How important is v.p. choice in '08?

It's amazing how fast sworn enemies can become best buddies after a nomination is awarded. They may have to hold their noses and bite their tongues, but they will quickly put on a unified front. In politics, today's enemy is tomorrow's ally. Clinton has already hinted she'd like Obama as her veep. If Obama wins, however, it's less likely Clinton would accept the vice president slot. This has been the most unpredictable presidential race in decades, so I wouldn't rule anything out. The Democrats are deeply divided, and Obama and Clinton badly need each other.

Pignanelli: If Clinton and Obama are on the ticket together, McCain will be sworn in as the 44th president. A combination of the senators from New York and Illinois indicates the Democrats are deeply divided, and a joint appearance is the only way to bridge the gap. (Polls suggest 20 percent of Democrats will vote for McCain if their choice is not nominated.) Cooler heads will prevail and the vice presidential nominee will be the governor of a Midwestern state.

Will the vice presidential selection on either side make any real difference in the general election?

Pignanelli: "The vice presidency is sort of like the last cookie on the plate. Everybody insists he won't take it, but somebody always does." — Bill Vaughn.

Usually vice presidential selection rarely boosts a ticket's chances (i.e. Sen. Dan Quayle). But this is the year where a running mate will impact the presidential nominee. McCain must be extraordinarily sensitive to the gender/minority presence on the Democratic ticket. Democrats must demonstrate administrative experience. Although the governor of Florida would normally be a wonderful choice, he looks too much like McCain. This is the year when geography is less important than demography. The Republican ticket must possess diversity, the Democrats gravitas. The most important decision the next president makes will be in the next few months.

Webb: Voters clearly focus on the top dog and historically haven't paid much attention to the vice president. But this year's election is breaking all the rules. Given McCain's age and the fracturing of the Democratic Party, I think the running mates will be more important this year than is usual. Voters will want someone qualified to assume the presidency, and the candidates need running mates who will shore up their own weaknesses. The veep selections add more intrigue to what has already been an enormously fascinating presidential election.

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Republican LaVarr Webb is a political consultant and lobbyist. Previously he was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and a Deseret News managing editor. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.