About Swing Stater

Some states are blue, some are red, and some are in-between. Contenders for the VP spot from "purple" states may get extra consideration if they are likely to help carry their home state.

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Show/Hide Eliminated Contenders

Bill Richardson

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VP Opinion Articles on Eyes On Obama

Anatomy of a VP Candidate

The Veepstakes: New, Improved, Updated and Still Up for Grabs

The Veepstakes: Part 2

The Veepstakes: Part 3

In support of Wesley Clark for VP

The Democratic Party's Secret Weapon

Claire McCaskill

Missouri Senator

Strengths:

Brand, Women, Swing Stater

Short Bio

McCaskill joined the senate as the Democrats swept to power in 2006. She is an early and vocal Obama supporter.

Our Take

If Obama favors brand over balance, McCaskill will get strong consideration. She has only been in the US Senate for 2 years, but has been involved in politics for almost 20. She comes from a swing state, and being a woman could help heal the rift that has formed in the party. Her biggest negative is that in each of her statewide elections, she failed to do well in rural areas, where Obama really needs the help.