Five Potential Vice Presidential Running Mates for Barack Obama

Bill Bradley - It's hard to top Bradley for name recognition, as he is a three-time Senator from New Jersey, as well as a member of the Gold Medal-winning U.S. Olympic Basketball team in 1964 and an inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Bradley has impressive progressive qualifications, as he spearheaded legislation involving children's health, simplifying the tax code and embracing campaign finance reform, among many others. He also served on the Senate's Select Committee on Intelligence. No one questions Bradley's intellect or his experience. But he is as exciting as watching paint dry and his appetite for politics after his failed 2000 Presidential bid is up for debate.

Wesley Clark - A retired four-star general, Clark was the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO from 1997-2000. A white male with an impeccable military record, he seems the obvious choice for Obama to pick as his Vice President. He brings a wealth of military experience, which would help diffuse one of the biggest weaknesses for Obama in his campaign for the Presidency. But Clark has strong ties to Bill Clinton and has already endorsed Hillary Clinton for President and he might not be willing to embarrass either of the Clintons by running with Obama. A cabinet position might make the most sense for Clark, but he is ineligible for Secretary of Defense until he has been retired from the military for 10 years, which won't happen until 2010.

Jack Reed - A two-term senator from Rhode Island, Reed is a member of the both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Appropriations Committee. He is also one of the most progressive members of the Senate. A former Army Ranger and a member of the 325th Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, Reed will back down to no one on military issues. But there is very little to gain by putting another person with New England ties on the Presidential ticket. That has not worked since 1960.

Bill Richardson - Current Governor of New Mexico and one of many failed candidates from the 2008 Presidential primary race, Richardson is a moderate Democrat who will help with Hispanics and moderate Republicans. A five-time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, Richardson does not have the progressive credentials of Reed but he is still a champion of human rights, education and the environment. Also, as a governor he has experience leading constituents as well as balancing a budget, two things voters love to see on the Presidential ticket.