# Who will/should Obama pick as running mate? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [June 4, 2008, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752 "2008-06-04T13:50:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2008, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/221 "2008-08-08T23:11:08Z")
[QUOTE=I Love Me, Vol. I] I am very embarrassed to admit I have not been following the Democratic “Veepstakes” in the media at all and have only skimmed this thread. As a result I am pretty out of touch. I would be quite obliged if someone would post the current short list (or medium-short list 🙂 ) of people under consideration to be Obama’s running-mate (5 or 10 or whatever). [/QUOTE] Currently the top 3 are reputed to be Baye, Biden and VA Governor, Tim Kaine. Other names in contention are Kathleen Sibelius (Gov. Kansas), Chuck Hagel, Jim Webb and, of course, HRC. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2008, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/222 "2008-08-08T23:31:37Z")
Bill Richardson gets mentioned. Chet Edwards has been moving up the list. Bill Reed has removed himself and Wesley Clark’s star faded a while ago. Obviously John Edwards is no longer on the list. And who knows if Carl Levin is actually being vetted. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/223 "2008-08-09T00:07:39Z")
[QUOTE=Love Rhombus] Agreed, he seems like a good decent pick. Bayh just seems too bland, though maybe that’s what they want across from Barackstar\* Obama. \*Please tell me I’m the first to think of this. [/QUOTE] [Sorry, but no.](http://www.google.com/search?q=barackstar) ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/224 "2008-08-09T00:08:06Z")
Thanks all for the clue-in. ---
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/225 "2008-08-09T00:28:23Z")
[QUOTE=Diogenes the Cynic] Currently the top 3 are reputed to be Baye, Biden and VA Governor, Tim Kaine. Other names in contention are Kathleen Sibelius (Gov. Kansas), Chuck Hagel, Jim Webb and, of course, HRC. [/QUOTE] Regardless of her credentials, the name Sibelius is so…weird-sounding. Especially when combined with Obama’s for the “ticket” - “Obama-Sibelius.” That sounds like the scientific name for some kind of bacteria or something. It would look really weird on bumper stickers. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/226 "2008-08-09T01:57:37Z")
[QUOTE=Argent Towers] Regardless of her credentials, the name Sibelius is so…weird-sounding. Especially when combined with Obama’s for the “ticket” - “Obama-Sibelius.” That sounds like the scientific name for some kind of bacteria or something. It would look really weird on bumper stickers. [/QUOTE] Even if you shorten it: “Ob-Sib”. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/227 "2008-08-09T02:03:22Z")
[QUOTE=Love Rhombus] Even if you shorten it: “Ob-Sib”. [/QUOTE] And that sounds like a medical specialty. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/228 "2008-08-09T02:33:41Z")
They should probably try out the Hollywood name blending thing with some of the potential Veeps. Obamary. Obiden. Obaye. Barackaine. Obelius. Obagel. ---
**Author:** ![Oy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bc8723/32.png) [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/229 "2008-08-09T03:20:02Z")
[QUOTE=Argent Towers] Regardless of her credentials, the name Sibelius is so…weird-sounding. Especially when combined with Obama’s for the “ticket” - “Obama-Sibelius.” That sounds like the scientific name for some kind of bacteria or something. It would look really weird on bumper stickers. [/QUOTE] Can’t you just hear David Attenborough’s hushed voice narrating as the camera moves through the forest? “In this remote corner of the rain forest, we stumble upon this last remaining patch of Obama-Sibelius, once so prolific, but now so rarely found. Note its unusual colouring, its detachment from the rest of the plants, and its odd ability to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the creatures surrounding it.” or “Mrs. Brookes, I’m afraid we have some bad news about your daughter.” “Oh no, doctor! What is it?” “She’s contracted Obama-Sibelius.” \ “There are a number of ways she could have gotten it; associating with other people either socially or at school, or maybe even watching TV or on the Internet. It generally starts with a heightened state of excitement, almost a fey state; you might even call it a mania. After a few days, weeks or months, it generally settles down to a more calm stage in which the patient simply seems more rational and hopeful, with the occasional brief bounce back to the original excitement. However, this syndrome has been known to result in deep depression in early November under certain elephantine circumstances.” ---
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/230 "2008-08-09T03:26:00Z")
It also sounds like the name of a solar system in a science fiction movie or something. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/231 "2008-08-09T03:27:12Z")
[QUOTE=Diogenes the Cynic] Currently the top 3 are reputed to be Baye, … [/QUOTE] I’m sorry, Vice-President Quayle, “Bayh” does not have an “e” on the end of it. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/232 "2008-08-09T03:41:26Z")
[QUOTE=Frank] I’m sorry, Vice-President Quayle, “Bayh” does not have an “e” on the end of it. [/QUOTE] Thanks. For some reason I can never quite remember how to spell that name. I fuck it up all the time. Before I wrote “Baye,” I wrote “Bye.” I knew _that_ didn’t look right. It’s just one of thsoe spellings that won’t stick in my head for whatever reason. It’s probably the drug damage. ---
**Author:** ![Oy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bc8723/32.png) [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/233 "2008-08-09T03:45:11Z")
Although my personal preference is for Richardson, Obamabayh or Obayh each has a certain ring to it, as does Obiden. But where but America could you find the Irish Jew, O’Bagel? As a VEEP choice it horrifies me, but as a name choice, it delights me! ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2008, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/234 "2008-08-11T16:30:24Z")
[QUOTE=Argent Towers] It also sounds like the name of a solar system in a science fiction movie or something. [/QUOTE] [Cervaise nailed this a while ago.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=9775954&postcount=37) Anyway, interesting announcement today: Obama’s team says the veep choice will be announced by text message. They didn’t say when, although I don’t think they’d have just mentioned this if they were planning to keep quiet for two more weeks. I don’t really know if this accomplishes anything but I guess it’s an effort to stay hip, and maybe it gets them a tiny bit of extra coverage for doing something in a unique way. Presumably the text messages will be followed shortly by a rally anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2008, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/235 "2008-08-11T21:50:40Z")
[QUOTE=Marley23] [Cervaise nailed this a while ago.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=9775954&postcount=37) [/QUOTE] Then Barack Obama IS the Half-Blood Prince!\* And I KNOW I’m not the first to think of that. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2008, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/236 "2008-08-11T22:43:55Z")
[QUOTE=Marley23] [Cervaise nailed this a while ago.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=9775954&postcount=37) Anyway, interesting announcement today: Obama’s team says the veep choice will be announced by text message. They didn’t say when, although I don’t think they’d have just mentioned this if they were planning to keep quiet for two more weeks. I don’t really know if this accomplishes anything but I guess it’s an effort to stay hip, and maybe it gets them a tiny bit of extra coverage for doing something in a unique way. Presumably the text messages will be followed shortly by a rally anyway. [/QUOTE] In Michigan, text “MI” to 62262. I think you’ll get it if you send your postal code into that number. ---
**Author:** ![Lakai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9de0a6/32.png) [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2008, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/237 "2008-08-11T23:24:27Z")
[QUOTE=Marley23] Anyway, interesting announcement today: Obama’s team says the veep choice will be announced by text message. They didn’t say when, although I don’t think they’d have just mentioned this if they were planning to keep quiet for two more weeks. I don’t really know if this accomplishes anything but I guess it’s an effort to stay hip, and maybe it gets them a tiny bit of extra coverage for doing something in a unique way. Presumably the text messages will be followed shortly by a rally anyway. [/QUOTE] It’s also being announced that the VP speaking day at the convention will have a veteran [theme.](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/11/a-vp-hint-vps-convention_n_118148.html) ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2008, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/238 "2008-08-12T08:33:50Z")
[QUOTE=Lakai] It’s also being announced that the VP speaking day at the convention will have a veteran [theme.](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/11/a-vp-hint-vps-convention_n_118148.html) [/QUOTE] Hmm, does that mean Sam Nunn then? That’s my least favorite pick. The LGBT vote, which was already pro-Hillary, won’t like Nunn one bit for don’t ask, don’t tell. They won’t vote McCain, but they could stay home on election day. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2008, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/239 "2008-08-12T11:13:47Z")
Not that I’d read too much into the theme of the day, (really) [but](http://edwards.house.gov/html/bio.cfm) > [@](#): > > As the Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Edwards is known as a national champion for America’s veterans, troops, and their families. In 2007, he authored the largest increase in veterans funding in the 77-year history of the Veterans Administration, an $11.8 billion increase. American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser called Edwards’ record VA Appropriations bill, “a monumental achievement.” This year, both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars recognized Congressman Edwards’ leadership with their national awards given to only one member of Congress. In 2007, he was awarded the Disabled American Veterans’ “Going to Bat for Veterans” award for authoring the historic VA funding increases. Working with Speaker Pelosi in 2005, Congressman Edwards introduced the GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century, which dramatically improved veterans’ health care and benefits, and covered the full cost of a college education. Edwards then received the Military Order of the Purple Heart’s “Inspirational Leadership” award in 2005. In 2008, Chairman Edwards played a key role in enacting the new GI Bill of Rights into law. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2008, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752/240 "2008-08-12T11:19:23Z")
It could also augur well for Hagel or Jones. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-obama-pick-as-running-mate/451752.md?page=13)