Obama prolongs the suspense on running mate

“I’m pretty disciplined on this,” he said on CBS’s The Early Show when asked about the choice.

Obama, 47, a first-term Illinois senator, said he had searched for a running mate, who will be prepared to step in as President and one who could help him govern.

“The third criteria for me, I think, was independence. I want somebody who is going to challenge my thinking and not simply be a yes person when it comes to policy-making,” he said.

Obama’s announcement could come at any time, and he is expected to appear with his choice on Saturday in his home state of Illinois as they launch their run to the convention in Denver.

History has shown the choice of a running mate is unlikely to have a major impact on the November 4 White House election between Obama and John McCain, but along with the upcoming conventions the choices give both candidates a chance for the political spotlight.

Speculation about Obama’s choice has centered on three prime contenders — Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and Delaware Senator Joseph Biden.

But Obama was happy to let the vice-presidential speculation fade on Thursday as he focused on McCain’s inability to say how many houses he owns. Obama says that proves McCain is out of touch with the economic struggles of most Americans.

In an interview with the Politico newspaper on Wednesday, the Arizona senator was asked how many houses he owns with his wife Cindy, a wealthy heiress to a beer distributorship.

“I think — I’ll have my staff get to you,” McCain replied. “It’s condominiums where — I’ll have them get to you.” The Politico said McCain’s staff counted at least four houses, although other media reports found at least seven.

On CBS, Obama noted McCain’s recent comments that the economy was fundamentally strong and has made progress under President George W Bush. He said McCain obviously doesn’t have a very clear sense of what ordinary Americans are going through.