Ohio Gov. Strickland Now Stumping For Obama

For months, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland slammed Sen. Barack Obama's lack of experience. The first-term governor, and former democrat member of Congress, was backing Hillary Clinton.

Now, his job is "selling" the Illinois senator's bona fides to voters in the Buckeye State. From the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer newspaper:

"The most notable politicians showing off their new allegiance were Strickland and Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who were Clinton's chief gubernatorial backers and helped deliver key primary victories that extended the fractious race until June.

"I'm here with my colleagues to pledge to you that whatever it takes -- that is honest and ethical -- I and we will do to make sure you are the next president," Strickland told Obama during his brief remarks."

Recently the national media has jumped on the very ancient news that Strickland does not want to be a vice presidential candidate. He has stated this repeatedly. Asking the governor to sign on as VP would deliver Ohio for the democrats -- a key state for either political party, for that matter. Strickland for months has said he is not interested in the job. And while he has stated his "non-interest" previously ad nauseum, for some reason the legacy media (MSM) suddenly finds that to be newsworthy.

In fact, republicans face the same issue on who to pick, who wants in, who doesn't, and what it all means. One of the individuals suggested as a VP candidate for republican John McCain is Florida Gov. Charlie Christ. Some argue that Christ will deliver Florida -- another "must win" state -- to the GOP. Others say "why do that?" when Florida is probably in the bag for the republicans. A vice presidential choice, as you may know, is most often based on what that person, that candidate, can deliver to the ticket. Votes? An entire state? So the argument is, don't pick Christ because you already have Florida likely in the republican camp. Pick another candidate who can deliver "something" you need.

But Obama is targeting Florida and some other states now, forcing McCain -- already strapped for cash -- to spend more money there in the coming months. Obama could even pull an upset there, though it is not likely.

As for the Veep choices, it is one thing to say you're not interested, and another to be asked.

Speculation: If a staffer inquires on Mr. Strickland of Ohio's interest, he will turn down the opportunity. If "the man" himself asks our pro-gun governor to run with him, it will be very hard to turn down. Strickland could deliver Ohio for the democrats, and quite possibly put his party in the White House again. And get back to Washington, where he is respected and has many friends from his days in the U.S. House of Representatives.

But once again, a Strickland vice presidency would be disastrous for Ohioans . . .