The former South Dakota Senator and Senate Democratic leader merged his formidable political operation with Obama's at the beginning of the presidential campaign and has been a key member of Obama's team ever since. He brings Washington experience and a "prairie-populist" attitude to the ticket, which would contrast with Obama's urban, minority strength. But Daschle's stint in the Air Force hasn't translated into foreign policy expertise, and his network of key aides within an Obama Administration might make him a more powerful Vice President than Obama is looking for.
By Massimo Calabresi, with reporting by James Downie/Washington