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Obama stays quiet over running mate

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-08-23 09:45

Barack Obama Friday kept up his guessing game with the American media as the frenzied speculation over his choice of running mate continued.

Barack Obama during a campaign stop at a Virginia deli. He is due to be named as the Democratic residential nominee at the party convention in Denver next week. [Agencies]

Obama's deliberations over his choice of vice-president have dominated cable television news and blogs all week long, with commentators debating the merits of various politicians and the possible timing of an announcement.

The consensus in the media is that Obama could appear with his choice of running mate today for a rally in Springfield, Illinois, where he launched his run for the White House in early 2007.

John McCain, the Republican candidate, has also given no indication of his choice of running mate, but Obama is expected to make his announcement first because the Democrats are holding their convention ahead of the Republicans, in Denver next week.

Excitement over Obama's choice of candidates reached fever pitch on Thursday after the Democrat told reporters he had made up his mind - but was not going to make an announcement. "I won't comment on anything else until I introduce our running mate to the world," he said. "That's all you're going to get out of me."

The campaign has said it will make the announcement in text messages and emails to supporters.

By on Thursday, with the Democratic convention only 72 hours away, CNN was broadcasting from outside the homes of politicians reputed to be on Obama's shortlist, splitting the screen between the possibilities.

In CNN's view, the top contenders for the second slot on the Democratic ticket include Joe Biden, the senator from Delaware who heads the foreign relations committee. But local media in Kansas were reporting that bumper stickers were already being printed declaring "Obama-Bayh 08", indicating a choice of Evan Bayh, a senator from Indiana with a reputation for fiscal conservatism. Other much discussed contenders include the Democratic governor of traditionally Republican Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius. Hillary Clinton is not thought to be in favour.

But Obama's campaign has proved extraordinarily immune to leaks - a factor which has helped fuel the speculation.

For McCain, the favoured running mate yesterday was said to be his former rival, Mitt Romney. However, there were also reports that he was considering General David Petraeus, the outgoing commander of US forces in Iraq.

Obama has told reporters he wanted a sparring partner, rather than someone who would automatically second his ideas. "I want somebody who's independent, somebody who can push against my preconceived notions and challenge me so we have got a robust debate in the White House," he said