After much prayer, meditation, and deliberation, I have come to the conclusion that our next Vice President will be………..Governor Tim Kaine………or Senator Joe Biden. Yes, like Obama I can’t decide. Though my heart is quietly chanting, Tim Kaine-Tim Kaine-Tim Kaine, my head is yelling Joe Biden-Joe Biden-Joe Biden.

This is not the first time my head and heart are at odds. This morning when deciding what shoes to wear, my heart said to wear my favorite red, black and white four inch heals that I absolutely adore. My head was telling me to wear the patent leather black heels that were a little bit more sensible, given I will have to walk a bit today. This was a very tough decision for me. Should I go with the shoes that are exactly me, or the shoes that will compliment my activities for today?

Much like me, Obama has a decision to make between a good head choice(Biden) and a good heart choice(Kaine). So, let’s consider them both.

Joe Biden has been in the Senate since 1972 and has earned the respect of both Democrats and Republicans. He is recognized as a Foreign Policy expert and knows the workings of Washington backwards and forwards. He also chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee for 12 years and became keenly aware of all things criminal justice. Although he is a Senator, he has this gruffness that allows him to connect with “real” people, a quality that many in Washington lack(ie, John Kerry, circa 2004). Obviously, Biden’s foreign policy expertise would be the biggest asset to a President Obama. Senator Obama has often said that his VP would have an active role in his administration and he would certainly consider him a close adviser. So, a VP Biden would be a good choice. However, Biden has been is Washington for over 25 years and works against Obama’s “new type of politics” message. He also lacks any appeal to any core constituency or geographic area. Delaware is Democratic stronghold and only holds 3 electoral votes.

Tim Kaine on the other hand, appeals to all sorts of constituencies. He is a pro-life, Spanish speaking, Catholic Democratic Governor of a state(Virginia) that is in play big time this year. Kaine has only been Governor for three years, but he has gained the respect of Democrats and Republicans throughout the State. Like Obama, he was a Civil Rights attorney before going into public service. He even served as a Missionary to Honduras in his 20’s. He has a strong commitment to community and to improving the quality of life for all people. He could definitely deliver the state of Virginia and those crucial 13 electoral votes to Obama. Kaine is also a part of the “new type of politics” that Obama will usher into Washington. He is an intense campaigner and a moving orator. However, Kaine has no foreign policy experience, an expertise that our country critically needs.

So in the end, who will Obama choose? The sensible man who has the qualities you need at this time, or the man who personifies all you stand for? Unfortunately, the Senator has not texted me his final decision. But if it is any consolation, I have decided. The two best decisions I made today are………

Tim Kaine

My Shoes

My heart gets me everytime.