ConservativeINC

Obama had not notified his choice — or any of those not selected — of his decision as of late Monday, advisers said. Going into the final days, Obama was said to be focused mainly on three candidates: Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana, Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia and Senator Joseph Biden Jr. of Delaware.

Some Democrats said they were still hopeful that he would chose his opponent in the primaries, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, or Kathleen Sebelius, the governor of Kansas.

By all indications, Obama remains likely to chose someone relatively safe and avoid taking a chance with a game-changing selection. A similar strategic choice now faces Obama’s likely Republican opponent, Senator John McCain of Arizona, who has been under pressure from some Republicans to make a more daring choice.

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.

Tim Kaine is from middle America, speaks fluent Spanish and may be able to help deliver his southern swing state, which Obama is targeting.

Senator Joseph Biden, former senator Sam Nunn, or even ex United Nations ambassador Bill Richardson might be a fit, but picking an establishment figure might undercut his vow to reform Washington’s clogged political system.

“I left the country convinced that Russia’s invasion of Georgia may be the one of the most significant event to occur in Europe since the end of communism.  The claims of Georgian atrocities that provided the pretext for Russia’s invasion are rapidly being disproved by international observers, and the continuing presence of Russian forces in the country has severe implications for the broader region.  The war that began in Georgia is no longer about that country alone.  It has become a question of whether and how the West will stand up for the rights of free people throughout the region.  The outcome there will determine whether we realize the grand ambition of a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace.”

“Russia must make good on President Medvedev’s commitment to immediately withdraw Russian troops to their positions before the current fighting began.    We also need a truly independent and international peacekeeping force in Georgia’s conflict regions.  And we must help the people of Georgia to rebuild their country and preserve its democratic institutions.”

“When Congress reconvenes, I intend to work with the Administration to seek Congressional approval for $1 billion in emergency assistance for Georgia, with a substantial down payment on that aid to be included in the Congress’ next supplemental spending bill.  This money will help the people of Georgia recover from the damage that has been inflicted on their economy and send a clear message that the United States will not abandon this young democracy.  I hope this $1 billion commitment will be matched by others in the international community.

“I have long sought to help Russia realize its extraordinary potential as a force for progress in the international community, and have supported legislative efforts intended to forge a more constructive relationship with the Kremlin.  But Russia’s actions in Georgia will have consequences.

“I congratulate the people of Pakistan on the peaceful resolution of their political crisis, and I applaud the decision of President Musharraf to give up his office for the good of his nation.

“The two major parties in the governing coalition – the PPP and the PML-N – worked together to bring about a change in government through constitutional and nonviolent means.  This transition represents the first time in Pakistani history in which a president installed by the military has been removed by constitutional political action.

“I urge Pakistan’s leaders to focus now on the pressing challenges of the future and resist the temptation to settle scores of the past.  President Musharraf made the right choice in stepping down. I hope his resignation marks the end of the political turmoil that has immobilized the Pakistani government in recent months.”