Finkelstein's Top 10

AM I the only one who thinks Daniel Finkelstein's Top 10 VPs for Obama are way off the mark?

I know a lot of people have floated the idea of having Hilary as Obama's VP, but why on earth would he do this? Not only has Obama sparred with her for the last 12 months, but this could be the worst idea since Reagan selected Bush 41. Your running mate will get the pick of several administration officials and will go out of their way to run a dual Presidency. Reagan's second term may have been blighted by Iran-Contra, but Bush's maneuvering didn't help matters.

Obama would also run the risk that Hillary would undermine him during the campaigning, on the basis that if he loses, she's the nominee in four years time.

Perhaps I'm overly cynical, but nobody should ever think that the Clintons have any other desire other than the desire for raw power. Obama would be running the risk of creating a dual Presidency - an unnecessary move. Out of Finkelstein's list, I've said previously that Bill Richardson would be a good choice for VP, as would Kathleen Sebelius. However, even with her on the ticket, winning Oklahoma would be a long shot.

Wesley Clark would be awful. Casey and Webb may bring something to the ticket, perhaps delivering his state and military experience respectively. Biden's an awful idea, and I think people would be rather sceptical of a candidate who speaks of change and nominates Al Gore and John Edwards as his running mate. Oprah? Give me a break.

Outside his list, I've always felt that Clintonista Evan Bayh would be an interesting selection, potentially mending both wings of the party (although this will be a massive job in itself). I think Bayh would do it too. He'd give Obama greater credibility on foreign policy too.

Bayh recently warned that the Republicans would "swiftboat" Obama. Now although I don't doubt he was trying to highlight the shortcomings of the Senator in his neighbouring state, but he's got a point. It may not be the Republicans, as the people behind the Swiftboat campaign are far from being McCain supporters, but there will certainly be a concerted attempt to undermine that Obama campaign.

Good luck to them.