Also, geographically, Bayh could potentially place Indiana in Obama's kitty, which would be quite the haul indeed. Indiana has not voted for a Democrat for President since 1964, but polls have placed it as a swing-state this year.
As a Senator, Bayh's voting record makes him a centrist or moderate, which might offset claims that Obama is too fringe a candidate. Whereas Obama's perceived as a dove on War, because of his stated opposition to the Iraq War and much of America's current policy, Bayh has not been nearly so critical as the sitting administration. centrist record and executive experience as governor. He sits on the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees, indicating the foreign policy credence Barack so desperately desires. His successful run as Indiana governor points to administrative, managerial and executive competence, which Obama has yet to demonstrate, having only served as a legislator.
On the down side, having two US senators from neighbouring Midwestern states might not impress Southeastern, Atlantic Coast and Southwestern voters, all areas expected to be closely contested in November.
Governor Tim Kaine, 50, is the recently elected (2006), popularly supported executive leader of the state of Virginia. Critics immediately point to Kaine's lack of experience in national politics, but this is not necessarily a bad thing.
Obama's worked hard to construct his energetic, 'take back Washington' campaign, and hopes to appeal to the American everyman, who has become disenchanted and disengaged by the acerbic, partisan politics that have come to dominate the US political landscape.
Image: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Republican Representative John McHugh rom New York and Democratic Senator Evan Bayh from Indiana listen to a question during a press conference on Iraq at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC in January 2007.
Photographs: Mannie Garcia/AFP/Getty Images
Also read: Barack Obama, in his own words: Exclusive to rediff.com
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