The fix is in, the die has been cast, the Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate has been chosen.

Many have wondered, many have guessed, many have spoken with authority.  But all were wrong.

What a coincidence! On the exact same day that John McCain tries his hardest to immolate his own campaign with his monster-gaffe about not even knowing how many houses he owns, the campaign reports that one of their offices has been targeted by a terrorist.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's 2004 all over again. Terror alerts, and all.

By Jwilkes from Eyes on Obama:

What Democrats should really be excited about is that Joe Biden just might be the most relatable man in Washington. Voters can watch politicians on television without ever really knowing them. John Kerry was branded an elitist for what some perceived as his extreme inability to form a direct connection with his audience.

The Obama campaign has released it's post-Saturday Schedule, and with stops in Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, and Billings, Montana, some people (me) are speculating that Obama has chosen a candidate that appeals to Western voters--such as Governors Schweitzer or Sebelius.  Though, I have no inside information whatsoever (unlike this guy), the Billings, Montana stop could be a clue that he's not choosing a Washington insider, contrary to the speculation of--well--Washington insiders.  

Campaign Release and Analysis below...

UPDATE:  Al Giordano at the Narcosphere's "The Field" has a great take on this...

They had thought about sending everyone telegrams but apparently western union no longer provides that service.

The pony express was out of the question since all the horses and riders have long since passed away.  This was news to John McCain.

If anyone knows how to read smoke signals please be sure to post a diary with the translation.

It seems like all we're hearing in the news lately is "Who will it be?" Last week, everyone was saying Bayh, this week it's Biden. And with those speculations are examinations of the candidates' weaknesses (mostly) and strengths (barely).

Since it seems to be all anyone is talking about when talking about Obama (outside of certain blogs, of course), is it any wonder that nobody seems to be paying attention to his message or his issues?

No wonder the most recent polling is showing a tighter race. When they hear about Obama, it's all VP speculation, and when they hear about McCain, it's all about him slamming Obama.

I'm sure the telecoms are loving it; I wonder how much they'll make on text messaging charges when the announcement is finally made.

I'm not going to urge Obama to make an announcement before the most optimum time (maybe after the Olympics end on Saturday); as soon as the speculation is out of the way, the news will, hopefully, be back on-message. And with that, his polling numbers will rise again.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that Obama will be making a campaign stop in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on Sunday. Also, mentioned the following stops,

It's true.  And I'm here to tell you.  You don't have to thank me.  Millions of people will be getting text messages tomorrow evening, but you, dear and faithful reader, you will read it here first.

But, before I tell you who it will be, allow me to share some of my remarkable insights with you... after the JUMP

Over at politico.com it's saying that Obama met with Kaine and his staff this morning.

      As the Vice Presidential speculation continues, again I think we need to look at the two major contenders for the job (Tim Kaine, Joe Biden) and judge them side by side. I think it is also important to read the ‘tea leaves’ about how long Obama has actually taken to introduce his VP. Although I am from Virginia and would like nothing more than to have Tim Kaine on the ticket, we need to consider the potential strengths and weaknesses that a candidate would bring to the Obama ticket. Tim Kaine’s greatest asset to the ticket would be reinforcement to the message of change, but is that what the campaign needs? Last night a new NBC/WSJ poll was released that found Obama winning the 18-34 year old category by a margin of 55%-37%. That, according to First Read, is a "humungous" lead for Senator Obama. Also, that poll does not include the potential record shattering turnout by that age bracket, which is another reason why I think Obama is leading by a larger margin than what any poll will suggest.

Would that headline really stop you for voting and or working for Obama?  Yes I know the reasons for why he has lost favor with democrats, but does anyone honestly believe that he wasnt made a fool of by the bush administraion.  I woke up this morning immediately checking if there had been a text message (is it just me or is anyone else feeling like kid on christmas eve?)and also thinking, how about Colin Powell.  

There's two good reasons why Obama will pick Kathleen Sebelius for VP, and neither one of them is because of her gender.

1. She has a long history of effective bipartisanship in order to get things accomplished.

From FISA to offshore drilling, Obama has shown he is willing to be an honest broker in order to get things moving both in Congress and internationally.  I think Obama's primary method of achieving Change in Washington is to break down the partisan obstacles that have led to crippled and stalemated legislation by encouraging and faciliting cooperation and compromise.  Sebelius would not only be a good team member in this regard, but she could play major roles in areas of her expertise such as education.

Who will Barack Obama choose to be his Vice President?

This will be a very short diary because I have to go.   But there are rumors (I just heard it on CNN) that Obama may announce his VP choice today.   I have been thinking about it and my opinion is that the best choice for Obama will be Hillary.   She would be certainly better than Bayh or Biden and she will unify the party better.   And she would certainly be good in attacking McCain.

Sorry for another VP diary, and a short one at that, but this might be big news:

In what will be his fifth visit to Montana as a presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama will make a campaign stop Tuesday in Billings.

Obama and his campaign will then spend the night in Billings before moving on toward the Democratic Nation-al Convention in Denver. Obama's campaign has not yet announced the visit, but the trip was confirmed by several sources with knowledge of the candidate's plans.

Obama will accept the Democratic nomination for president Thursday night at Invesco Field in Denver. He plans to announce his running mate in the next few days and campaign with him or her beginning Saturday in Illinois.

The party announced Wednesday night that Art Noonan, executive director of the Montana Democratic Party, will hold a press conference today to make a "major announcement on the presidential campaign here in Montana." The press conference is at 10:30 a.m. at 316 Eighth St. in Helena.

Obama returning to Billings

The time is approaching for VP announcement by Barack Obama.  Who will it be and when will it be?  The best time is really at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night by Mark Warner.  Here he could announce Tim Kaine as his VP choice to get people to focus on his message instead of any message by Hillary that may be off subject.

Sorry everyone - all signs point to a Clinton announcement on Saturday in Illinois.  Everyone else is writing VP diaries, so I had to write mine.  Today Obama was heard saying "he" when referring to his vice president.  Howard Fineman said if he had to bet his life on it, "it's Joe Biden."  But who else would you need to wait to announce until the last minute like this?  Who else could dominate a week of coverage and overshadow anybody that McCain picks?  Who else has already been given two nights of the convention?  I'm sorry, but I smell unity at the convention...

Rumblings are that Team Obama is heading to Indiana.  Let’s hope Barack isn’t so stupid as to pick Evan Bayh.

This "fortunate son" has been living on his old man Birch Bayh’s name and reputation since he climbed into daddy’s Senate seat.  And in those ten years, his accomplishments?

Nothing.