US presidential candidate Barack Obama prolonged the suspense on his vice presidential pick today, saying he has chosen an “independent” voice who could be an effective governing partner without revealing the name.
The Democratic Party candidate has dragged out the announcement of a running mate maximum political impact, but is running out of time.
Speculation about Mr Obama's choice has centered on three prime contenders - Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and Delaware Senator Joseph Biden.
The Democratic nominating convention opens on Monday, with the vice president accepting the nomination on Wednesday.
"I'm pretty disciplined on this," he said on CBS's The Early Showtoday when asked about the choice. Mr 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.
Mr Obama is expected to appear with his choice tomorrow in his home state of Illinois as they launch their run to the convention in Denver. He has said he will announce his choice to supporters by text message tomorrow.
History has shown the choice of a running mate is unlikely to have a major impact on the November 4th White House election between Mr Obama and Republican John McCain, but along with the upcoming conventions the choices give both candidates a chance for the political spotlight.
But Mr Obama was happy to let the vice presidential speculation fade yesterday as he focused on Mr McCain's inability to say how many houses he owns.Mr Obama says that proves Mr McCain is out of touch with the economic struggles of most Americans.
In an interview with the Politiconewspaper 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," Mr McCain replied. "It's condominiums where - I'll have them get to you."
The Politicosaid Mr McCain's staff counted "at least" four houses, although other media reports found at least seven.
On CBS, Mr Obama noted Mr McCain's recent comments that the economy was "fundamentally strong" and has made progress under President George W. Bush. He said Mr McCain "obviously doesn't have a very clear sense of what ordinary Americans are going through."