Edwards scandal hits VP contest

There is renewed speculation over John Edwards’s chances of being picked as Barack Obama’s running-mate since the two-times presidential candidate from North Carolina was exposed as a marriage cheat in the National Enquirer last week - an allegation since “independently verified” by Fox News. Until the allegation was published, Edwards had been repeatedly touted as the most likely choice for Obama’s vice-presidential candidate.

Fresh from his whirlwind tour of the Middle East and Europe, Obama appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday to discuss the qualities he’d appreciate in a VP. "I'm going to want somebody with independence, who's willing to tell me where he thinks or she thinks I'm wrong," he said. He also hinted that he’d be looking for somebody to perform more than just a ceremonial role: "We're going to have a lot of problems and a lot of work to do, and I'm not interested in a vice president who I just send off to go to funerals," he said.

However, when it came to naming names there was only one candidate that Obama chose to mention: “I think Hillary Clinton would be on anybody's short list," he said. "She is one of the most effective, intelligent, courageous leaders that we have in the Democratic Party."

In the debate over who should become the Democratic candidate’s running-mate, much media speculation has focused on the two senators who accompanied Obama on his trip abroad last week. However both Chuck Hagel (Republican) and Jack Reed (Democrat) have refused to even entertain the idea they might end up as Obama’s vice-president. "No one has talked to me about it. I fully expect that Barack Obama will choose someone in his own party," said Hagel, one of the most high-profile anti-war senators in the Republican Party.

One frequently mentioned prospect for Democratic vice president is Claire McCaskill - the Missouri Senator who endorsed Obama for the Democratic nomination way back in January. Less bashful than Hagel, when asked if she’d like to be chosen as Obama’s running mate she said, “I’d like to meet somebody who wouldn’t.”

When asked to comment on other candidates who deny any active interest she added: "I don't think that they are being as candid or as up front with the American people as probably they should be."

Meanwhile the John McCain campaign is involved in its own whirlwind of vice-presidential speculation. Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney is currently at the top of the shortlist - the main reason being he is capable of winning the 18 Electoral College votes at stake in Michigan - a state which Romney governed and one which the Republicans haven’t won in a general election for 20 years.

Meanwhile Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s chances of being selected as McCain’s running mate have diminished after a slew of reports claimed he mishandled important legislation throughout June and July. Republicans believed that Jindal’s age, 37, and ethnic heritage - he was born to Punjabi Indian parents - could nullify Obama’s youthful appeal.

FIRST POSTED JULY 28, 2008