Politico: “I just get the sense with Obama that he has a clear set of priorities in his own mind that have nothing to do with ups-and-downs of the campaign,” said Democratic consultant Dan Gerstein, who thinks Obama’s focus on generational change doesn’t preclude his picking an older, more seasoned running mate.
“It won’t be dictated by age,” Gerstein speculated. “He doesn’t need someone who is young, but it’s got to be someone who is not part of the baby boom, partisan culture wars" of the past two decades.
At the same time, though, Obama has a more immediate concern: reassuring voters who might cast ballots for him — such as older working-class white Democrats, independents and some Republicans — but who have thus far remained skeptical of his candidacy, that he is a safe, acceptable choice.
“The vice presidential pick is always more about telling voters what kind of a potential president the nominee will be, and it’s even more important for Obama than it has been for past nominees,” said Chris Lehane, a Democratic consultant. “Obama's central challenge in this election is to make a certain group of voters comfortable with him in terms of who he is as it relates to being able to do the job. And the vice presidential pick — along with the convention and debates — stands as one of the three tent-foundation events in the general [election] to connect with voters about who he is.”
All the people on the shortlist, aren't necessarily on Obama's shortlist. The only person known to be vetted is Chris Dodd. Hagel's most certainly out. He said he wasn't attending either convention. Caroline Kennedy and Eric Holder have done a great job at keeping the process under wraps:
Despite a steady drone of speculation, little is actually known about Obama’s considerations. Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd is the only aspirant to confirm he’s being vetted by Obama’s search team, led by Caroline Kennedy and Eric Holder. Kaine has told associates he’s being vetted but has not publicly confirmed it. Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius at first denied it, then ceased denying it — which was seized on as evidence that she is being considered. Biden and Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh have declined to comment on whether they’re being vetted, but both are widely thought to be under consideration.
Two Republicans who are close to Obama, Indiana Sen. Dick Lugar and Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, have also been mentioned, and Lugar — whom Obama cited along with Nunn at the nationally televised candidates forum on Saturday as someone whose counsel he would value if elected president — drew attention on CNN on Sunday by defending Obama against attacks from Connecticut Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman. Read more.
