Barack Obama Running Mate Speculation Reaches Fever Pitch

The Democratic national convention is next week in Denver, so Barack Obama has to at least pick a running mate by then. The speculation about the Barack Obama running mate winner has been running at a fever pitch all week, as pundits wonder if Obama's running mate will give him a much needed boost in the polls or further hurt Obama among his base. Obama has hinted that he will announce his running mate via a text and e-mail message to his closest supporters. But even if Obama supporters don't have that access, they will find out for sure on Saturday. Whoever Obama's running mate is, he or she will be with Obama at Springfield, Illinois Saturday afternoon.

If supporters don't yet know who Obama's running mate will be by Saturday, they will know when the Obama running mate makes his first stop with Obama at a campaign rally in Springfield. After that, the running mate will prepare to make a speech at the Democratic national convention on Wednesday, to warm the crowd up for Obama's highly anticipated acceptance speech the next night.

The announcement of Obama's running mate and the national convention comes just in time when Obama needs a leg up, as John McCain continues to gain in national polls and swing states. But with rumors that McCain will pick his own running mate a few days after the Democratic convention, McCain could steal some buzz on that end as well unless Obama's speech and running mate can come through.

The three main contenders have been narrowed down by the media to be Delaware Senator Joe Biden, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh. Virginia and Indiana are possible key state in the election, which could make Obama pick Kaine or Bayh. But Biden supporters point to Biden's experience and his recent statements about the Russia/Georgia conflict. Obama has still yet to silence the cries that he is too inexperienced to lead, but Biden may provide some help with that.

A selection of Biden would be very ironic, considering Biden's comments in 2007 that Obama was the first mainstream African American candidate who was "articulate" which drew some criticism and cries of racism.