Suppose Vice President Biden resigns due to health concerns.....

[Lincoln Republican]

Who does President Obama nominate for Congressional approval as the new Vice President to fill out the rest of the term?

Explain why if you wish.

[cbannon5]

My guess woud be that President Obama would select either Sen. Chuck Schumer or Sen. Dianne Feinstein.  Both could get Congressional approval with relative ease.  Both are experienced  Both are from safely Democratic states.  Neither one has Presidential ambitions. 

[Lincoln Republican]

My guess woud be that President Obama would select either Sen. Chuck Schumer or Sen. Dianne Feinstein.  Both could get Congressional approval with relative ease.  Both are experienced  Both are from safely Democratic states.  Neither one has Presidential ambitions.  

Interesting answers.  

Schumer would be up for reelection in 2016 when his term as VP would expire.  If he became VP he would have to give up his Senate seat, another would be appointed to fill the seat, so I doubt he would accept the Vice Presidency if it meant he would not be going back to the Senate.  Of course, he could always run for the Democratic Senate nomination for 2016 against the appointed Senator.  It is also possible, of course, that the appointed Senator would want to serve only for the balance of the Senate term to which he was appointed, which would allow Schumer to run for the Senate in 2016 unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

Feinstein is 81 years old, so I doubt Obama would pick her.

Please understand I make these points not to criticize these choices, but simply for discussion purposes.  

But your picks are most interesting.

[hurricanehink]

Perhaps one of the retirees from 2012, such as former governors John Lynch of New Hampshire or  Christine Gregoire of Washington. Neither are likely (it seems) to run for senate or presidency in the future.

[NHLiberal]

Senator John Walsh

[moderatevoter]

Senator John Walsh

Lol.

[OnlyAlb]

Jerry Brown would be an interesting pick.

I think Obama would go with a woman pick to break another barrier. Maybe Kay Hagen if she loses reelection.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

He'll pick Hillary to give her a boost for 2016.

[NHLiberal]

He'll pick Hillary to give her a boost for 2016.

I feel like it would do the opposite though

[Maxwell]

Hillary would have a contentious confirmation battle, I don't think it would work. I think it would be a non-controversial person, I think John Kerry would be solid pick.

[Mister Mets]

Interesting question.

I think there are four possibilities.

1. Hillary. I suspect he would welcome a contentious confirmation battle involving a qualified popular woman.

2. The Elder Statesman. He picks a solid older politico who could take over in an emergency, but for whom this will be a last hurrah that changes the first sentence in their wikipedia entry. Choices would include John Kerry, Jerry Brown, Leon Panetta, and Dianne Feinstein (bonus points for elevating a woman to national office.)

3. The fight with Hillary. In which Obama nominates someone who could make a credible bid for President in 2016. As that could lead to a vicious fight in '16, that seems like a bad choice.

4. The rising star. In which Obama picks someone who could be a useful surrogate for Democrats for years to come. It wouldn't be someone who would run against Hillary, but maybe someone who could be her running mate. The choices are limited, although Joaquin Castro could be an attractive selection. Obama wouldn't mind if Republicans pick a fight over a Hispanic nominee.

[MadmanMotley]

My thoughts:
Evan Bayh - non-controversial, experienced, no chance of losing any current senator.
Mark Warner
Christine Gregorie

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

My thoughts:
Evan Bayh - non-controversial, experienced, no chance of losing any current senator.
Mark Warner
Christine Gregorie

Evan Bayh was his second choice back in 2008, so possibly. He'd be a noncontroversial pick who might get a bit of Republican support. He's also unlikely to challenge Hillary due to their close relationship during the 2008 Primary and would be an attractive nominee in 2016 should she forgo a run. He's the best pick.

[rpryor03]

He'd choose someone who's been out of the Senate, e.g. Bayh, Jim Webb