The most obvious, easiest, solid-base-hit, no-interest-group-left-behind
consensus choice for Kerry’s running mate is John Edwards. So naturally, he
won’t do it. One, Kerry really bristled at Edwards’ mildest criticisms
during the primary, and two, I’m sure Kerry and his advisors dread the
inevitable “boy, Edwards is so much more charming and charismatic than the
guy at the top of the ticket” coverage that would ensue. So, the second-most
obvious, easy, solid-base-hit, no-interest-group-left-behind consensus
choice would be Dick Gephardt, who would offend no one, is a known quantity,
seems somewhat prepared for the job, and could theoretically help the
Democrats carry Missouri. (Whether a House member can really carry a ticket
statewide from the veep slot is up in the air.) All the other ones –
Richardson, Clark, Graham, Vilsack, Rendell, Warner, etc. seem like they
have too much of a trade-off. So, as of May 3, Kerry-Gephardt seems most
likely.