Out On A Limb

The media and blogosphere are already clogging up with speculation over John Kerry’s veep pick, so why not join in?

Traditionally, a VP is chosen to “balance” the nominee ideologically (for example, “conservative” Texan Lloyd Bentsen/LBJ balancing Massachusetts liberal Mike Dukakis/JFK, or moderate George H.W. Bush balancing conservative Ronald Reagan), and/or to bring in a state that’s electorally important. In addition, getting a governor or former governor would be a plus to further ‘balance out’ Kerry’s Senate career.

Put all that together, and this one is a slam-dunk for Kerry: Evan Bayh, from Indiana. No one else need apply.