Second, credibility: “Is this someone who could, in an emergency, step in and lead the nation?” Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), who has advised Obama on whom to pick, asked. That question is as important for Obama, 46, as it is for McCain, 71. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Third, compatibility: Can these two politicians forge a good working partnership that will make their campaign more effective? And in an era when the vice presidency has become more powerful than ever before, could they work well together in the White House?
“What both Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain will be looking for is someone who will be a partner in governing,” said Ron Klain, who helped Democratic nominee Al Gore choose Lieberman as his running mate in 2000. (Haraz N. Ghanbari / Associated Press)
