WASHINGTON - Funeral duty is not something that Barack Obama's vice-president need worry much about, the presumptive Democratic nominee says.
Obama refused again and again during an interview that aired Sunday to give hints on whom he might pick for a running mate, but he did describe the qualities he's looking for. Shyness and blind loyalty are not among them.
"I'm going to want somebody with independence, who's willing to tell me where he thinks or she thinks I'm wrong," Obama said in an interview that aired Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."
The remark came in the twilight of the Bush White House, an administration famous -- and much-criticized -- for the value it has placed on loyalty within its ranks.
Whomever he or she may turn out to be, Obama's running mate will be hired for more than a ceremonial role, according to the candidate.
"We're going to have a lot of problems and a lot of work to do, and I'm not interested in a vice-president who I just send off to go to funerals," the Illinois senator said.
Many of the Democratic tickets of recent elections have included someone from the South, a geographic credential that some Republicans say proved troublesome for Republican candidates.
Obama would not bite on questions about whether he would continue that trend. He did say he wants someone who can complement him in the sense "that provide a knowledge base or an area of, of expertise that can be useful."
The only person Obama would acknowledge is on his short list of running mates includes Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York.
"This one I can actually answer, because I've said consistently that I think Hillary Clinton would be on anybody's short list," Obama said. "She, she is one of the most effective, intelligent, courageous leaders that we have in the Democratic party."
Even if it meant Bill Clinton, a volatile presence during his wife's campaign, as a surrogate day in and day out?
"I would love to have Bill Clinton campaigning for me," Obama said. "He was very effective when it came to our primary, you know. He was travelling to little towns in Texas and Ohio, and it was very hard to keep up."
