In the past, when Joe Biden's name was thrown out as a possible Obama VP pick, I just laughed. Biden has a reputation for speaking his mind in ways that might be seen to cause trouble. Secretary of State maybe, but not VP.

But the more I look at this, the better Biden looks. Obama needs two things in his VP. First, he needs someone who knows how to work with Congress and get things passed, and Biden's long Senate career is a big plus there.

Obama also needs a Dick Cheney-style attack dog to fight back against smears by the McCain camp. And Biden would fit that role very well, allowing Obama to stay above the fray.

I still think Obama isn't likely to pick notable frontrunners Evan Bayh or Tim Kaine. He isn't going to let the Republicans take over a senate seat or governor's mansion that easily. I think Biden and Tom Daschle now look like the top picks. We'll just have to wait and see what he does.