Regarding the issue of safe choices, I agree that strategic timidity has been a big problem for us in the past. But “Don’t do the safe thing!” is as bad a principle as “Do the safe thing!” The game is all about taking good risks and avoiding bad ones.

And if you want a bold Democrat, I’d offer Edwards as a great example. Here’s the guy who came out with a crazy awesome health care plan that moved the debate to the left, and lots of other bold policy proposals throughout the past campaign. Strategic timidity is not his problem.

I really don’t have a good sense for how things work on the GOP side, since I don’t have as clear a view of the candidates. But I agree that Romney would be a delightful VP pick.