McCain, Obama VP Talk Heats Up

Second, he could select a male with a middle of the road voting record and foreign policy experience. The prominent names in this column include: Sen. Joe Biden (D., Del.), former Sen. Sam Nunn (D., Ga.), Sen. Evan Bayh (D., Ind.), and Gov. Bill Richardson (D., N.M.).

Both Biden and Richardson have the highest profile after being candidates themselves taking part in more than 15 democratic presidential debates. Biden in particular has been mentioned prominently.

But I think the campaign demonstrated why neither of these candidates have a chance. They have a tendency to speak extemporaneously. Campaigns would rather prefer a candidate able to stay on message and not become a distraction. Worse for Biden, he's from Delaware -- a small state with few electoral votes of consequence.

Bayh's and Nunn's names consistently find mention in the process. Democrats have fared poorly with male working class voters in the Midwest and South in recent elections with only former President Bill Clinton showing any success. These senators would aid Obama in winning these states and would improve his chances of securing votes with white male voters in those states.

The Obama campaign has predicted he could win several Southern states. This makes me think they can either organize a dormant black vote there, or they plan to choose someone such as Bayh or Nunn.

Political bettors are more evenly divided on who could become the Democratic vice-presidential nominee. Bayh has lead over Biden and Clinton, 19.9% to 13.5% and12.6%. Nunn and Richardson trail significantly at 6% and 4.7%.