Like Obama, Kaine is a studied, charismatic speaker and might help to shore up Obama's deficiencies with rural and Southern white males, demographics he's this far been unable to lure. As a bonus, Virginia has recently been a Republican stronghold, but signs point to an overall weakening of the Republicans once vice-like grip.
Still, like Obama, Kaine is young and has no foreign policy experience. History suggests that America is most unwilling to elect someone wet behind the ears during a time of war. Where the Iraq War could still potentially work to Obama's favour, he'll need a credible foreign policy voice on the ticker to balance his perceived naiveté
Governor Kathleen Sebelius, 60, is another intriguing name that's persistently and consistently mentioned. As a popular, successful governor in the heavily conservative, Republican state of Kansas, perhaps her down-to-Earth sensibilities and simple Midwestern charm would woo the demographics that remain stubbornly opposed to Obama: Southern Democrats, moderate Republicans and those seeking a woman in high executive office.
Also, she has a bevy of executive experience, and her reign as Governor has silenced even the loudest of her detractors.
Geographically, it's not known whether even Sebelius has the brand power to deliver to Obama a state that otherwise would have no interest in electing him. Some insiders think he would be better served to select a candidate from a swing state, meaning someone from Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Virginia.
There's also concern that putting a woman other than Hillary Clinton on the ticket would lead to a fierce backlash from strong Hillary supporters, still bitter over Obama having swooped in and wrested away the nomination once all but assured to Clinton.
Image: Barack Obama and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine applaud as Senator Jim Webb, D-Va, speaks at a rally at Nissan Pavilion in June, 2008 in Bristow, Virginia.
Photographs: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
Also read: McCain launches sharp attack on Obama
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