits a weakness, isn't it?

Jeff Grubb, Panther Lake:

The modern Vice Presidency serves two purposes; ticket balance for the election and a promise of continuity in case of national emergency. Therefore the chosen candidates simultaneously need to be able to address the candidates' perceived weak spots as well as carry through on the president's goals. Tough order.

Regional balance used to be a big requirement. Now, not so much.

John McCain needs many things for his ticket — youth, charisma, and a strong core following. Mitt Romney fits the bill for this, a more moderate member of the party with experience dealing with the other party in legislative majority. While the religious conservatives are pushing Mike Huckabee, there is no real indication that such a choice would bring them fully into McCain's camp. If McCain truly feels it needs to shore itself up on the right, another social conservative such as Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania would do the job without sending a message of pandering to a powerful group.

Barack Obama could use someone with McCain's strengths — experience, gravitas, military background and directness. Former general Wesley Clark provides this. Indeed, the recent tempest-in-a-teapot regarding McCain's service shows that Clark is able to bluntly state his point, and Obama to turn it into a teaching moment. In addition, as a former candidate from Arkansas and a supporter of the recent Clinton campaign, he would help unify a wing of the party that has fought hard but come up short. Mike Webb of Virginia is also good, but few people know of his extensive military service (including Secretary of the Navy under Reagan), and would instead note his brief time as Senator, underscoring an Obama weakness.

It is a pity that at our nation's beginning, the loser in the presidential race became the vice president. Both McCain and Obama possess the very traits the other should be looking for in a running mate, and together they would make a great ticket.

Patrick Allen, West Seattle:

Barak needs someone that fits with the "change" theme more than anything. Someone that has some international experience would be nice and possibly being from swing state would not hurt either.

First off let's address the pink elephant in the room with the doily on it, Hillary. If Barak picks Hillary everyone will think he was forced into it and that is not the kind of image someone that is being criticized for not having enough experience is looking for.

Joe Biden would be great choice because of his foreign policy experience but does little to further the change message. There are many other interesting names being tossed about and I am sure we will be hearing more from Kathleen Sebelius in the future.

Here are two choices that are little debated and a bit more interesting from my perspective: Governor Schwitzer of Montana and Senator McCaskill of Missouri.

Schwitzer won by 4 percentage points back in 2004 and with a main message of alternative energy; he currently enjoys a 61% approval rating and is expected to win re-election 55% to 30% in a conservative leaning state.

Senator McCaskill of Missouri has been a close Obama adviser on how to run a campaign outside of big cities, and with her no nonsense manner of speaking to middle class Americans and appeal to women, would be my first choice. She could also help with the impression that Obama is an elitist.

John McCain desperately needs someone young with some new ideas to help shed the Bush label. Unfortunately for McCain he will probably pick someone like Mitt Romney to satisfy the conservatives. Who else are they going to vote for any way?

Very conservative, yet young, Catholic and East Indian, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana would send a huge youth message and possibly attract millions of East Indians to the polls. And with McCain's tenure in the Senate his youth and inexperience probably would not be an issue.

I don't think there are nearly as many interesting or compelling Republican candidates in the hopper right now, I bet we could find a couple of Republicans to agree on that too. For some not so mainstream choices let's look at Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon and Senator Susan Collins of Maine.

Gordon Smith could make Obama work a lot harder in Oregon than he expected, but would probably still win the state in the long run. Smith is young and handsome and would do a lot to make McCain appeal to the younger generation.

Susan Collins has a reputation of reaching across the aisle to pass legislation and would fit well with McCain's rebel image and being a woman might help woo so of the disgruntled Hillary supporters that keep threatening to...well...do what ever it is they keep threatening to do.

Bottom line, the VP choice rarely helps a candidate one way or the other, John Edwards did not even win his own state of South Carolina in 2004 and Dan Quayle did not hurt Bush!

David Spring, North Bend:

I think Barack Obama would do well to select Hillary Clinton as his VP. I know many Obama supporters are opposed to Hillary due to all the bad things she said about Barack during the primary fight. But the fact is that Barack and Hillary have nearly identical positions on nearly every issue. It is also a fact that Hillary got nearly as many votes as Barack. If we are to be the party of "inclusion and empowerment" as Barack claims, then we need to make a place for Hillary and her millions of supporters on the national ticket.

Bob Clark, Monroe:

Obama: I believe that Bill Richardson, the Governor of New Mexico is his obvious choice. It will help bring over as many Hispanic voters as possible given the fact that Barack's support for gay marriage and his sudden change of heart with regard to illegal immigration has turned so many of these voters over to McCain. He has also been deeply involved with energy policy and may be able to help sell the CO2 caused global warming scheme to the American voter at a time when a majority of Americans don't buy 'global warming' and now want to drill off the coastlines of the nation for both oil and natural gas. Richardson might be able to help spin some of Obama's radical proposals to make them palatable to a nation already awash with record high taxes in a faltering economy.

McCain: The very popular Governor of Florida Charlie Crist would be his best choice for Vice President. Not only does he bring in that state for McCain but he also could be a MAJOR factor in Georgia, Virginia and South Carolina which are key states in the up coming election. Christ has solid conservative credentials and could help shore up the Republican Party Conservative base for McCain. Because of his extensive crime fighting background in the Justice Department and in the US Senate, he brings along most of the nation's first responder votes. He also is a brilliant orator and a great campaigner. He also could act as the attacker for the McCain campaign, pointing out the hard negatives of Obama and his lack of experience with almost every issue on the boards to the American people.

Chad Johnson, Seattle:

The two candidates at this part of the campaign need vastly different things. Put in the most generic terms, Senator McCain needs someone who is going to be seen as an asset, while Senator Obama needs someone who is going to be seen as not a liability.

For Obama, I think that Governor Janet Napolitano is the best choice for vice-presidential candidate. First, she's a reasonably successful term-limited governor with some name recognition. Second, she's from a western state that also happens to be the home of his opponent. Third, if done correctly, her candidacy could help smooth over a lot of feathers that remain ruffled from the primary.

For McCain, he needs someone with a little zest and panache to get things exciting. He has one huge choice in front of him, and that's whether to run further to the center, or to attempt to solidify a GOP base that is said to be distrustful of him. I think he should go with Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota. Although his reputation as a maverick is still intact, Pawlenty as his running mate brings a youthful cachet that the McCain campaign currently lacks. It also puts a lot of the rust belt more into play. Finally, the selection of Pawlenty gives the McCain campaign a good tie to the working middle, lower-middle, and lower class folks.

Frankly, I'd kind of like to see Governor Gregoire or former Governor Locke on the ticket with Obama. Either of them would be great as a running mate, but I cannot imagine either would want to do it. For McCain, I think that Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama is probably not being actively considered, and ought to be.

Benjamin Lukoff, Seattle:

Even though the likelihood of this happening is close to zero, I'd love to see cross-party vice-presidential candidates, à la the proposed Kerry-McCain ticket of 2004. Even less likely, but also something I'd like to see, is a member of a third party in the VP slot. I have heard Joe Lieberman mulled as a possible vice president for John McCain, and while I disagree with his politics, an official independent in that slot is the most likely of my three scenarios. He wouldn't do it, but perhaps Michael Bloomberg for Obama?

As for the more likely running mates, my opinion is the same as I had during the caucuses: pick the candidate that gives you the best chance of winning. And if you're Obama, don't pick Clinton; not if you want to continue your campaign theme of "change." If you're McCain, a woman or minority is probably a good choice, politically.

None of this, of course, has anything to do with the potential candidates' merits, which is a sad reflection of the current state of our politics.

Bill Wippel, Normandy Park:

Obama needs to seek a well-known Washington DC insider because of his lack of experience and Congressional leadership. Former Sen. Tom Dashel comes to mind. He knows where the bodies are buried.

Hilary Clinton would not be a good choice because of her lack of leadership in her campaign which was a disaster. She was not realistic and continued to spend and "bait' the media and the nation about her concession.

McCain needs a youthful, conservative Republican. Gov. Crist of Florida appears to be the front-runner because he could help deliver his state and perhaps other nearby states.

Alex Berezow, Seattle:

John McCain needs to find a candidate that (1) understands the economy, (2) connects with conservative voters, and (3) is able to fundraise. By far, these are McCain's biggest liabilities. McCain even admitted he knew little about economic policy, and his inability to connect with conservative voters directly impacts his ability to fundraise. The only candidate that can satisfy these requirements is Mitt Romney. Flip-flopper though he may be (there must be something in the Massachusetts water supply), Romney became the darling of many conservatives and Christians during the primary season. His ability to fundraise nearly matches that of George W. Bush. Toss in the fact that Romney could help deliver Michigan (where he dominated McCain in the primary) to the Republicans, and I think the choice for VP becomes pretty obvious. Anyone other than Romney would be a huge mistake.

Barack Obama has more leeway in his VP selection. Obama needs to find someone who is (1) a conservative Democrat and (2) well-respected and well-liked, not only among Democrats, but among the American people. Obama has the most liberal voting record in the Senate, and so he needs to find a conservative Democrat who will balance that record. Furthermore, Obama has a reputation for associating with fairly controversial — and widely disliked — people, such as Jeremiah Wright and Michael Pfleger. Because of this, Obama is going to need to find a well-liked, high-profile Democrat to join the ticket. Senators Evan Bayh (Indiana) and Jim Webb (Virginia) immediately come to mind. Not only do they fulfill the requirements, but they are from states that Obama would love to steal from the GOP. Another person — who is certainly being overlooked — would be Sen. Mary Landrieu (Louisiana). Again, she is a well-liked, conservative Democrat from a state Obama would love to win. And while she isn't Hillary, she is a woman, and that could help heal some of the primary wounds.

Paul Graves, Olympia:

As a preliminary note, it's odd that the Constitution only creates two members of the executive branch and one is chosen (or at least nominated) in a highly undemocratic way, with a secret vetting process for a one-person selection committee followed by no confirmation hearings. But this is just a bagatelle.

Aspirationally, the nominees should have one criteria in selecting their running mates: the ability to take the reins of a vast, unwieldy organization and provide strong leadership, both on a moment's notice and during a national crisis. Given that criteria, Senator McCain's choice should be Governor Mitt Romney, who has run a major investment fund and a large state, and run both well. Senator Obama should tap Governor Bill Richardson, who has the most kinds of experience a president needs, or Senator Sam Nunn, who, with Senator Richard Lugar, should have won a nobel peace prize by now.

But of course it cannot be that simple. Although polls routinely show that voters care far more about the top-of-the-ticket name, his character, and his issues, see this exit poll, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5297138/, it is accepted (but, I maintain, not considered) wisdom that a nominee can shore up some group or state or weakness with the pick. So the mantra now is that Senator Obama should choose an old hand, like Senator Joe Biden, while Senator McCain should pick a young fresh face like Governor Bobby Jindal, a man who represents the next great hope of the Republican Party (Newark, NJ mayor Cory Booker plays this role in the Democratic Party). Or that both should choose a swing-stater, like Pennsylvania's Governor Ed Rendell or former Ohio congressman Rob Portman.

This would be a mistake though. First, because, as mentioned just three sentences ago, people rarely vote based on the number two nominee. Second, there is something unseemly in picking a person based on crude electoral calculations rather than on what person would actually make the best Vice President. Third, picking to shore up a weakness often serves only to highlight the weakness. Take the 2000 Vice Presidential choices. Vice President Gore chose a likable, personable running mate and Governor Bush picked an experienced executive. Watching the debates in October of that year, I could not help but wonder why those two weren't at the top of the ticket.

In the end, the Vice Presidential nomination serves as something to talk about during the lugubrious summer months, sort of second-tier national pastime. But we should take it, and the ghastly possibility that the pick will serve as President should the unspeakable happen, far more seriously that we do.

Brian Doennebrink, Shoreline:

Senator McCain needs somebody who's ~ 20 years younger, someone who would please conservatives, and someone from a swing state. Governor Mark Sanford (SC) brings everything plus congressional experience except he's not from a swing state; Governor Tim Pawlenty (MN) brings everything, but hails from a Democratic state. Governor Charlie Crist (FL) provides all except the conservatives and he looks older than he is. My guess: Sanford.

Senator Obama needs someone who's ~ 10-15 years older, from a swing state, has national security and executive credentials. The best choice for these criteria would be Governor Bill Richardson (NM), who meets all of the above and might deliver Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico to the Democrats while putting Florida in play. Still, some might object to having two male minorities on a ticket, thus Senator Evan Bayh (IN) — who brings executive experience and is from a swing state — would be tapped, while swing state Senator Claire McCaskill (MO) will be considered as the best non-Clinton female along with Governor Kathleen Sebelius (KS). My guess: Bayh.

Is there someone out there who you think would make a great vice president for McCain or Obama but likely isn't being considered?

For the Republicans, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, who turned the $600 million deficit he inherited into a $300 million surplus in a single year, has experience in the White House, which should please conservatives, and who's from a swing state nationally that the Republicans should be able to retain. Other dark horses would be U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO.), who would help with women voters, is thus an unexpected choice, is from a swing state, and has conservative credentials; and U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (TN), who brings all of the same except that she's not from a swing state.

For the Democrats, Senator Russ Feingold (WI) would be an interesting "dark horse" candidate who has liberal credentials except that he's a budget hawk and was a co-sponsor of campaign finance reform with Senator McCain

Dan Rosson, Seattle:

McCain: John McCain needs a lot of things in his running mate. He needs someone who appeals to women, minorities, younger people and economic experience. Unfortunately, the Republican party is the party of old white men so finding someone who meets these credentials will be tough. I believe Condoleezza Rice would be his best running mate, but her ties to the Bush administration are a big negative. Ultimately, I think he will choose Mitt Romney and together they will be the two biggest flip floppers to run for President in the U.S. history.

Obama: Barack Obama has so many more options. He could use someone a bit older, experienced and with military and foreign policy experience. There are many Democrats that fit several of these options. Ideally, I would like him to pick Al Gore, John Edwards, or more realistically Bill Richardson. It is anyone's guess who he will pick, but I am going to predict a longshot: Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg is an independent, and he would help Obama look more centrist. Plus he knows a thing or two about the economy and running a major city. I can say with a great deal of confidence that he won't choose Hillary Clinton. He doesn't need her that much.

Keith Houser, Bellevue:

Barack Obama needs a vice presidential candidate that will resonate among Catholic Americans, particularly in the rust-belt of the Midwest. The ideal choice for him would be Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, whose father was governor of Ohio. As the governor of a rural state, she would provide geographical balance to the ticket and encourage demoralized female Clinton voters without the baggage of Clinton herself. Other reasonable choices would be the popular Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, or Joe Biden or Chris Dodd, who each have foreign policy credentials.

McCain needs to solidify the base of his Republican Party, particularly among evangelicals. His support for immigration reform and occasional criticism of the Bush administration may help him somewhat with independents but will require a right-wing standard-bearer for a running mate. Mike Huckabee would be a conciliatory gesture to the religious right, while Tim Pawlenty has strong anti-illegal immigration credentials. Bobby Jindal is a bona fide conservative whose youth would offset McCain's age, though his Indian ethnicity would detract from the ability of right-wing surrogates to paint Obama as foreign and somehow unrepresentative of Middle America.

That said, Joe Lieberman has been in the habit of inducing nausea among Democrats for most of his career, so his selection as McCain's VP nominee would continue a pattern many are familiar with.

Salaha Warsi-Brighton, Seattle:

The obvious answer and one which equally fits both candidates is 'someone who will balance the ticket.'

For Barack Obama this means either Hilary Clinton (women and working class votes) or John Edwards (champion for the poor.) Each have spouses who bolster not only their partners but also their party. The long shots would be Mike Gravel (no nonsense, straight talker) and Chuck Hagel (bipartisanship). I believe Senator Clinton is by far the most outstanding candidate for VP.

However, I see Senator Obama's biggest and most immediate problem as being targeted as a 'flip flopper.' He needs to stand up and fight for what he believes in, not just say whatever he needs to say to get one more vote. He needs to stop coming across as 'just another politician'. Having Clinton as VP would be the right choice because she has shown what a 'fighter' she is. At the same time, I think she could overshadow Obama by reminding people of whom they could have had as their Presidential candidate.

If he could put ambition and ego aside, I think Obama could be assured of the 2012 nomination if he stepped aside at the democratic convention and nominated Jimmy Carter for president. Why? To heal the country, and to restore America's role in the world as the living embodiment of freedom, of justice and of liberty for all.

For John McCain, this means Mitt Romney (fiscal conservative, evangelical, family man who can work across the political divide. Money is not an issue) A longshot but far more promising VP would be Ron Paul. Like McCain, Paul is a maverick. He could keep the 'straight talk express' on the 'straight and narrow.' More importantly he could bring his 'internet' savvy to the republican party.

What Senator McCain needs to do most is to not surround himself with Yes men (as Bush did), but rather have a coalition from all walks of life, and from all parties. To that end he could ask Clinton or Edwards to join his ticket. And he should let them run as themselves (democrats). He has repeatedly said 'country before party.' Let him show the country he is not all talk, but rather action.

Gary Clark, Marysville:

Someone who is honest, and ethical, and who has some experience in business or government, as in being responsible for budgeting and financial matters.

I've mostly been a Republican since the first time I could vote, for Barry Goldwater. However, I do not like Senator McCain, and I do not like any of the Republican VP possible choices. With the Democrats, I would favor Hillary Clinton, OR, Leon Panetta, as VP choices.

Robert Barr, Ron Paul, Ralph Nader and all the other no-name presidential wannabes (there are at least a couple dozen of them) should check into mental health treatment. They suffer with presinoia. (That is a word I invented, to describe one's delusional thinking and belief that they actually have a chance of getting elected president; when in fact, their chances are the exact same as them becoming the next Pope, or Czar of Russia.)

Dave Hamilton, Bellevue:

The obvious answer is they need balance. I hope that both candidates look for the kind of balance that brings them to the middle of the political spectrum and not geographic balance.

For Obama to win he needs to prove that he is not a left wing radical (which he clearly isn't). He should choose a 'good government' running mate who is just right of center and has a track record of success. No one new to the game.

McCain needs to choose a somewhat softer, gentler, and certainly younger version of himself. I think he score points for not always towing the party line and for his pragmatic approach to getting things done. McCain scores extra points with voters for choosing a running mate who can carefully testify against our current Commander in Chief for getting us into war in Iraq, but somehow make us feel noble for our efforts.

Les Gruner, Seattle:

Interesting questions. In terms of running mates, I think Barack Obama needs someone with managerial experience to balance his visionary and oratory driven communications. The person that comes to mind is the Governor of Kansas. She comes across as a very sharp and grounded politician who knows in how to get things done in government. It also presents a different form of the "dream ticket". As for John McCain, I think he needs someone with business and fiscal experience. I believe his smartest choice would be Mitt Romney. By doing that he gets business expertise and strengthens his religious-right base.

People probably not considered, but that could be good, would be Joe Biden for Obama and Kate Bailey Hutchison for McCain. They both bring balance an a slightly different mix to the team.

Rob Larsen, Pullman:

I think that in order for McCain to be successful with the young voters Obama has completely wrapped up, he needs a very free thinker out of a running mate. As much as many people would disagree, I can't think of a better running mate than Ron Paul. He's a free thinker, all about personal freedoms, and at the same time holding true to his political conservative values. Without aligning himself with young conservatives and libertarians, I doubt McCain stands a chance, even with any of the other former presidential candidates.

As for Obama, Hillary or any of her most loyal supporters can bring the party back together. It also answers some of the issues people like to bring up in reference to his lack of experience. His platform may be change, but without some form of "familiar" it could be political suicide and alienate those on the fence.

Tim Clark, Mountlake Terrace:

John McCain needs to pick an African-American woman, such as Condoleezza Rice, as his running mate. If he were to do this, it would neutralize the identity politics that is the backbone of Obama's run. It would even one-up the level of identity politics that was the backbone of Hillary's run, by trumping the women factor as well. If McCain were to pick an African-American woman, we could focus on the actual issues, rather than vote for (or against) people based on skin color or gender.

On the other side, Obama needs to pick a white conservative Christian from the south. This would neutralize the Republican side of the coin of identity politics. There is no doubt in my mind that many Republicans, especially in the south, vote that way because the Republican party is perceived as the "Christian" party.

To sum up, both candidates need to do their best to neutralize the current tendency of politics to focus on identity factors such as "looks like me, walks like me, talks like me."

Apollo Fuhriman, Bothell:

Republican: Mitt Romney. I first met Mitt at a Rossi event attended by 20 people in 2004 when very few people knew either one and was surprised that a governor from across the country knew more about the specific economic needs and problems of Washington than our own governor did. I sat near him and listened to him explain the intricate market factors driving businesses out of Washington, making it so difficult for our farmers to get their food to the world market and the specific burdens placed on small businesses from Olympia. These weren't general platitudes, but were specific and went far beyond anything that he could have learned from an aide or from select talking points. When he spoke at Microsoft last year, in his PowerPoint (yes, he was a hugely successful businessman), he presented a fabulous plan for our region. In addition to requiring accountability in government and in schools, he also rewarded excellence and promoted outstanding students through what he termed 'no child held back.' So many smart students are bored to tears at schools because they are not challenged and, even with a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall, he was able to promote these school programs.

Democrat: Joe R. Biden. Experience. Barack Obama does not have it, Joe Biden does. Where Sen. Obama lacks the detailed understanding of America's foreign policy over the past decade-plus, Sen. Biden was in those committee hearings, on those foreign trips and has met with foreign leaders (in the capacity of a powerful senator, not merely to have tea.) In the past, Sen. Biden has been able to leave partisanship at the border of America, and I would hope that he would try not to score partisan political points overseas in the future. Although Delaware is not a swing state, Sen. Biden's experience and steady hand are needed to provide Sen. Obama with the statesman-type qualities that we expect in our top elected officials.

Mike Matesky, Seattle:

I think Mike Huckabee might be the best running-mate option for McCain. McCain needs to rally support and increase turnout among traditional conservatives, and Huckabee's openly religious nature and background will help him there. McCain needs to avoid being painted as a typical Bush administration right-winger, and Mike Huckabee's economic populism and lack of national party "in-crowd" status could help him there. Also, McCain is suffering from a serious charisma gap with regard to Obama. Listening to McCain speak is like listening to paint dry. With his engaging public speaking demeanor, Huckabee could help McCain carry water in that department.

I think Obama has some really tough competing goals. He wants to bring Hillary supporters firmly into his camp. He wants to offset his relative youth and lack of experience with an older, more experienced politician, while retaining his "change" brand. He also might want to make a pick that puts him over the top in a big swing state, like Pennsylvania or Ohio. Maybe Gov. Rendell of Pennsylvania? I could see this pick going anywhere.

Carol Moll, Arlington:

John McCain needs a running mate who is from the South and who is younger to offset his age problem. Charlie Crist, governor of Florida, would be an excellent choice. He is in his early 50's; he is very popular in Florida which is a must win state in the election. My next choice would be Bobby Jindal, governor of Louisiana, who is very young at age 37 and a rising star in the GOP. He would bring racial balance to the ticket and he has a good record as a political reformer in his home state which is something to consider in this Change election year. He is smart and very capable. My third choice is a bit of a reach because of her sometimes controversial role in the Bush Administration and that is Condoleezza Rice. She is in her 50's and is from Birmingham, Alabama. She is very bright and articulate and has earned the respect of people like Alan Greenspan. She would bring racial and gender balance to the ticket. I think she is one of the most capable people in public life today. Her big problem is the poisoned atmosphere of public discourse today. Because of her close ties to the current administration, she would have more negatives than either Crist or Jindal. My fourth choice would be Mike Huckabee of Arkansas. He is in his early 50's and has shown himself to be a very effective campaigner. He combines a populist message which appeals to working people with a strong appeal to Evangelicals which would help the ticket in broad swathes of the country. He would be very effective in reaching out to Reagan Democrats. He and McCain appear to get along very well together. His big problem with the Republican establishment is his position on Darwinism. However, this is not an issue with the broad mainstream of US voters. It's an issue which is important to some, but it is a yawner to most.

Jason DesLongchamp, SeaTac:

For a running mate,McCain needs to throw a bone to the conservatives. It's not that I think he has to, but media perception seems to be reality for most people, and you've got to excite your base if you want to win. He also needs to inject some youth into his campaign.

Again, perception being reality, the line on John McCain is that he's too old, and as offensive as that line of attack is, it's also very effective (see Bob Dole for how that one turns out). It seems that adding a significantly younger counterpart would give him a little more cachet with independents.

It seems that Bobby Jindal, the governor of Louisiana, would be an excellent choice for McCain. Jindal is very young and very conservative. Also, clearly Republicans are considered the "white" party, so it would be a good building block for the future of the GOP.

And therein lies the problem, it might come across as calculating and cynical — but why should that be a problem, we are talking about politicians, aren't we? The truth is that he's a good speaker and he has more executive experience than Obama, so it is hard to see how the Obama campaign could use the Jindal selection against McCain. Of course there is Mitt Romney, a conservative standard-bearer, but he quickly started looking like the John Kerry of the Republican party, and I think most of us are tired of seeing that ken-doll head of his.

The problem for Obama is that he's a northern liberal, and we have only elected one of those for president in the last 60 years. What he does have going for him is that he is very similar to that one we elected (JKF). Of course he's young, not much executive experience, and the key to being elected president is to be all things to all men, so he needs an older moderate with lots of experience.

Senator Jim Webb would seem to be a good choice, especially with the two wars that we have going on right now. But he is a relative unknown and he's apt to say stupid things from time to time. Governor of Ohio Ted Strickland might be a better choice. He would bring a battleground state to the table and he has cross-party appeal, though he doesn't have any particular policy expertise.

But the more interesting questions is: does it matter? People don't vote for the vice president (case in point the last two elections).

Now, if either one of these men could secure Jesus Christ as their running mate it would be a clear advantage, but the odds are long and time is short.

Cliff Potter, Sammamish:

No Vice Presidential candidate has mattered much to any Presidential candidate. This election could be different. They might be dangerous if completely idiotic. In today's world, each potential VP will be so vetted almost no chance of such a slip up exists.

Barack Obama needs a woman, and both would benefit from women. A choice of a woman would do some good in terms of bringing back and keeping Clinton supporters.

Age is a non-factor for McCain. Most are younger anyway! The better issue would be ideological. And while ideologies are difficult, the more important ideology will be to have someone who is compatible and who will ensure the center, the real battleground in this and most other elections.

Of all the names being talked about as possible running mates, who do you think would be the best choice for each candidate, and why?

For Barack Obama, the best choice would be Hillary Clinton for votes, followed by Kathleen Sebelius, Governor of Kansas. It is most likely that Sebelius will be chosen. She is a veteran campaigner, fine speaker and likely to add more to the campaign than Hillary Clinton.

For McCain, Joe Lieberman and Mitt Romney are both great choices. While some may not take kindly to choosing an "independent," Lieberman is independent in name only, especially on wartime issues. Romney is a great campaigner with money whose style is a good and sharp contrast with McCain's and who has a great record as an administrator with substantial depth in financial matters. He is more like Cheney who stood Bush in good stead in two elections.

Is there someone out there who you think would make a great vice president for McCain or Obama but likely isn't being considered?

There are a few dark horses. Among those most likely are those with substantial business and economic experience. Try one of the following for either candidate: (1) the chair or president of a national bank; (2) the chair or president of a technology company; and (3) the chair of a major retailer.

Dale Amundsen, Monroe:

Obama, for all his talk about change and uniting the country, still carries a first-class liberal voting record. Now that he's hedging his bets about his prior rhetoric about immediate withdrawal from Iraq, he'd probably do well to give the nod to someone with military experience. Perhaps Virginia Senator Jim Webb — former Secretary of the Navy under Reagan — would make Obama palatable to voters who admire McCain's military credentials.

McCain, on the other hand, should find someone younger who could help bring the more conservative wing of his party to the polls. Long shot, maybe, but he should reach north to Alaska and pick Governor Sarah Palin. A conservative woman with a warm appeal would energize McCain's sometimes tired image.

Matt Helmer, Ballard:

Voters' early doubts about Obama and McCain make this years vice-presidential selections much more significant in years past. Currently, Obama needs to ease concerns with those worried about his experience in international affairs and also make more inroads into white working class families and senior citizens. I think at this point, we can all assume that Obama will not choose Hillary. Though she would alleviate concerns about Obama's experience and help him win over more white voters, she could also potentially galvanize the right behind McCain. More importantly, I think Obama may have concerns about the growth of power of the vice presidential role in the Bush-Cheney years and is looking for a more traditional role for the vice president in his administration. Joe Biden, a senator from Delaware, then seems to be a logical choice. He brings a seasoned resume in international and domestic affairs, which in conjunction with his ability to be concise, blunt, and humorous may allow him to create a dedicated following of his own among older voters as Obama did with younger voters. On the other hand, choosing Biden does not offer Obama any geographical advantage since Biden is from Delaware, a democratic stronghold. As a result, Bill Richardson, the governor from New Mexico, may be Obama's choice. Like Biden, Richardson brings a wealth of experience and would likely help Obama carry New Mexico, a swing state. Also, Richardson, who is Hispanic, would help Obama solidify his support among Latino voters, who will likely decide the race in Florida and play a pivotal role in many other contests. With Obama's momentum and voter registration drive, he retains some flexibility in his choice unlike McCain who is in dire need of a boost.

McCain's age and his inability to energize the conservative base limit his options much more than Obama. Though there are many names floating around including Charlie Crist and even Joe Lieberman, McCain's only real option is Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts. Romney's appeal to traditional conservatives including business owners, gun owners, and evangelicals make his selection a necessity for McCain. Conservatives across the country, led in part by Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, and Karl Rove are begging for a true conservative as McCain's running mate. A true conservative on the McCain ticket would undoubtedly pump more blood, volunteers and other resources into a campaign many say is struggling to get off the ground. Furthermore, Romney's support in some unexpected swing states such as Montana and Colorado may allow McCain to focus more financial resources on other swing states. On the other hand, Romney and McCain don't seem to like each other very much so McCain may end up choosing Crist to secure a Florida win. After Crist's engagement this week to his girlfriend of 9 months, this is even more plausible, but I wouldn't expect Crist to have the national impact McCain needs, which again leads me to conclude Romney will be standing alongside McCain very soon.

Rob Meyer, Kettle Falls (Stevens County):

They each need contrast — in the case of Mr. Obama, an older person with "national security bona-fides"(as most of the "mainstream media" have said for months). In the case of Mr. McCain, someone younger (but not too young...don't want to make Johnny Mac look older and frailer than he already is).

Since Obama's campaign has apparently been hijacked by the same "consultant class" who doomed the campaigns of John Kerry and Al Gore in the past two Presidential go-rounds, and since Mr. McCain just "shook up" the roster of his senior campaign staff, one can expect the "vetting" of potential Veeps to start all over again.

Who would be the best choice for each running mate (and why)?

Obama: Bill Richardson. Best range of experience; his presidential campaign would have continued till the "end," if not for the Clintons. He brings demographic diversity as well as the "foreign policy" bullets on his résumé. New Mexico doesn't have a scad of electoral votes, but the West is increasingly influential East of the Mississippi.

McCain: "Conventional wisdom" says Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty was a lock for Veep candidate the day McCain shut out Mike Huckabee.

Huckabee might be the best choice. Executive experience, good sense of humor, experienced campaigner .. and the GOP would LOVE a man from Hope, Arkansas to help send another right-wing administration into office. He's younger, but not too much younger...and he surprised everyone in the primaries.

3) Who would make a great VP but is not being considered?

McCain: John Warner (too old). Mike Blumenthal (also a possibility for Obama — but too New York). Bill Gates (if he's to be believed, no interest). Charlie Crist...maybe still on McCain's list if "certain pundits" can be believed.

Obama: Wesley Clark — shot himself in the foot with the whole "being a POW" doesn't qualify you to be President kerfuffle...also shot Obama's campaign (spending the last week in "who is more patriotic?" garbage as a result). Mike Blumenthal (see above).

Bill Gates (see above). Hillary Clinton: NO, HE WON"T! Sam Nunn: brings the credibility, but out of the Senate long enough to make him seem Too Old next to Barry O.

The main thing each candidate must avoid in their Veep choice: No Dan Quayle and No Dick Cheney on the R side; No Joe Lieberman and no Howard Dean on the D side.