Barack VP Hagel vs Bayh

What if it came down to Hagel or Bayh for Barack's running mate. Who would you choose?

According to a June 20th news report Senator Chuck Hagel says he would "consider" the VP offer if it comes. Hagel is a very interesting prospect.

• He served as a Vietnam Army seargant and earned 2 purple hearts (nice comeback to McCain's military and hostage experience)
• He has been critical of Bush's Iraq troop surge decision and of Bush's Iraq policy in general (Lockstep with Obama here)
  
• He has foreign policy experience and is on the Senate Foreign relations committee (Would bolster Barack where he is often accused of being weak)
• He is a Republican (would add credence to Barack's message of unification and could likely appeal to Reagan democrats, those on the fence and maybe even stubborn Hillary fans who are threatening to vote for McCain.)
• Senator Hagel is traveling with Barack on his recent overseas tour and is likely a close advisor to Barack on all things related to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Senator Hagel sounds like he could be a VERY strong candidate for Barack's running mate.

But, wait....there is also Senator Evan Bayh...The FIX as the Washington Post likes to call him. The post article makes a great case for Senator Bayh. According to them:

• This election is all about Indiana where the race is close for Barack. And, Indiana is all about Bayh.
  
• Bayh is a credible messenger to the Rust Belt and could be a strong attraction for Reagan democrats as well as for Hillcats and other reluctant Hillary supporters
  
• Because of Bayh's Indiana connections and powerful family, not only can he bring in Indiana, but The Post projects that he would have strong influence to suck in Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and maybe even Kentucky
• Bayh bridges the gap between a "fresh face and an elder statesman"
• Bayh has experience and has proven to perform well in the past
• and, finally...Bayh is kind of boring...which would be a welcome change from Barack's rock star popularity and. what some see as "sickening charisma and ego"
  

Hmmmm sounds like Bayh could also be a VERY strong choice for Barack.

Senator Evan Bayh I choose you! I think that Barack's trip overseas served as a good trial balloon to see just how much Americans value international and foreign relations. The fact that the trip went well, but Barack did not see a soar in the polls and, infact, may have lost ground to McCain in some states, suggests to me that since foreign relations experience, or lack there of, does not butter the bread, bring home the bacon or put fuel in the gas tank, Americans could care less about it in our current state of a Bush infused domestic meltdown. Furthermore, Barack's rock star reception overseas and Iraq leadership's near endorsement of him, have given us comfort that Barack does not have a problem with foreign relations, international credibility, acceptance or influence. So, having a number two who is strong on foreign policy is not such a pressing need.

With the clear need for Barack to redouble his focus on domestic issues, fortify his electabiliy here at home by closing credibility gaps, addressing the subliminal racism that continues to dog him and Michelle, get those Hillcats on board and secure Indiana and the rest of the rust belt, Barack needs Bayh more than he needs Hagel...so I agree with the Washington Post. Bayh is the man for the job!

Senator Hagel we need you on the team too, so stay tuned.