Reed 'Not Interested' in Running with Obama

Sen. Jack Reed (D) of Rhode Island said yesterday that he was "not interested" in the Vice-Presidential slot on the Democratic ticket with Sen. Barack Obama. Reed's name has been mentioned as a possible running mate for Obama due to his military experience and his perceived credibility on national security issues. Reed is a graduate of West Point, served admirably in Vietnam, holds a seat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and has made numerous trips to Iraq, where he will accompany Obama later this month.

It is considered bad form by many to openly campaign for the Vice-Presidency, so Reed's denial of interest will not entirely dampen the speculation surrounding him. But Reed's statement on the matter seemed pretty unequivocal. "There are people that are spending a lot of time, one, looking for candidates, and trying to promote themselves as candidates," Reed also said. "And I'm in neither category."

Obama's choice of a running mate is fraught with complications for his campaign, perhaps more so than most presidential candidates. Because Obama is so unknown, and due to his relative lack of a record and personal experience on which to base his candidacy, Obama has staked his appeal on his personal judgment. Arguably the first test of that judgment will be in his running mate selection. It is widely believed that Obama will select a running mate that will lend governing experience to the ticket, particularly in foreign affairs. But Obama must also select someone who will be acceptable to the broad coalition of Democratic Party activists and help to unify the party after its contentious primary season.

Other names rumored to be on Obama's short list of potential running mates include Sen. Hillary Clinton, former Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia, Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, and long-shot retiring Republican Senator Chuck Hagel, who will also accompany Obama to Iraq.