I’m curious to see who else joins Obama as it might signal potential VP picks. Biden seems like an obvious choice for the trip regardless of whether Obama is seriously considering him for the trip, but if Evan Bayh joins them, it increases the odds that he’s the pick.

The fact that the Obama campaign is willing to target Indiana tells me that Bayh might be the choice. The 11 electoral votes from Indiana would tip the election to Obama, if he won all the Kerry states and Iowa (where he has a solid lead). He wouldn’t even need Ohio or Florida. Having Bayh on the ticket could deliver the state. His midwestern roots would also help Obama in battleground states like Ohio and Wisconsin.

More importantly, Bayh bolsters the ticket in general terms. First, he’s clearly capable of being President on day one. He’s a former governor and a Senator. He also has significant foreign policy credentials, with his seats on the Armed Services and Intelligence committees. He’s a moderate with excellent credentials on taxes and economic policy. Finally, he looks like a President. He’s soft-spoken and boring at times, but he projects an image of quiet competence, which is a good balance to Obama’s electric campaign. He would help quiet the fears of those who worry Obama lacks experience. He’s not an old hand like Sam Nunn, but he’s still a heavyweight.

Obama needs a VP that reassures voters and doesn’t make mistakes. Bayh is a pro, and he did a good job as a surrogate for Hillary Clinton in the primaries.

Bayh’s credentials, along with the help he provides with the electoral map, make him the best choice in my opinion.

That’s unfortunate, as he would have been a great selection.