The Democratic Vice Presidential candidate in 2008
Senator Evan Bayh has recently ruled out a 2008 Presidential bid. Of course, he will be on most short lists of potential Vice Presidential running mates. Republicans would have a difficult time winning Indiana in the 2008 Presidential race with Bayh on the ticket.
Other possible VP candidates among Democrats include Congressman Harold Ford of Tennessee. Ford ran very strongly in the Tennessee Senate race although it was not successful. Ford is likely an even bigger draw nationally than in his home state. Ford has exceptional name recognition for a member of Congress. He is very bright. Ford as Vice Presidential candidate brings Tennessee into play for Democrats.
Obama and Gore might not want Ford as a running mate but most other Presidential contenders should give him serious consideration. Obama would do better with a non-black running mate. Gore would do better with a non-Tennessee running mate.
The entire cast of potential Presidential candidates should be on the list as potential running mate except the one who gets the Presidential slot. They are an exceptional bunch. Any two of them would run very strongly.
Dark horse candidates might include Tennessee Congressman Lincoln Davis. He is a conservative Democrat with strong appeal to some Republican leaning voters. He would help Democrats in many parts of the South.
Democrats should consider nominating a labor leader for the VP slot. A Vice Presidential candidate coming from the United Auto Workers, Steelworkers or other national unions would automatically put economic issues front and center for the campaign. Elections fought on these issues are sure winners for Democrats. Voters agree with the Democrats on issues like the minimum wage, living wages, unfair trade deals, preserving our industrial manufacturing base, health insurance and excessive Corporate influence on our government.
The boldness of selecting a labor VP candidate would get many non-voters to vote for the first time. It would clearly demonstrate that there is a serious difference between the Democratic Party and the Corporate-controlled Republican Party.