WORLD> America
Democrats brace for Obama's VP pick
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-08-18 09:48

"I think it's unlikely but I told Senator Obama I'm going to help him in whatever way he thinks I'm helpful," he said.

Related readings:
 Obama, McCain try to woo Christians
 Obama cites past drug use at forum on faith
 Obama back on trail after Hawaii break
 Obama campaign issues rebuttal to book's claims
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, or Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, who both delivered their states to Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary, are long-shots and both say they will not accept if asked.

When Clinton admitted defeat in the Democratic nominating race against Obama in June, she signaled she might accept the number two spot.

But "dream ticket" talk has since faded, with Clinton seen as a symptom of the "old politics" Obama vows to change.

Should Obama wish to chose a woman nevertheless, he could go for Kathleen Sebelius, 60, a governor who has cross-partisan appeal in the traditionally Republican state of Kansas.

Or he may give the nod to Indiana senator Evan Bayh, a strong Clinton supporter, who is seen as having appeal to white conservative Democrats, and some national security expertise. Bayh coyly told CBS on Sunday that there was nothing to report yet.

Some pundits believe McCain may try to balance his ticket with a much younger running mate, although 37-year-old popular Louisana governor Bobby Jindal on Sunday ruled himself out of the race.

Asked by NBC if he would like to be John McCain's running mate, Jindal said: "No. I've got the job I want."

That could be good news for Tim Pawlenty, 47, governor of Minnesota, who could help McCain with the powerful Christian conservative block.