Much has been made of the Democratic convention schedule and the fact that the Vice President's speech comes on the night of the convention devoted to Veterans. This has led many to believe that Obama's pick will "himself" be a veteran (such as Kerry or Hagel, etc.) I believe this actually further strengthens the case that his pick is Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.Sebelius' father, John Gilligan, was governor of Ohio. She grew up there before transplanting to Kansas after her marriage. She has deep Ohio roots, a state Obama wants to win. She is very popular in Kansas, a state Obama could carry if she's on the ticket. She is a woman. Obama has every reason to put her on the ticket. So what about this veterans business and the convention theme?
Sebelius' father is a World War II veteran having served at Okinawa where he won the Silver Star. Obama's grandfather, which he loves to mention, also served in World War II as well, helped to free a concentration camp, and lived in KANSAS. The symmetry couldn't be better if you're going for a cohesive theme.
Sebelius also made a name for herself when she complained about the war in Iraq hurting the ability of Kansas' National Guard troops after the devastating tornado in Greensburg, KS. Some think she is too bland, having not done very well giving the Democratic response to the State of the Union address this year. However, it's the perfect personality to counter Obama's "celebrity" persona.
You can expect to see Sebelius take the podium as Obama's VP nominee. Bank on it.
Update:
Hagel's statement today that he won't be attending anybody's convention and he won't be endorsing anyone only strengthens this argument.
