[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/08/20/art.waving.flags.gi.jp.jpg caption="Does it matter who comes out on top in the veepstakes?"]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Michael Phelps got his eight gold medals. So what's left to talk about? Here we are in V-P speculation overdrive.
There are the candidates. Who will help the presidential candidate the most in garnering votes - by augmenting experience and not by outshining him? On the Democratic side we've got Senator Joe Biden, the Capitol Hill insider with foreign policy credentials; and then there are the picks who could help Senator Obama in key state races: Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine.
There are the longshots: another foreign policy and defense expert.. former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn. Obama named him one of the top three people he would go to for advice. Of course, the PUMAS still hold out a chance that Hillary Clinton will be the nominee. And how about Caroline Kennedy? She's helping to manage the campaign's VP selection. Now there is a groundswell calling for her to pull a Cheney and name herself Vice President.
On the Republican side, the latest veepstakes speculation is on Tom Ridge, the former Pennsylvania governor and Homeland Security official who is pro-choice – to the outrage of Republican conservatives. Democrat-turned Independent Senator Joe Lieberman is another wildcard nominee being bandied about. The safer Republicans include former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, or Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.
Then we have the announcement. When, where… timing and place are key. We need to get a life. The Obama campaign promises that its supporters will know first via text message. Could come any day now as a campaign event is planned for Illinois on Saturday.
All this to do for a job that consists of breaking tie votes in the U.S. Senate, attending ceremonial events, and trying to stay awake. Unless, of course, you're Dick Cheney in which case you run the country for eight years.
Here’s my question to you: How much do you really care who the V.P. candidates
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
John writes:
Jack: It is only important because of Dick Cheney. We do not need another dictator as vice president. We need an open and transparent Vice President who does not make secret energy policies with oil companies. We need a vice president who will be a sounding board for the president, and not a father figure.
Maria from New York City writes:
I hope that Obama chooses a VP who will adhere to the Hippocratic Oath and "First, do no harm." Beyond that, it would be fantastic if the VP choice could bring in a swing state, or influence some undecided voters, As for McCain, I hope he chooses a pro-choice guy. That would really make my day
Ty- Destin from Florida writes:
I could not possibly care any less about the choices made for VP, and disdain the constant speculation of the "news" networks regarding it. The VP has become nothing more than a prop to acquire additional votes in states or areas where a candidate is polling weakly. Obama picking Biden doesn't give Obama any more foreign policy credibility than he had before (which is about nil), and Romney won't make McCain an economic wizard.
Jan writes:
The VP choices are very important. You will see one of the candidates shoot up in the polls after the choices are announced. Ever since President Clinton, the VP's have played a very important role in their administrations. I am positive that Obama will really partner with his VP while McCain will need someone to whisper corrections in his ear like Joe Lieberman had to do several months ago.
Leevaughn writes:
Hey Jack,
I just watched CNN and I think Caroline Kenndey would be a great choice for Obama's V.P. I think He should pick her, it would solve all problems with who should be his V.P.