Mr. Obama owes Mr. Kaine. And the senator from Illinois genuinely likes the governor. There is a very real chance that Mr. Kaine - who is term limited and who is unlikely to have a shot at a U.S. Senate seat anytime soon - would end up in an Obama administration. And there is every reason to believe that Mr. Kaine could obtain a high-ranking spot. Indeed, with his extensive legal experience in a variety of relevant areas, he is a very attractive prospect for attorney general.
But there's a stature gap. Most Americans haven't heard of Mr. Kaine. So for the next week or so, he will be much talked about as a vice presidential prospect. That will garner Mr. Obama good headlines in Virginia, and it will make Mr. Kaine a national persona. Ultimately, though, Mr. Obama is likely to select a running mate with more federal and foreign experience.
