Politics / vice president The Most Overrated VP Traits Money, ties less important than discretion, trustworthiness By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff Posted Jun 10, 2008 1:25 PM CDT Copied Should Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, want to select a woman as his choice for vice president, his former rival, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is not the only choice. (AP Photo) Fed up with a focus on local ties and attractiveness in vice presidential selection coverage, Mark Halperin of Time lists the qualifications most under- and -overvalued by the media. Among other things, don't overlook: A candidate ready to be president from Day One. A candidate trusted and liked by the nominee. A candidate trusted and liked by the nominee's wife. And worry less about: A candidate seen as able to win a particular state. A candidate seen as able to win over a particular group of voters. A strong fundraiser. To see the complete lists of qualities the media weight incorrectly, click the link below. (More vice president stories.) Report an error