He’s from a state—a Southern, traditionally Republican state—that could become competitive in November (unlike certain candidates from assured blue states);

He’s a moderate to conservative Democrat (something that would come in handy while Obama is fending off all those “He’s-A-Scary-Liberal!“ charges John McCain will surely hurl in the fall);

He has shunned the personal spotlight and eschewed personal ambition, so there’s no concern about who would be No. 1 (unlike a certain senator from New York);

He voted against U.S. military action in Iraq—in 1991 (remind you of anyone?);

He is, as CNN says, “one of the most respected national security and foreign policy experts on the national scene;

His “serious, no-nonsense demeanor” would add, as CNN says, “instant gravitas” to the ticket; and, perhaps most importantly:

Sam Nunn is scandal-free.

But that’s not to say he’s controversy-free. The only stumbling block to Nunn’s selection appears to be his longtime opposition to gays in the military. He is credited—or charged, depending on how you look at it—with being the driving force behind the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which forbids gays from discussing their sexual preference and military commanders from asking about it.

Nunn says the policy, while far from perfect, was “the beginning point” of dealing with homosexuality in the Armed Forces. From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

Nunn said that many people overlook the fact that, before the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was adopted, gays and lesbians were barred from the military unless they gave a false answer to questions about their sexual orientation.

“People don’t understand that that was the beginning point. We basically made it possible for people to serve honorably in the military without lying on the application,” Nunn said.

But in a development that may indicate Obama’s interest in choosing Nunn—and Nunn’s willingness to accept—Nunn recently said that “times change. It’s appropriate to take another look” at the policy, although he’s not yet ready to trash it completely.

The former senator said a new look at the policy is “appropriate.”

“But first and foremost we have to put national security on the front burner. That’s particularly true when we’re in a war in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Nunn said.

“Certainly there are a very large number of gay and lesbian men and women serving honorably in our military today. And they’re doing it within the existing law.”

Pressed for his position on the matter, Nunn said, “I’m not advocating anything — except I’m saying the policy was the right policy for the right time, and times change. It’s appropriate to take another look.”

Obama-Nunn? Maybe; maybe not.

But the chances sure seem better than they were last month.