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Though I don't think Hillary would be a bad choice for VP, I really don't think she'd be the best choice in terms of getting Obama elected.

Far too many people in the states think that military experience is essential for the running of the nation - so she doesn't help in that respect.

There are also far too many who are resistant to change - and voting for a black man and a woman would be too much for them to handle. Not that they'd say they wouldn't want a black man and a woman doing the job -- just that they're not sure they can trust them to be ready for the responsibility or some such.

Hillary likes to get her way. Obama seems to like compromise. He likes listening to other ideas and using some of them. So I think someone who is willing to voice disagreement with Obama - but still willing to accept that Obama's decision is the one that counts - would be a better choice. I think if Hillary were encouraged to disagree, then got overruled, she would not handle it well.

I think the only people for whom Hillary on the ticket would increase Obama's electoral chances are those who supported Hillary for President. And given the choice between Obama and McCain, it's likely that Hillary's supporters would go with Obama anyway, so that doesn't really help a lot.

But I could be wrong about all of that. It's impossible to predict (or even reflect back on) how the VP helped/hindered a Presidential ticket. The increased support from women for Hillary might turn the tide; the decreased support from white male chauvenists might count for more.

I think whoever he picks, it will be a powerful team, and I only hope that it helps him to win the election and also make the best possible decisions in the next 4 years.

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