Centerfield

Oh my gosh... Smart man, but I am falling asleep simply thinking about it.

Say it ain't so! Not Xerox Joe!

What I like about this, more than anything, is the likelihood that the race will take on a vivid quality that you don't normally get in politics. Joe believes what he believes -- he's passionate, direct, and well-informed. In terms of Iraq policy, he has also staked out territory that Kerry should have little trouble with. So you have someone who will frame Kerry's platform in vigorous and fairly sincere tones.

It might sound an awful lot more like the Democrats believe in something and have a particular direction they want to take the country.

In other words, Biden might help with the single most common criticism of Kerry -- that he's mushy or indecisive.

You point out, Tully, that Biden has a past with a few skeletons in the closet. That's true. He also offers little regional balance, or balance in political experience (both men being Senators).

Yep, those are the downsides.

From Letterman:
Top Ten Questions On The John Kerry Running Mate Application

10. Do you support both sides of every issue?

9. Excluding horse, what animal do I most resemble?

8. Mind if I pretend you're John McCain?

7. Are you related to any Governors who can help rig an election?

6. In the Vice Presidential debate, will you make Cheney your bitch?

5. You're not going to trick me into starting a war to help out your oil buddies, are you?

4. Which trait do you find more inspirational: My dour blandness or my smug arrogance?

3. If chosen, would you be willing to change your name to Kenny?

2. Any black market Botox Connections?

1. Do you have my back if I pull a 'Clinton'?

As I've also pointed out before, the problem with Congresscritters running for President/VP is that they have track records that can be used against them to say almost anything. This is because Congresscritters make many votes on a party basis, including votes meant to fail that are made to CYA with an issue constituency. Governors don't get that luxury very often. And I do wonder if that will play a factor in Kerry's decision.

Right now I think they're floating an awfu lot of trial balloons, which implies no clear decision made.

I have a hunch Tully that they are floating the trial balloons because they know who it is, and it has been talked about so much they want it be at least a little bit of a surprise. I expect Vilsack, Edwards, or Gephardt, and if I where forced to bet, I would bet on Gephardt.

Didn't run that angle through my work-fogged mind this morning, Mathew, but I suspect you're right. The dodge-the-union bit at the Mayor's conference might even have been an indicator I missed.

Hmmm. Biden, huh? I think that may be the first name other than Edwards that I strongly approve (given that the McCain idea was not going to happen).

And remember that Biden and Hagel have been front and center all along encouraging sane policy in Iraq.