John Adams, serving as Vice President under George Washington, summed up his disdain for the job stating, "My country in its wisdom contrived for me the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived."
The physician's Hippocratic Oath states in part "First, do no harm." This could well be the mantra of any vice presidential candidate.
A good running mate shouldn't hurt the nominee's chances, hopefully help the candidacy, and most importantly be good window dressing.
It is doubtful that President Bush will change running mates. While not that exciting of a guy, Dick Cheney doesn't hurt the Bush presidency, and to drop him at this point could be seen as political posturing of the worst kind.
So that leaves the speculating for the Democratic nominee. While Sen. John Edwards is a compelling public speaker, he barely hit the radar screen outside of his own North Carolina.
So now on to the possibilities. First out of the chute would be John McCain of Arizona. A dogged campaigner, his outspoken manner would counter the intellectual Kerry. Sure, he's a Republican in name, but his friendship with Kerry as well as his disdain for the Bush Administration might make him consider the co-starring role on the Democratic ticket.
It could be time for a woman, and Dianne Feinstein of California would make an excellent choice guaranteeing a victory in that key state.
However, the one person who would make Kerry virtually unbeatable would be the wildly popular Oprah Winfrey.
Face it. She is loved by millions, is a savvy business woman, has no secrets from the American public, and her trust ratings are off the chart.
If there is a downside to a Kerry/Winfrey ticket, no one seems to know it. It's not that farfetched.
After all, if one year ago I would have told you that Arnold Schwarzenegger would be Governor of California, no one would have believed it.
Raised in Davis County, Brandvold is employed in the financial industry--and proud to be a Utah Democrat.
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