*** 8/23 UPDATE: Barack Obama officially named Joe Biden as his No. 2 on Saturday, thus officially ending the real dream ticket of Obama/Madonna, aka "Obamadonna." ***

8/19: Rumor has it Barack Obama will pick his running mate as soon as Wednesday Thursday Friday grrrr Saturday morning, and John McCain will tap his veep next Friday (the day after ObamaCon).

Well, we here at The Beehive wanna let the candidates know it's not too late to think outside the box (and I'm not talking about Obama/Hagel or McCain/Lieberman).

Here are our recommendations for the next vice president of the United States ...

Don: If we concede that Obama is Bugs Bunny and McCain is Daffy Duck, then the choices become clear. Obama must name Foghorn Leghorn -- for his whipsmart authority, experience to sense danger and keep the henhouse (homeland) secure and (not least) his accent, which will come in handy to woo the Southern vote. McCain's obvious pick is Elmer Fudd, a short, pale, pudgy moralist who's a terrible shot with a hunting rifle. Stay the course, boys.

Rick: The obvious choice for Obama is Oprah. Oprah, Obama. Obama, Oprah. McCain needs someone young enough to balance the age issue. He should pick one of the Jonas Brothers.

Donald: I think Obama should pick Paris Hilton, because 1) she already has her own energy policy; 2) she would be willing to flirt with Vladimir Putin; and 3) White House staff would get really good rates at the Hilton family of hotel brands whenever the White House travels.

McCain should pick Ernest Borgnine, because 1) he'll look like a whipper-snapper in contrast, and 2) Puritans will be happy that the only action taking place in the White House will be in the vice president's office.

Kathy: Since both are running on the idea of change, who better to help them out than a couple of heroes who took down an evil empire. Obama could tap the wisdom of Yoda ("Help you to get elected, I can"). McCain could tap the youth of Luke Skywalker ("The Dems overconfidence is their weakness").

Heather: It's all about cutesy nicknames (think Brangelina). For McCain I pick deceased John Candy: McCandyCain. For Obama, I pick Madonna: Obamadonna.

Mike: Since politics is all showboating and slick talk, I'm going pro wrestling with my picks. McCain should The Ultimate Warrior, who can give his campaign a dose of energy and whose very conservative views should appeal to McCain's base.

For Obama, I suggest The Rock. They're both young, charismatic and they've got eerily similar speaking voices.

Felicia: I think both Obama and McCain should chase after Michael Phelps. He's the most popular person in America right now and will definitely net all the swimmer votes.

Will: I say Obama go with Rick Astley, er, I mean David Caruso -- because they both look so cool putting on sunglasses and reciting lines. Since you're already considering Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, you're only one letter away from Horatio Caine.

For McCain, it's gotta be Buddy Christ. What better way to court both evangelicals and stoners who watch Kevin Smith films?

If Obama hasn't announced by the time you read this, who do YOU think he should pick? And if he has, it's not to late to let your voice be heard here for McCain's No. 2.

Hee hee, I just said "No. 2."