The race for No. 2

Politics: More than symbols, this year's running mates could reshape presidential tickets | Mark Bergin

From left to right: Don Emmert; Emmanual Dunand; Frank Micelotta/All Getty Images

Few presidential elections in the country's history have offered front-running candidates with such glaring political weaknesses.

On the Republican side, Sen. John McCain's maverick streak infuriates fiscal and social conservatives, the two blocs responsible for past GOP successes. On the Democratic side, Sen. Barack Obama's inexperience on foreign policy feeds perceptions of an empty suit with soaring but hollow rhetoric. Conversely, Sen. Hillary Clinton's shrill partisanship energizes the Republican base more than her own party.

Amid that political landscape, the selection of vice presidential candidates is no mere squabble over symbols. This year's running mates hold the potential to inform and reshape more greatly the campaigns they join. Accordingly, supporters for the respective candidates have begun wringing their hands over short lists.