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Obama set to reveal running-mate Obama set to reveal running-mate
(about 6 hours later)
US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama is expected to reveal his choice of vice-presidential running mate within hours. US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama is set to reveal his vice-presidential running mate ahead of a rally in Illinois.
His decision is due to be announced by text message and e-mail to party members, journalists and anyone who signs up to receive it. As speculation mounts, two contenders - Tom Kaine and Evan Bayh - have been reportedly ruled out, with Joe Biden emerging as the most likely choice.
Democrats gather for their party convention in Denver on Monday. The decision is due to be announced by text message and e-mail to anyone who signs up to receive it.
Mr Obama and his running mate are set to make their first campaign appearance together in Illinois, on Saturday. Democrats start their party convention in Denver on Monday.
"I've made the selection, that's all you're gonna get," Mr Obama told reporters while campaigning in Virginia on Thursday.
Text alertText alert
In an interview with USA Today newspaper, the Illinois senator said he had selected a running mate who was independent and would challenge him in the White House.In an interview with USA Today newspaper, the Illinois senator said he had selected a running mate who was independent and would challenge him in the White House.
JUSTIN WEBB'S AMERICA Hang on, I think that's a text coming in Am I too giddy?JUSTIN WEBB'S AMERICA Hang on, I think that's a text coming in Am I too giddy?
He added that he had opted for someone who would help him strengthen the economy, and was also ready to act as president.He added that he had opted for someone who would help him strengthen the economy, and was also ready to act as president.
But Mr Obama gave no clue as to whether he had notified his preferred running mate yet.But Mr Obama gave no clue as to whether he had notified his preferred running mate yet.
It is possible the Obama camp might keep the name of the vice-presidential selection a secret until just before the appearance in Springfield on Saturday but, realistically, that seems unlikely, says the BBC's North America editor, Justin Webb. The expectation was that during the course of Friday a text message will be received by those who have signed up for it, revealing the name.
The expectation is that during the course of Friday a text message will be received by those who have signed up for it, revealing the name. However, by late evening there had been no announcement.
Surprise in store?Surprise in store?
The conventional wisdom is that vice-presidential candidates do not swing elections, our editor reports.The conventional wisdom is that vice-presidential candidates do not swing elections, our editor reports.
Candidates' possible running matesCandidates' possible running mates
But Mr Obama's choice is interesting because it will reveal a little more about the style of the man and how willing he is to be adventurous.But Mr Obama's choice is interesting because it will reveal a little more about the style of the man and how willing he is to be adventurous.
Most commentators believe he will play it safe, opting for a governor, perhaps Tim Kaine of Virginia, or a political veteran like Senator Joe Biden. Most commentators believe he will play it safe, and political veteran Senator Joe Biden has been widely tipped.
Some Democrats are hoping he has a surprise up his sleeve - a Hillary Clinton or an Al Gore.Some Democrats are hoping he has a surprise up his sleeve - a Hillary Clinton or an Al Gore.
Mr Obama's rival, Republican presidential hopeful John McCain, has reportedly not settled on a running mate.Mr Obama's rival, Republican presidential hopeful John McCain, has reportedly not settled on a running mate.
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney are reported to be under serious consideration for the role.Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney are reported to be under serious consideration for the role.