Considering The Vice-Presidency

Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, who once spoke favorably about Barack Obama, is a little confused.

The Associated Press has reported that Pawlenty, long believed to be on John McCain's short list for the Vice-Presidential nod, on August 23 said Obama selected a 'mentor,' "showing a lack of experience for the nation's highest post." Pawlenty claimed

It seems that his rhetoric has been around change, there needs to be change in Washington and he has used for his political advantage this concept of the need for Washington outsiders. Then when he has one of his first big decisions, he chooses the consummate Washington insider, which I think is noteworthy.

Apparently, Timmy hasn't been paying attention. On July 27, Obama said of his upcoming decision on a running mate "I'm going to want somebody with independence, who's willing to tell me where he thinks or she thinks I'm wrong."

When Obama on August 23 announced his selection of Senator Joseph Biden, it showed a few things about the fellow from Illinois: 1) he was telling the truth on 7-27-08, which in a President would be a welcome change from the past seven years; 2) he is would be willing as President to have someone around who will tell him when he's wrong, a welcome change from the past seven years; and 3) he believes that we should have a Vice-President lacking a dangerous obsession with secrecy, a welcome change from the past seven years.

It may be difficult for a governor from a party which has given us probably the worst President of modern times, and which wants a reprise of the last eight years, to understand, but Barack Obama decided that it would be useful for not only the Democratic Party but also the country to have as first in succession to the Presidency someone qualified and ready to take on leadership.