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Democrats brace for Obama's VP pick

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-08-18 09:48

WASHINGTON - US political junkies will be casting nervous glances at their mobile phones this week, with Democratic White House pick Barack Obama promising to name his running mate by text message and email.

New Mexico governor answers questions during a visit to Venezuela in April 2008. [Agencies]

In an unprecedented move, the Obama campaign says it will first reveal his choice of vice presidential nominees not to the political media pack, but to the two million supporters who have bankrolled his tilt at history.

Many observers think the Illinois Senator could make his pick as soon as this week, to give him time to showcase his presidential ticket before the Democratic National Convention from August 25-28 in Denver, Colorado.

Republican John McCain is also mulling his choice of vice presidential nominee, and could spring a surprise this week, or wait until just before the Republican convention, between September 1 and 4.

Both candidates have holes in their political resumes they need to plug, and making the right choice is vitally important.

Obama, 47, has said he does not want merely a ceremonial vice president, but is seeking an integral cog in his governing machine.

"I'm not interested in a vice president who I send off to go to funerals," he told NBC television last month. "I want somebody who is going to roll up their sleeves and be willing to work."

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Republican McCain meanwhile, who would be 72, and the oldest president ever inaugurated for a first term next January, may be looking for some youth.

"I am aware of the enhanced importance of this issue given my age," McCain said back April.

Since the 'VP' is popularly seen as a heartbeat away from the presidency McCain and Obama must also think the unthinkable -- ensure that their number two is fit to serve in the event of their demise.

Since Obama is short of national security experience, he may opt for a veteran political hand.

For Obama, Senator Joseph Biden, former senator Sam Nunn, or even ex United Nations ambassador Bill Richardson might be a fit, but picking an establishment figure might undercut his vow to reform Washington's clogged political system.

Virginia governor Tim Kaine is from middle America, speaks fluent Spanish and may be able to help deliver his southern swing state, which Obama is targeting.

But talking to NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday, Kaine refused to be drawn on whether he was in talks with the Obama campaign about being the vice-presidential nominee.

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