Almost time to pick a best friend...

It's almost that time of the campaign, for McCain it is time to think about it now and the Dems can keep dreaming, when the nominee gets to choose who they are picking to be their best friend for the next 4-8 years. It hasn't always been the decision of the nominee who got to be their second in command. Way back in 1797 President John Adams got stuck with his worst enemy for four years, Thomas Jefferson. In other elections the VP was picked based on who could deliver votes, who was the "next big thing," or as a thank you to a political machine that has helped out the party.

In the past Vice Presidents have come from 22 states, and one from the District of Colombia, compared to the Presidents who have come from only 20 states (http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0194032.html). It is not surprising to see that the most total (both Presidents and Vice Presidents combined) have come from the key states of New York, home of some of the biggest political machines, Virginia, believed to the birthplace of the nation, Ohio, a key battleground state year in and year out, and Massachusetts, home of modern Liberalism. Looking at this these numbers two candidates for Vice President, Mitt Romney of MAssachusetts and Hillary Clinton of New York. This is of course should Clinton lose the Presidental nomination.

These two come from states rich in past executive branch members. They are also from key states for their party. For the Democrats New York is a delegate rich state that Clinton would obviously carry for the ticket. On the other hand should Mitt Romney be able to deliver the traditionally blue state of Massachusetts for the Republican party it would be a huge blow to the heart of the liberal movement. Clinton also brings a very good machine along with her that can help any ticket she is a part of. Should these two end up being the picks for Vice President it would mean a highly anticipated Obama/Clinton ticket. Can they work together or will these two strong wills be too much for each other? Some other possible vice presidential nominees include, but are not limited to Barack Obama (should he fail to clinch the Presidential nomination) and John Edwards for the Dems and for the Republicans Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul. What the outcome will be is still in the air and seems to be a much more distant announcement for the Democrats who are locked into a bloody battle that seems will last until the convention.


-Andrew