Who should be standing next to Obama? Aquaman.

Word is Barack Obama will soon be announcing his choice of runningmate for the Democratic ticket and (fingers crossed) a spot in the Oval Office.

Think he's delaying a bit so Michael Phelps has time to return from China?

Seriously, who better than the current most famous person in the world to give Obama the boost he needs to out-touch McCain during the final leg into November? Phelps has proven he's absolutely unbeatable - even when it appears there's no possible way he could win (did you see that .01 of a second decision over Milorad Cavic in the 100-meter butterfly? Un-be-lievable!).

What are the other options? John Edwards is out because, well ... Susan Collins said so. Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano just doesn't ... er, well, she doesn't look good enough to have a presence next to the suave Barack. Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd? Sorry, he's just too old. And Hillary - much as she'd love to get herself back into the White House, Obama would probably get tired of taking orders from her pretty quickly.

Phelps, on the other hand, is an absolute rock star. And he's also proven he knows how to celebrate.

And celebrate.

And celebrate.

And celebrate just a tiny bit more.

He's also proven he knows how to deal with the Chinese. In fact, they seem to love him. Even when he beats them. Badly.

The North Koreans, Iraqis and Afghanis probably all think he's a pretty cool dude too. After all, he is a super hero.

Phelps even has fans and friends in pretty high places. GW was in the house at the Water Cube to witness part of his Aquaman performance and rumor has it is Kobe Bryant was begging for an autograph. All of Dream Team 2008 seemed a bit awestruck to be in Phelps' presence.

Imagine the votes Obama could pile up with a guy like Phelps in his corner. (The Dems' pool parties will be the hottest ticket in DC.) And really, what else does Phelps have to do until 2012?