Most likely Senator Obama will be the Democratic Nominee. These are only a few people that I believe may be on the shortlist, but who knows. Perhaps, we’ll see some of these individuals within the Obama Administration or maybe to throw everyone off, I’ll get the phone call to be the running mate.

Democrats:
Gov. Tim Kaine (VA)
Governor Kaine was an early supporter of Obama and once you check out his background you will see why he’s a good match-up with Barack. He’s served as Lt. Governor, Lawyer, and Missionary and has created better access to healthcare to not only individuals, but business owners too. I’ve only paid attention to him for a short period of time, but am impressed with his accomplishments. My only concern is his lack of national name recognition. He would be an involved, active and good Vice-President.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (KS)
I believe that this two term Governor from Kansas has a good shot at the number 2 spot for multiple reasons. I would look for her in upcoming years as a possible presidential candidate. Becoming the Vice-President would just elevate that possibility. My only concern is the lack of national name recognition. She brings great accomplishments in public education and to healthcare. In my opinion, she would be the alternative to those die-hard Hillary supporters.

Frm. Sen. John Edwards (NC)
The selection of John Edwards would simply be ideal. The question would be would he accept it. He was the Vice-Presidential nominee in 2004. I’m not sure if he would want to be on the ticket again. An Obama/Edwards ticket would be difficult in my opinion to challenge with the enthusiasm it would bring. The nation already knows who he is, so an introduction is not necessary. I’m not sure Elizabeth Edwards would be excited, but who knows.

Sen. Jack Reed (RI)
This two-term senator is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Appropriations Committee. He is also one of the most progressive members of the Senate. A former Army Ranger and a member of the 325th Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, Reed will back down to no one on military issues. The only issue is the lack of national name recognition. His credentials would be difficult for a republican to discredit. Although I feel that he has a good shot at it, I don’t see the advantages of having another person from the New England area on the ticket. Perhaps we’ll see him in a cabinet position.

Gov. Bill Richardson (NM)
Personally, I would absolutely love to see Bill Richardson as VP, but I think that may be too much for Non-Black and Non-Latino Americans to swallow at one time.

The unspoken statements it would say to have these two on the same ticket would be difficult for anyone to discredit. Although I believe that Bill Richardson would make a great Vice-President on multiple levels, I think he may just be Obama’s Secretary of State. That’s just my prediction.

He brings the national name recognition, the credentials on every level and would make a great president too. He’s only strike, which isn’t a strike in my opinion is that Non-Black & Non-Latino Americans may say that they are ready for diversity, but to have a Black man as President and a Hispanic man has Vice-President at the same time would send some in a culture shock. But those who sincerely enjoy diversity would find it difficult to contain themselves of these possibilities.

These are my predictions for Vice-Presidential Candidates with Obama. I list them in order of how I would like to see the shortlist.
1. Sen. John Edwards (D, NC)
2. Gov. Bill Richardson (D, NM)
3. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D, KS)
4. Gov. Tim Kaine (D, VA)
5. Sen. Jack Reed (D, RI)

I would accept the invitation if offered to be Vice-President, but I would probably have a better chances of winning American Idol before that would happen.