With the Democratic race all but sewn up, if Barack Obama hasn’t begun the search for a Vice President yet, the process will be underway soon.

In fact, a Democratic activist says that Jim Johnson, a former Fannie Mae CEO who helped screen prospective VPs in both 1984 and 2004, has accepted Obama’s request to begin the selection process for the No. 2 spot.

We have no way of knowing for sure who’s in the running, but we have some ideas. Leave us a comment and let us know what you think of these choices for Vice President - or if we’ve left off someone you think is worthy.

Who will - or should - Barack Obama choose as his Vice President?

New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton

Pros: Tenacious. Seen it all, done it all. Talk of “dream ticket” still resonates with many voters who have invested heavily in this contentious campaign.
Cons: As divisive as they get, plus there’s some hostility from Obama’s camp. When you suggest that your opponent is unprepared to lead, that’s to be expected. Also, Michelle Obama is not a fan of the idea.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson

Pros: Has major Cabinet-level and national security experience. Governor of a critical state. Member of key demographic group — Hispanics. His huge endorsement during Rev. Wright mess gave Obama a boost.
Cons: Bill Richardson can be an uneven campaigner, doubts about his ‘00 and ‘04 V.P. vetting linger - and putting an African-American and Mexican-American on the ticket at the same time might (sadly) give pause to some.

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell

Pros: This could be the one. A popular figure in a key state, he helped deliver Pennsylvania for Hillary Clinton. A plausible president, and a smart, tough and respected party Democrat not tied to any particular constituency. Would embrace Obama loyally and undoubtedly help the ticket.
Cons: Little national security experience.

Continue reading this article …

“Let me tell you: we’ve had better conversations,” New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said, describing his talk with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

He told her, of course, that he was backing rival Sen. Barack Obama in their tense and razor-thin race for the Democratic nomination.

Endorsements only mean so much, especially at this late in the game, when both Democratic candidates have proven their strength time and again.

But this one is significant for several reasons.

Even more troublesome than the timing of the announcement for Hillary Clinton - who’s chances are eroding amid failures to get new primaries scheduled in Florida and Michigan - was what Richardson said in endorsing Obama:

1. He criticized the tone of Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
2. He praised Obama for the speech he gave in response to the incendiary remarks delivered by Obama’s former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
3. He came as close as any big-name Democrat has in urging the former First Lady to potentially step aside in the interest of party unity.

“I’m not going to advise any other candidate when to get in and out of the race,” Richardson said after appearing in Portland with Obama.

“Senator Clinton has a right to stay in the race, but eventually we don’t want to go into the Democratic convention bloodied. This was another reason for my getting in and endorsing, the need to perhaps send a message that we need unity.”

In many ways, the decision by Bill Richardson, a longtime political ally of Bill and Hillary Clinton, was as much a tale about his relationships with them as it was about Barack Obama and his campaign for the presidency.

Bill Richardson looked anguished when asked in an interview if his relationship with the Clintons would withstand endorsing Barack Obama.

In doing so, after all, Richardson was not only taking sides in the most bitter of political fights, but rejecting the candidacy of a close friend.

Yet he chose to do so anyway. Why?

“There’s something special about this guy,” Bill Richardson said of Obama. “I’ve been trying to figure it out, but it’s very good.”

Continue reading in the New York Times …

“Change versus experience,” New Mexico Governor and former presidential hopeful Bill Richardson said of the race between Clinton and Obama.

“Obviously I ran on the experience mantle. It didn’t work out too well. But they are both exceptional candidates, represent fundamental change. I think it is going to be very close. I don’t think this race is over.”

Reading between the lines a little:

Experience vs. change, and experience didn’t work? Hmm …

Weighing in on the Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton dogfight last night on CNN, Richardson praised both contenders and suggested that the time is approaching when he publicly lends his support to one of them.

“I may make a decision and do an endorsement,” Richardson said, adding that an endorsement could come within the next few days.

Bill Richardson, a former member of the Clinton administration, wouldn’t hint at which candidate he might back, but one has to assume Obama. With his Clinton ties, an endorsement of Hillary would likely have happened already.

“I’m just not trying to be cute. I just have felt that an endorsement by me… I don’t think it is that significant,” he said. “But I still might do it.”

Continue reading this article …

Endorsements don’t always mean as much as you might think, as Barack Obama’s Super Tuesday loss in Massachusetts certainly showed.

But with the role of superdelegates in the spotlight, and every remaining primary and caucus critical, one big one could hold some clout.

Bill Richardson.

Once in the hunt for the Democratic presidential nomination, the New Mexico governor is now being wooed by his former rivals.

Both Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are trying to win his support, an endorsement that could serve as a big boost among his fellow Hispanics - an important, growing constituency for Democrats and Republicans.

So far, however, Richardson has punted.

“I’m staying loose for now, doesn’t mean I’m going to stay loose forever,” he told ABC News. “My criteria for endorsing is who’s the most positive in terms of their policies, in terms of their vision for the country.”

In states like New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and California, the Hispanic vote is critical, and Obama has not done well among Hispanics. There’s no doubt Bill Richardson could provide a boost for the Illinois senator.

But Richardson, who was U.S. energy secretary during Bill Clinton’s presidency, will be courted heavily by the Clintons. He’s guaranteed to be on the Vice President short list no matter who wins the nomination.

Our unscientific analysis: Richardson prefers Hillary Clinton, but there’s a better chance of an Obama-Richardson ticket if he backs the underdog.

An endorsement of Hillary doesn’t have the same upside.

Speaking of the Land of Enchantment, its caucus still doesn’t have a winner. Ballot supply and tabulation woes meant 17,000 potential votes remain uncounted - days after the Super Tuesday election in New Mexico.

Clinton currently leads Obama by about 1,100 votes. She has 13 delegates to his 12, with one more going to the popular vote winner.

The finger-pointing has begun, with election officials getting an earful from many New Mexicans, including Richardson, who lobbied for an earlier date, and said he is “deeply disturbed” by the problems.

Partly because he was a candidate himself until January, Bill Richardson himself never got involved in helping plan or promote the election, as he did in 2004, the first year New Mexico tried it.

Who’s in to win, and who’s in without a snowball’s chance in hell? The 2008 election is a year and a half away, but the race is in full effect, and the After W staff has once again handicapped the Democratic field (previous rankings in parentheses)…

1. Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York Senator (1)

The Hillary Clinton money machine rolls on, methodically stockpiling both operatives and cash. The endorsement of Tom Vilsack will help her in Iowa, although the fact that he never polled well there in the first place is a telling sign. The clear frontrunner handled the “Hillary 1984” video about as well as one could (she didn’t have its creator offed… yet).

2. Barack Obama, Illinois senator (2)

The usual pattern is that an upstart candidate like Barack Obama gets the Messiah treatment from the media, only to be torn apart once he becomes a true contender. The media’s obsession with Clinton has buffered Barack Obama somewhat, but he isn’t trending all that positively either. Could the luster be wearing off? Ever so slightly?

3. John Edwards, former North Carolina Senator (4)

Making good progress connecting with people, seemingly offering more substance than his chief competition. Polls show him leading in Iowa where he needs a win, and making up ground in New Hampshire as well. The story of his wife, Elizabeth, battling cancer only showcased his family as a true team, despite some pundits’ cries for them to call the campaign off.

4. Al Gore, former Vice President of the United States (3)

Still within striking distance at a moment’s notice, but with Al Gore, one gets the impression he’s using the possibility of entering the race as a means of garnering attention and leverage in his ongoing battle against global warming. He’s too smart not to exploit this, and if it is his primary motivation, we still laud every moment of his efforts.

5. Bill Richardson, New Mexico Governor (5)

This isn’t the NCAA Tournament. When the media is calling you a sleeper, that’s generally not a good sign. There’s no doubt he’d compete well against anyone in the GOP field, but Bill needs to pick it up, and quick.

6. Chris Dodd, Connecticut Senator (6)

A distinguished, affable fellow - one with the best hair in politics, no less - who really classes up the race. It won’t get Chris Dodd many votes against the heavyweights ahead of him, but his presence is a boost for the party.

7. Joe Biden, Delaware Senator (9)

The good news: Joe Biden is the big mover and shaker this time around, having leapfrogged two candidates! The bad news: look down who he jumped. Oh well.

The Senate passing its Iraq war resolution nonetheless means Biden’s stock rises. He has no chance, but it’s a start.

8. Dennis Kucinich, Ohio Congressman (7)

Not seeing the same kind of support as he did last time around. Which is too bad, because even that wasn’t all that much.

9. Mike Gravel, former Alaska Senator (8)

Our dark-horse pick to take over the 7th spot next time. Watch.

FINISHED/UNRANKED: Al Sharpton, Tom Vilsack, Evan Bayh, Wesley Clark, John Kerry.

Who’s hot? Who’s not? Who’s going down faster than Monic- nevermind. Sure, the 2008 election is is more than a year and a half away. We all know full well that the race is underway and getting testy. That said, every week, the After W staff will handicap the Democratic field…

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1. Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York Senator

Can the juggernaut be stopped? With a huge fundraising edge and the world’s top political consultant by her side - for free, 24/7/365 - it will take something major to knock Hillary Rodham Clinton out of the top spot.

Follow her for a week and see how she operates. She’s a killer on the campaign trail, instantly ready to rebut anything her top opponent, Barack Obama, does.

It’s classic procedure from a classic, procedural campaign that will be really, really hard to stop.

In our view, the Democratic campaign will be more like a coronation unless the country gets really bored, or one man steps up - and not the person immediately below Hillary Clinton on this list. More on that later.

2. Barack Obama, Illinois senator

The big crowds keep coming, but we’re still skeptical. Barack Obama supporters are genuinely curious about him, even if his rock star status enables him to do superbly in polling without really saying much. He’s an inspiring figure, without a doubt, and the money he raises is nothing to sneeze at. But really, does this guy have any real business being in a race against Nos. 1 and 3 on this list?

3. Al Gore, former Vice President of the United States

Yes, he’s third on our list despite the fact that, you know, he’s not in the race. That’s saying something. Moreover, if there are more events like the Academy Awards, where the Goracle enjoyed staggering amounts of free, overwhelmingly positive media, he’ll move up to #2. Without running.

In one press conference, which some insiders believe is coming, Gore could knock Obama and/or John Edwards out. James Carville believes Al Gore will run because the Clintons know that if he does, preliminary interest in Obama ultimately translates into solidarity with Gore.

And when the Ragin’ Cajun speaks, we listen.

Plus, does anyone doubt his ability to raise money, with the growing number of famous friends and policy wonks who’d throw their support behind him in about two seconds? He’s off to a slow start in the race to $100 million, but he can definitely make up ground fast enough to have a shot.

Here’s hoping. For now, keep an eye on his waistline - some insiders believe if Gore plans on entering the race, the environmentalist will slim down to fightin’ weight (a la the newly-svelte Bill Richardson, below).

4. John Edwards, former North Carolina senator

He’s a solid #3 among candidates that are actually running. The 2004 V.P. nominee has some of the most progressive ideas out there (a health care overhaul that might actually fly) and is one of the most engaging people on Earth. His “two Americas” stump speech and belief in government’s “moral obligation” to help the less fortunate give John Edwards lasting credibility and style points from the left.

Yet he’s been more or less invisible for a few weeks now. Ann Coulter uttering a gay slur about him could be the best thing that’s happened to Edwards in that it got him some positive PR. Prior to that, it was his weak foreign policy record earning the headlines.

5. Bill Richardson, New Mexico Governor

Favorable press coverage in Western states, a solid Nevada forum appearance that impressed many insiders, a major New Mexico fundraising event and his status as the race’s only active governor keep Richardson afloat in a race that has already finished (officially or otherwise) candidates with much better name recognition.

A couple of early mishaps and black marks haven’t appeared to quell his slow, but steady momentum. He’s got a great resume and is pretty likable, too. The question is, will Bill Richardson last long enough for America to discover this?

6. Christopher Dodd, Connecticut Senator

The Hartford Courant reports that his fundraising efforts have been steady, and he’s reiterated his interest in running several times. No one doubts Christopher Dodd is a devoted public servant with a strong record on most core issues. What’s in doubt is whether he’s merely angling for the V.P. nod.

7. Dennis Kucinich, Ohio Congressman

The quirky FDR Democrat stands by his convictions, that’s for sure. But unlike 2004, everyone hates the Iraq war now, so he’s lost his favorite talking point.

He has no chance. At all. This is common knowledge. But just the same, Dennis reportedly set an ambitious goal of raising $50 million for his campaign in 2007, and even it he doesn’t get a quarter of the way there, Kucinich may be the last candidate in the field to concede.

8. Mike Gravel, former Alaska Senator

Unfortunately, Gravel’s last name isn’t pronounced like it’s spelled (it’s Grav-ELL), which would seem fitting for the hardened, 72-year-old Alaskan.

IHere’s Gravel’s campaign in a nutshell, since we guarantee you know nothing about him. The linchpin of his outsider candidacy is his support for direct democracy, as well as a national sales tax, the abolition of the IRS, withdrawal from Iraq right now, a single-payer national health care system, and term limits.

Hey, at least he’s got some ideas (often considered a key to success in politics) and hasn’t made ridiculous comments about one of the frontrunners. For that, he edges out Joe Biden (see below)!

9. Joe Biden, Delaware Senator

We have to give Joe Biden credit for persevering through the first few days of his campaign, when his chances were officially shot to hell. For a recap, see our post about Biden’s bumbling announcement day.

In any case, he’s starting to emerge after laying low awhile. The full damage of his announcement debacle should be fully realized as soon as Biden learns he can’t raise anywhere near the cash of Christopher Dodd. And Chris Dodd is running sixth in our Democratic rankings right now. Just saying.

FINISHED/UNRANKED: Al Sharpton, Tom Vilsack, Evan Bayh, Wesley Clark, John Kerry.

You could call it second-tier lament.

One Democratic hopeful, Gov. Bill Richardson, was frustrated campaigning in Iowa last week, according to Albuquerque’s NRQE News.

Richardson said Iowa residents resent that the media has created a myth that two candidates are the only serious ones.

He’s not the only one. At a recent house party in the early primary state of New Hampshire, Chris Dodd was exasperated as he talked about being overshadowed by front-runners Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Chris Dodd, a Senate Democrat representing Connecticut, is garnering little to no publicity in competition with Clinton and Obama, his Senate counterparts from New York and Illinois, respectively.

Dodd, Bill Richardson and Delaware Sen. Joe Biden have stellar resumes, decades of experience and an inviting style on the campaign trail.

So far, though, this presidential race has been dominated by the celebrity treatment of Clinton and Obama - and, to a lesser extent, John Edwards, a former senator from North Carolina.

That has left the second-tier hopefuls like Richardson, shown here speaking at Drake University in Iowa on March 2, to become more than blips on the national political radar.

Just the same, it hasn’t stopped Richardson - now noticeably slimmer, followed by many security guards and a new haircut, according to the Albuquerque Tribune - from hitting the trail hard, in the Land of Enchantment and beyond.

Monday, Richardson signed two renewable energy bills in front of reporters. That night, he went to a fundraiser at a private home in Albuquerque. His campaign declined to say how much he raised.

Continue reading this article …

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is exploring a run for the presidency, making him the first New Mexican to seek the White House and the first Latino to have a credible chance at earning a place on the national ticket.

In a race already featuring Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, what could be more appropriate than an announcement by Richardson that he, too, will compete for the Democratic nomination.

But there’s a lot more to this governor than a fresh face and a multicultural background.

While most of America doesn’t know Richardson, his credentials are, at least on paper, impeccable. He has been a member of Congress, ambassador to the United Nations, energy secretary, and, since 2002, a highly successful governor of a state in the heart of the rapidly growing Sun Belt.

Yet he enters a contest already crowded with big names, a fact punctuated dramatically on Saturday with the entry of Clinton, who joins Obama and John Edwards, the Democratic nominee as vice president in 2004, among others.

The competition to raise money will be at least as intense as the one to gain attention, and Richardson faces enormous obstacles. However, he has sharp political skills, both in the ability to fill a room for a speech, and to succeed in the face-to-face campaigning that are essential in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Unlike many candidates, he has shown he is unafraid to use humor, either in his speeches or campaign commercials. He is also a strong debater.

In a statement Sunday on his website, Richardson announced he was forming an exploratory committee with the clear intention of seeking the Democratic nomination for president in 2008. A spokesman said the formal announcement would come in March.

“I am taking this step because we have to repair the damage that’s been done to our country over the last six years,” Richardson said. “Our reputation in the world is diminished, our economy has languished and civility and common decency in government has perished.”

He said the next president must get our troops out of Iraq without delay, though he has called for a phased withdrawal of troops. Then, citing his extensive experience in international affairs, he said that the U.S. presence in Iraq isn’t helping any longer.

While he no doubt will emphasize his world experience, Richardson will also take advantage of his perch in a governor’s mansion, clearly the easiest path to the White House over the last 30 years. Richardson won re-election in November with nearly 70 percent of the vote.

“Most public policy solutions these days are coming from governors and state governments,” Richardson said, “… and that’s because we can’t be partisan or we won’t get our jobs done.”

The Albuquerque Tribune indicates that at the very least, the 59-year-old Richardson enjoys overwhelming popularity in his own state of New Mexico, which recently reelected him to the governorship by a record margin.

If you’re interested in learning more about this outside candidate with insider chops, check out part one of a five-part, in-depth profile of Richardson developed over the past several months by the Albuquerque Journal.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is getting ready to chat it up with Democratic voters at a house party in Hooksett, N.H.

But first, the Manchester Union Leader reports, he has to make a quick phone call.

“Tell him I want to see, obviously, President Bashir,” the Democrat tells his scheduler via cellphone as the state trooper at the wheel speeds their SUV onto the interstate. Richardson is referring to Omar al-Bashir, the president of war-torn Sudan, and a humanitarian mission the governor is trying to orchestrate.

“Just put, ‘Anybody making decisions on U.N. force,’” Richardson tells the woman on the line. “But, you know, certainly the president.”

Richardson, who spent the weekend in New Hampshire as he considers a run for U.S. president, has been keeping a high profile in foreign affairs. Last Friday, he met with North Korean diplomats to discuss this week’s talks on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

His sights, however, have not strayed far from the homefront. Richardson has made repeated visits this year to New Hampshire, where he and other prospective presidential candidates are already gearing up for a primary that’s still more than a year away. The governor says he plans to announce his intentions next month.

Richardson said he was surprised by Sen. Evan Bayh’s decision to quit the race, two weeks after the Indiana Democrat said he was forming an exploratory committee. He maintained, however, that underdogs can win in New Hampshire and that voters are starting to recognize his name.

“I know the media’s not taking me seriously right now. I know the pundits aren’t,” he told the Union Leader. “And that’s fine with me. You’ve got to peak at the right time. I don’t want to peak now.”

Richardson has previously served as a congressman, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and U.S. energy secretary. Last month, he won re-election to a second term as governor of New Mexico. His margin of victory was the largest in state history.

As a candidate for president, Richardson said he would aim to diminish the country’s dependence on foreign oil and improve port security.

As for the Iraq war, as with North Korea, Richardson favors diplomacy over force. The governor said he would withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq next year and encourage Iraq’s warring factions to try reconciling their differences peacefully.

“I believe a civil war subsides with us taking a secondary role but (also) helping the Iraqis make the transition to secure their country,” he said.

Richardson said he also supports the Iraq Study Commission’s recommendation of resuming talks with Syria and Iran.

“We have not emphasized diplomacy and face-to-face negotiations. You can deliver a tougher message by doing it directly,” he said.

About 20 people came to see Richardson in Hooksett at the home of newly elected Rep. Eileen Ehlers. There, voters pressed Richardson to discuss his take on illegal immigration.

Richardson, a Hispanic, said he supports a policy of “earned legalization” that would allow illegal immigrants to become citizens if they learn English, pay back taxes, incur a fine and pass a background check. He opposes plans to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border.

Attendees were impressed with Richardson’s intelligence and articulateness. Their support, however, is not guaranteed. If there’s anything New Hampshire voters can be counted on for… it’s not to be counted on, at least not early. Granite State residents are an independent-minded bunch that will listen to everyone, but where they come down is anyone’s guess at this point.

Richardson would face stiff competition from Barack Obama as an alternative to likely front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton, though none of the three have officially thrown their hats into this ring.