Thank you, Joan. Your observations are right on.

After switching back and forth all evening on Tuesday from MSNBC to CNN, I began to despair of finding any kind of balanced coverage that was free of transparent Obama rooting. I finally found it - on Fox News! In comparison to the Olberman/Matthews hysteria, the coverage of the Demo race on Fox had almost a clinical and academic tone. I kept the dial tuned to Fox until way past midnight and never saw the coverage get as maddeningly biased as the other networks. What a surprise!

I have leaned towards supporting Hillary throughout the campaign and have admired Obama also. The raucous cheerleading and nasty, self-righteous attitude of many Obama supporters, combined with his Obama's own cool arrogance and focus on showmanship finally confirmed my vote for Hillary. I am convinced she will be a more effective president and (the wisdom of pundits notwithstanding) will run a successful race against the Republicans. The ability to win Democratic primaries in states like South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia will mean nothing at all in the general election - those states are not winnable, period. Getting North Dakota or Kansas to go blue will not get the job done either.

I would suggest that the states in which "irrational Hillary haters" constitute a majority of the electorate are states that the Republicans will win in any case - no matter the matchup.

As the last few presidential elections have demonstrated, only a few important, electoral-vote-rich states will be reliably "in play" and could swing either red or blue - states like Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado. Either the majority of people in those swing states will decide they have had it with Republican policies or decide to stick with Republican policies. I believe that either of the democratic nominees will appeal to those seeking a change from the last eight years and that change-seekers will be in the majority. National preference polls are really meaningless in predicting what will come of the actual electoral college battle.

I truly do not believe it will simply come down to personality, image, or who someone wants to have a beer with. The stakes are high and people in moderate swing states know this and will be thoughtful about their choice.

1) Sibelius: Of the four, this pick would have the biggest impact in signaling that Obama is ready to make bold, independent decisions. Yes, some Hillary supporters may take umbrage, but I believe most will be just as proud to see a capable governor break the VP glass ceiling. Though she does not have military or foreign relations experience, Obama just demonstrated that he will do fine in that area and his cabinet picks will bolster him on policy. Her Ohio roots will help win that state and her practical, reach-across-the-aisle Midwestern approach will gain the support of conservative democrats and independents.

2) Biden: Credible foreign policy specialist. Strong spokesperson who will do well in debates and interviews. Adds age, experience, gravitas to the ticket. No electoral college advantage gained. Gaffes all too possible.

3) Kaine: He may be a beloved "democrat" by Virginia standards, but... this pick will really upset women and progressives. I'm not convinced Virginia is winnable even with him on the ticket.

4) Bayh: Seems capable, trustworthy, and reassuringly midwestern. Cons: a boring pick from a neighboring state that I believe Obama can win in any case. WORST name combination!! As a brand/marketing consultant I would nix it on that basis alone. Obama-Bayh sounds like "Obama: Bye!" Bad, bad idea. These things matter more than we like to think.

I am disappointed that Wes Clark and Hillary seem to be out of the consideration. Both are stronger picks than Kaine and Bayh IMO.

It couldn't be more clear that it's the Republicans (and the media) that are exaggerating this mostly non-issue. Of course there will be a few Clinton supporters that vote McCain. I suspect there will also be a small flood of Republicans defecting to Obama (hey - good idea for an ad!).

I wish the media would stop fanning the flames on this. Democrats ARE united and determined to win. As a former Clinton supporter, I enthusiastically contributing and working to elect Barack!

I loved Hillary's speech. While I am a former supporter who is equally excited about voting for Barack Obama, I do have some lingering hard feelings about the way she was treated by the media. Last night proved again that Hillary is tough as nails and that her commitment goes beyond her own personal ambition. She has suffered what must be an incredibly painful experience (the narrowest loss in the highest voting primary ever) with enormous grace and magnanimity.

I have to disagree with the Republican-pushed notion that Hillary didn't do enough to counter her earlier criticisms of Obama's qualifications and readiness. She gave an unequivocal endorsement of Obama and a very clear directive to her supporters to vote for him. Had she tried to directly "undo" previous criticisms, the media commentary on the speech would be full of nothing but continuous replays of those earlier comments - comparing what she said before vs. now and questioning her sincerity. This would NOT have been helpful to Obama. He and others will make a strong case that he is ready to lead.