A short, speculative diary. Today's New York Times is running a lengthy, mostly positive, profile on Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.
Of all those said to be on the short list for the Democratic vice-presidential nomination, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas best embodies the kind of bipartisanship that Barack Obama hailed in the convention speech that made him a household name four years ago: no red states or blue states, just the United States.
While Sebelius doesn't have the foreign policy cred that pundits say Obama needs on his ticket, she does represent a new path, and a new politics. She seems likeable yet tough, and would allow him to emphasize his own family roots in the region. Maybe Kansas has the power to heal the nation? More below...
It may drive Clinton supporters crazy. On the other hand, it would show a determination to bring forward a woman who could then run as an incumbent in 2016, defusing the (groundless but persistent) rumors of sexism in the primary campaign.
Having Ms. Sebelius alongside him would allow Mr. Obama to highlight a Middle American heritage. His mother and maternal grandmother were born in Kansas, and his grandfather grew up there. Ms. Sebelius endorsed him early, in January, and Mr. Obama has great affection for her. "I love Kathleen Sebelius," he gushed to reporters this summer.
It's a gamble, but it might pay off. She's certainly more interesting politically and symbolically than the top three we keep hearing about. The timing of the story is also curious, because I was hoping there would be an announcement this morning. Is this a strategic leak from the campaign, or just a slow news day? Hard to say.