Three of the six sitting Democratic governors whose terms expire in 2008 are white males with a biography that would balance the ticket politically and geographically for conservative Democrats and independents. They are Brian Schweitzer of Montana, Mike Easley of North Carolina and Joe Manchin of West Virginia.  

Schweitzer has an extensive background in agriculture, has owned a number of agricultural businesses and advised lawmakers on state and federal farm policies. He and his wife have developed irrigated cropland in four continents. Easley is a former district attorney and attorney general from a southern state. According to his bio, USA Today named him one of the nation’s top “drug busters.” Manchin, also from the south, has a business background and served as West Virginia’s Secretary of State. He gained a measure of notoriety by advocating for safer mining standards following the 2006 Sago mine explosion.  

Former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack just dropped out of the presidential race, citing a lack of money. Well, that and the fact he was hovering around one percent national support in the latest Quinnipiac University poll. Vilsack’s timing in exiting the race may play to his eventual favor. Vilsack is dull as paint primer and was raised in an orphanage, rendering him a safe vice-presidential pick for Clinton or Obama. Vilsack, free from the burden of governing, can spend the next year making grand speeches to “unite the party” on topics ranging from ending the war on terrorism tomorrow to claiming that tax cuts cause global warming.  

If Clinton or Obama eventually becomes president, their vice-president will serve his term in a virtual witness protection program. The Clinton outfit, particularly, will give the cement shoes treatment to any administration official who dares embarrass Hillary. The Clinton or Obama administration will not be sidetracked or eclipsed by a white male with his own future presidential aspirations.  

One thing is for sure. If Hillary wins her party’s nomination, her vice president won’t be David Geffen.