If Biden died/resigned....

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Technically, he wouldn't even need to do so.

Actually, the 25th Amendment compels the President to nominate a new VP

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Hillary.

Actually, now that I think about it she would probably turn it down.

True. She's better off as a former popular SoS who can run at right moment than losing this capital by becoming the Veep.

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Hillary.

Actually, now that I think about it she would probably turn it down.

True. She's better off as a former popular SoS who can run at right moment than losing this capital by becoming the Veep.

Exactly.

I figure it would end up being an elder statesman/woman who plans on or has retired already.

Good call: an experienced caretaker. I just can't see Obama risking nominating a VP-successor-in-waiting. Beside an obvious Republican obstruction to the max, there would be more or less open opposition from the Democrats, many of whom wants an open field for themselves.

Hmm, as of caretaker possibilities. George Mitchell seems like a dream candidate, the problem would be his very advanced, for a second in line, even interim, age and his health isn't very good.

Any other ideas?

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Tim Kaine. Obama originally wanted Kaine as VP.

Kaine was one of the two runner-ups along with Evan Bayh.

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According to all later relations, the final decision was between Biden and Bayh, so Kaine was eliminated in a semifinal. Only these three were actually considered by Obama campaign. Other vetted possibilities were reserve choices or, like Chet Edwards, just added to please somebody (in his case Pelosi).

I can believe Obama personally wanted Kaine. After all, Kaine was his early supporter, as opposed to Biden waging his own campaign and Bayh positioning himself as Hillary's VP. I expected Kaine to be selected.

The thought we were that close from having Evan The Useless as Vice President is depressing. Fortunately, he's done

 

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If this happened around 2015, his main focus would probably be on foreign policy, so maybe he'd nominate Madeleine Albright. That'd be fierce.

She's not eligible.