Democratic Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine is being talked about in political circles as "at the top of [Obama's Vice Presidential candidate] short list." While this might be good fodder for the Wolf Blitzers and Mike Barnicles of the world, I don't think it's smart talk.

I have said for many months, close to a year now, that the only Virginian that fills perceived gaps in Obama's resume is Jim Webb, but I acknowledge that his previous statements on women would be a sharp affront to Clinton and her supporters -- and myself for that matter. But the selection of Webb would certainly make Obama seem more earthy, manly and appealing to a broader range of Americans.

If I were advising Obama, I would give the following advice: Pick a white man from the south. If John Edwards were a politically valuable asset, he'd be at the top of the list, but he proved in 2004 that he isn't the person to compensate for problems at the top of the ticket, and his never having been reelected doesn't make him more appealing. I still think Janet Napolitano is a sensible choice, but she isn't reassuring.

FAIR WARNING: I'm going to be extremely superficial. I hate Gov. Kaine's eyebrows. I hate his how his smile always appears forced and the way his eyebrows arch when he's thinking. He's not an attractive candidate, but I guess Obama is attractive enough for both of them.

I think that the best way to demonstrate how you want to change politics is to change politics. I think Sen. Chuck Hagel would make a good choice. I think Colin Powell would be a smart move, but Alma would likely interfere again. I even think Newt Gingrich would be a wild choice, but it would demonstrate a fundamental understanding that America will always be somewhere in the middle. The Democratic Party would be in a self-hating, never-ending turmoil if Obama chose someone outside of their party to run with the senator. The move would likely depress turnout among the most liberal constituencies and it's that tendency among left-aisle politics that screws up a good thing election cycle after election cycle.

But it's not my choice, it's Obama's choice and only he knows what he's looking to fill. But this lowly pundit thinks a candidate who brings voters not already in the senator's column would be a bigger value to the ticket. Selecting Gov. Kaine might enable the senator to think he's got Virginia wrapped up. And the truth is, it won't.

Labels: 2008 Election, Barack Obama, Chuck Hagel, Colin Powell, Editorial, Hillary Clinton, Jim Webb, Newt Gingrich, Tim Kaine