The Palin Choice

My views on the selection of a Vice Presidential candidate were stated earlier, and it's not surprising that Democrats have jumped at what they see as a politically motivated choice of an inexperienced running mate by Senator McCain for a running mate.

A call to reserve judgment comes from a surprising source:

At a stop in Monaca, Pa., Barack Obama seemed to distance himself from his campaign's first, harshly critical response to the Palin pick. 

"I think that...campaigns start getting these hair triggers and the statement that Joe and I put out reflects our sentiments," he said, according to the pool report, apparently criticizing his staff for going overboard, as he did occasionally in the primary. 

...

"I'm pleased with my choice for vice president, Joe Biden. I think he's the man who can help me guide this country in a better direction and help working families."

 This is Obama at his best.  Rather than belittling his opponent, he states the positive case for his own choice.  While politicians some times have others take the low road only to seem "above the fray," I don't think that's the case here.

The Vice President

At TPB, we're less interested in handicapping who will be picked than what criteria should be used and what the selection says about the person doing the picking. Once the names are announced, there will be a LOT of coverage, a TON of analysis on cable with anyone who once spent 5 minutes stuffing envelopes being labeled a "strategist" and asked their opinion, etc., I'd like it if we could keep our eye on the ball.

First and foremost, the person should be very well qualified to lead the country should something happen to the President.

When the names are announced, ask yourself the following question: what was primary reason in selecting this person?

If the answer you derive is that the selection was done in consideration of how it would help the President once elected, the selection was probably a sound one. If your answer is "it helps deliver a potential swing state," or "it will help turnout the base," the selection was probably not.

The rest is just noise - and there's going to be a lot of it.