He was one of the very few in a real position of power in Washington who was right in 2002 and tried to do something to stop the war. That by itself doesn't necessarily make him a great VP candidate. But it's gotta count for something. In fact, it's gotta count for a lot.

Let's not forget that Graham is the exact same age as McCain. If we want someone who will be in a good position to run for president him/herself in 2016 (hopefully after 8 years of a successful Obama administration), Graham would be an unwise choice.

I can only assume it's the regional thing? I mean, anything that nets you 5 points in FL can pretty much sew this thing up, right?

I don't think that's great logic, but the stories of JFK's chose of LBJ have constructed something of a mythology about that.

Ezra-

Not forceful about talking about it? The guy wrote a book about how the administration lied about the war, manufactured intelligence and dropped the ball on 9/11. He chastised his colleagues for voting for the war and called Bush a liar before anyone else.

Was Cheney considered Mr. Charisma? Bush won twice with him. Gore was a disaster when he ran for President the first time. I think VP is not always the same profile as the President.

Graham still has high 70s approval ratings in Florida. He's an expert on foreign policy, healthcare and the environment, plus huge executive experience and tremendous integrity. And thankfully voted against the war!

Let's not forget that in all his years as Governor of Florida and the Senator from Florida, no one ever seriously questioned Bob Graham's integrity. And, those who worked with and against him in Florida, continue to admire his sharp mind.

-A Republican

First, you don't need a guy who can succeed Obama as President. the Democratic Party is full of bright young potential superstars, and I'm saying that as a conservative. You guys have a deep bench.

What Obama does need is someone with experience, integrity, and national security cred. Graham is actually quite hawkish, just opposed to the Iraq war. It would help immunize Obama from being portrayed as a pacifist.

Graham has a 38 year career of public service where there was not even a hint of unethical behavior by either Graham or his family.
In addition, to say he is a terrible campaigner when he won every statewide election he ever entered - 5 by count - and often winning with over 60% of the vote in Florida kind of takes the edge of that argument.
In any case, the least most important thing that Obama needs in his VP is someone who can smile as brightly.

First, I think its time to revisit the question of the notebooks in light of the "GTD" time management / task tracking school of thought. It allowed him to consistently retain and later act on a huge volume of information and numerous contacts with people, including regular citizens. I wish more public officials had notebooks.

Second, he had difficulty breaking out of the pack in 2004, much like Biden, Richardson, Dodd did this year. Doesn't make any of them bad campaigners per se, just outmatched.

Third, my guess is he wouldn't want do it as V.P., but he would make a great person to fix the mess as Secretary of Homeland Security, combining his Senatorial and Gubernatoiral expertise.

But, fourth, if he were the nominee, he would tear whoever the schlep McCain chooses a new one in the debate, and would be great and effective in arguing how McCain's policies have made us less safe.

And I'd really love to see a Graham / Crist debate rematch (Graham cleaned his clock in a senate race).

I have been shouting this from the rooftops for weeks now. Bob Graham is the PERFECT choice.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chair.
Against the war from the start.
Delivers Florida.
Plus everything the other posters said.

"Notebooks, Governor Jindal?
Yeah, I kept notebooks. Nowhere in those notebooks does it say " Performed exorcism."You want to talk about the economy or something?"