DEMOCRATIC VICE PRESIDENT BETTING ODDS AND ANALYSIS
2008
**Note - Current Odds as of 8/20/08 at bottom of page
By Ryan Patterson
The 2008 Presidential election is rapidly approaching. Whether
you’re a Democrat, or a Republican we all have one thing in common. We like to
gamble. What better thing to gamble on than then who will be next leader of the
free world?! We already know that Obama and McCain are going to be the
Presidential candidates, however we don’t know who will be running with them.
Let’s take a look at some of the candidates and odds for the Democratic
Vice Presidential nod.
Hillary Clinton ( odds 3/2)- Love her of hate her, Hillary Clinton is the
early favorite to become Senator Obama’s running mate. Prior to Obama’s historic
victory, she was engaged in what was possibly the most heated race for the
Democratic nomination in the party’s history. She would be a good choice due to
her grassroots support. I also anticipate people associating her husbands term
with “good times”, thus lifting her stock. She is my top choice from a wagering
standpoint.
Jim Webb (odds 3-1)- Webb’s moderate political views combined with his
military experience make him a good choice for Vice President. Webb served as
the Secretary of the Navy under President Reagan so when the Obama campaign is
criticized for their lack of foreign policy experience, Webb would be a nice
asset.
Kathleen Sebelius (odds 4-1)- Sebelius is the current Governor of Kansas.
She would spell double trouble for the GOP, because she is a Cincinnati, OH
native and has strong ties in the swing state. Her father was the Governor of
Ohio making her valuable in that state. Sebelius was elected in Kansas, which is
a heavily Republican state. I don’t think Obama will select her, but the signs
are there if he does.
Bill Richardson (odds 5-1)- This current Governor of New Mexico would
provide Obama with massive support in the growing Latino population. Richardson
has a long list of accomplishments. He served as the US Ambassador to the United
Nations during the Clinton administration and was also the Secretary of Energy
for Clinton. Richardson also served in the House of Representatives. He makes
sense, so he is my second choice.
Wesley Clark (odds 6-1)- Clark is a retired General from the Army,
Valedictorian of his class at West Point, and a Rhodes Scholar. Quite a list of
accomplishments! Prior to endorsing Senator Clinton, Clark was mentioned among
the top candidates for the presidential nomination. In the wake of Clinton’s
defeat, Clark has voiced his support for Obama. Many believe he is on Obama’s
shortlist. I could see this guy getting the nod.
John Edwards (odds 8-1)- How could anyone NOT like this guy? His natural
charm, combined with his southern drawl would make him an attractive choice due
to his ability to attract southern and female voters. He has stated he did not
want the position, but has since recanted. If offered I am confident he would
accept. He is good value at 8-1, and would be my third choice.
CURRENT ODDS AS OF
8/20/08
Tim Kaine -300
Joe Biden -300
Hillary Clinton +200
Jim Webb +250
Evan Bayh +400
Kathleen Sebelius +400
Wesley Clark +550
Bill Richardson +600
Mark Warner +700
Ted Strickland +800
John Edwards +1000
Al Gore +1000
Sam Nunn +1200
Brian Schweitzer +1500
Ron Paul +1500
Ed Rendell +1500
Phil Bredesen +2000
Michael Bloomberg +2000
Janet Napolitano +2000
Chuck Hagel +2500
Check out our article on the
Presidential Betting odds and the
Republic VP Nomination Odds