June 25, 2008--It looks like Barack needs our help. The Obama VP search team lost senior Democratic strategist Jim Johnson after revelations that he received favorable lending terms from Countrywide. Since neither of us are getting any special rates on credit and lending, we can weigh in on the running-mate choice with clear consciences. Here's our analysis of the frontrunners:

Hillary Clinton: The "bitter" rivals team up on a single ticket.

Marc: A few months ago, I would've said that Americans wouldn't support a black man and a white woman on the same ticket. After the bloodbath that was the Democratic primary, an Obama/Clinton ticket may be the only thing that can unify the party. Unfortunately, like Kennedy/Carter in 1980, too much blood has been spilled for anyone to believe that these two respect, much less like, one another. This is problematic for Obama since, unlike you, I believe that Hillary can deliver older white women and working-class voters who may otherwise vote for McCain or stay home.

Joe Biden, the outspoken senator from Delaware who kicked off his own presidential bid last year by remarking that Obama was unlike other black leaders because he was "articulate," "fresh" and "clean." 

Melissa: I like Biden for Machiavellian reasons. He brings additional height to the ticket and everyone knows that tall guys are more likely to win. He can play "crazy Joe" to Barack's serious tone. It makes Obama look even more presidential if all the nutty outbursts can be outsourced to Biden. And you just know that the media will remind us of Biden's "articulate" comments. By publicly forgiving and embracing Biden, Obama will soothe the collective conscience of well-meaning white Americans who often say things that they "hope won't offend you." What better way to build a winning multiracial coalition?  

Marc: I agree. The fact that Obama can look beyond Biden's racist "articulate" remark will further endear him to whites who are waiting for a post-racial moment more eagerly than the Second Coming. Also, given Barack's lack of foreign policy experience, Biden's know-how will make them a formidable duo. If I were choosing candidates, this would be my favorite.  

Janet Napolitano, the current governor of Arizona

Marc: Before McCain became the nominee, Arizona was viewed as winnable terrain. By choosing his current governor, the Dems would have a legitimate shot at the state again. Her strong popularity in the Southwest, as well as her humane stance on border issues, could help Obama fight for Latino voters. Unfortunately, an Obama/Napolitano ticket would be one of the weakest foreign policy duos in recent history.  

Melissa: OK Marc, I like Napolitano except that the bumper sticker sucks on this one. Obama/Napolitano 2008. Cringe. I just can't imagine any good viral hip-hop videos from this one. She also does not bring enough national name recognition and fundraising power. And if you are honest, you will admit Bush/Cheney is the weakest foreign policy duo in recent history. Could anyone make a bigger mess than those two?  

Michael Bloomberg, the current mayor of NYC. He became a Republican to run for mayor after being a lifelong Democrat. Now he is an Independent.

Marc: A lot of people are pushing for New York's current mayor to be on Barack's ticket. In many ways, this isn't an awful choice. After all, his business experience and post-partisan persona would strongly complement Obama's "Washington outsider" schtick. This could be key to winning over highly coveted Independent voters. Also, his Jewish heritage may allay the anxieties being produced by the GOP's attempts to depict Obama as anti-Israel. If Obama is looking to strengthen the traditional base, however, this doesn't help him very much. 

Melissa: I absolutely agree, Marc. There is no way that the Democrats need a Chicagoan and a New Yorker on one ticket. But I do love the partisan androgyny of this pair. I sure would love to have the mayor's personal checkbook available for fighting McCain.  

Colin Powell, the former secretary of state. He oversaw the first ground war in Iraq under Daddy Bush and then made the case to the international community for the invasion of Iraq under W.