Ideologically - and assuming the shortlist we hear about is accurate - I'd probably take Clinton.

From a state-level tactical standpoint, I'd take Bayh - he can help win Indiana.  Beyond a darkhorse like Schweitzer (who won't get picked), I don't think there's any VP candidate with a better real chance to flip a state.  He magnifies Obama's midwest flavor.  He's also, unfortunately, probably at the bottom of my ideological list.

Biden can be a hell of an attack dog, but also has a real foot-in-mouth problem.

If Bill Richardson weren't such a sloppy campaigner - sloppy to the point of honestly being a ticket hindrance, I think - I'd probably prefer Richardson.   I don't buy the "too ethnic" BS - no one with 'concerns' about ethnicity is going to say "Well, I was gonna vote Obama - but then he chose a latino as his #2".

I think Clinton would be a strong VP to play the attack dog role - she's a fine campaigner, very disciplined.

I think there are problems with Kaine - I don't see him really helping in VA (he doesn't help in the western part of the state, near as I can tell).  He's got questionable pro-choice bona fides.

Ultimately?

I'd probably flip a coin between Bayh and Clinton.  I think I'd tactically lean Bayh, but politically prefer Clinton.

Obama won't lose on points.

America will either trust him or they won't.

Hillary and Bill are the strongest defense he has.

Hillary for VP and attack Dog will cover what he needs covering.

ignore the blank post.

what i intended to say was that people are really misapplying the "team of rivals" concept.

First, none of the "rivals" on Lincoln's "team" were the VP. The "team of rivals" idea involves just that--a TEAM. It's not just about the president and vice president, but rather the Cabinet, which is where Lincoln placed Chase, Seward, et al. Lincoln kept them close, but not THAT close.

I agree that it appears McCain has the advantage by choosing his VP last.  But if it looks like he is picking someone purely as a reaction to Obama, that might make him less appealing to voters.  Doesn't exactly show leadership, know what I mean?

Romney has 4 incompetent years as Mass Governor.  They try to do your Meme and they will be crucified.  Romney is a joke... if McCain picks him, that will end this election right there.

"but politics is cynical will - the sooner the some realize it the better."

I wish I could tell you you are wrong...But politics is just way to cynical to deny it.

"I think all this talk of VP being "Obama's personal, private decision" is nonsense."

I think that comment is nonsense. Obama can not be perceived to be choosing his VP because of arm twisting. The media and the Rethugs will portray him as weak. In essence it is his "personal, private decision" because this is the person who Obama is going to be working with for the next 8 years. He needs someone whom he can work with and use that person's knoweledge(sp) to his advantage. If that person is Clinton than so be it. But to act as if he shouldn't pick someone that suits his interests and someone whom he feels comfortable with is wrong.  

Hillary would be a disaster -- if she's somehow idiotically chosen, expect to hear a thousand millions clips of her saying how Obama hasn't passed the CiC threshold.

Anyone would be better than Hillary. Anyone at all. She doesn't "deserve" anything other than the fair chance everyone else also got, and frankly "Machiavelli with ovaries" isn't the most complimenting expression.