Time to get a running mate.

It has often seemed, during this wild primary season, that time has changed it's flow rate. So much has happened, that I sometimes think "was it really just a week ago that (fill in the blank) happened?"

But really, time's winged chariot is still coasting along. Apparently we have even reached the time for the candidates to start lining up a running mate for their VP spots. Obviously this is an easy call for McCain who has his nomination wrapped up. It is a bit more challenging for Obama who only has his 99% wrapped up. But he can't wait forever on this, and besides, it sort of serves as a reminder to the Clinton camp that their time is running out. Cinton by contrast is not even looking for a running mate, because it would wasted effort, because she is not going to be the nominee. Okay that was harsh, but I have to provide my true opinion.

John McCain has invited a couple of southern Governors to his ranch in Arizona this weekend for a sort of VP audition. I wonder at the oddness of doing two at a time- won't that be uncomfortable? But any way, the two guys are "Bobby" Jindal, Louisiana Governor, and Charlie Crist, Florida Governor. In Florida, Mr. Crist has long been known for his affability and a campaign skills. He supports the death penalty, and largely opposes restrictions on the rights of gun owners. Early on, he earned the nickname "Chain Gang Charlie" because he favored allowing convicts to be used in road work, and has described himself as a "pro-life and pro-family" candidate. At age 51, he complements the age of McCain. Jindal, as you might guess from the name, is the son of Indian immigrants, born in the USA. His political convictions however are the opposite of Barack Obama's so do not be fooled by skin color or last name. Jindal took office in January after serving three years in the House of Representatives. Born a Hindu but converting to Roman Catholicism as a teenager, he won 54 percent of the vote after campaigning as a social conservative, opposing human embryonic stem cell research and abortion in any form and favoring teaching "intelligent design" in schools as an alternative to evolution. Jindal is only 36 years old, so if you think Obama is young, think again. It should be noted that McCain is seen as a wishy washy maverick by many Republican conservatives, so having a fire eating right winger as a VP might be nice for him.

According to Wall Street Journal, ("Obama is said to start search for a running mate", May 23 edition)Barack Obama currently is working on a list of six possible running mates:

Senator Hillary Clinton- strong among women and WHITE working class, baggage could hurt Obama's  change message

Senator Chris Dodd- foreign policy veteran, may be seen as Washington insider

Gov. Ted Strickland, Ohio- could help win Ohio, appease Clinton supporters, lacks foreign policy experience

Gov. Kathleen Sibelius- would attract women, known for working effectively with Republicans, unlikely to deliver her own state

Gov. Bill Richardson, New Mexico- foreign policy experience, could attract Latino voters, poor performance in primaries

Gov. Tim Kaine, Virginia- could help with Catholic voters, but only took office in 2006 (interrupted term would outrage some VA voters)

My money is on Sebelius. I think that obama could get along with her, and that choice would bear the message "I think that women need to lead in the Democratic Party, I just felt I was a better presidential prospect than Hillary".