What to Expect From Obama's VP

Obama seems likely to pick his Vice-Presidential running mate today or tomorrow. Here are a few things to expect:

* A "dark horse" selection: Obama will probably not pick someone who is terribly well known and has been receiving a lot of speculation, like Hillary Clinton. Instead, expect him to pick someone like Rep. Chet Edwards, or Sen. Evan Bayh, who are not too well known, or perhaps former Senators Tom Daschle or Lincoln Chaffee, who have not received too much speculation. The most likely scenario is probably none of those, though.

* Experience: Despite speculation about people like Governors Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Tim Kaine of Virginia, I think Obama will pick someone with more experience; probably either a current or former member of Congress. An inexperienced pick may highlight Obama's perceived lack of experience. As pointed out by Karen Tumulty in a Time blog, Obama mentioned he wanted someone who would "complement" his strengths. He didn't say supplement or augment. This is probably reading too much into it, but that may be a hint that he will pick someone who has more experience, rather than someone who will highlight the outsider argument.

* A safe pick: At this point, Obama probably won't want to risk his lead by picking someone risky. He will probably pick someone tested and safe who probably won't end up making a huge difference in the election. Many people have suggested that Senator and former Presidential contender Joe Biden is a frontrunner. This is always possible, but I think that Biden's tendency to make controversial remarks makes it unlikely.

* A decent campaigner/debater: The VP selection will be helping to spread Obama's message, as well as fundraising, and debating probably once with his or her counterpart. Obama will want someone who is at least ecent in all these areas, if not stellar.