While this report from the author Ed Klein, via the Boston Herald, may or may not be true, it makes an awful lot of sense from Barack Obama’s perspective.

Former Gov. Deval Patrick — long touted as a potential 2020 White House contender — is now being floated as a possible running mate for Joe Biden if the vice president enters the Democratic primary.

Former New York Times Magazine editor Ed Klein reported on his website this week on a scenario that purportedly could pave the way for Patrick to actually become president by 2020.

Under Klein’s scenario, which cites “the talk in Democratic circles” and other unnamed sources, President Obama would endorse Biden’s White House bid — but only if the vice president lets Obama have “a final say” on Biden’s running mate.

In return for the president’s endorsement, the Klein scenario goes, Biden would pick an African-American running mate — specifically Patrick.

In the arrangement, Biden, who would be 78 years old at the end of his first term, also would agree not to run for re-election in 2020 but instead back Patrick as his successor, according to Klein.

That would make Patrick the Democratic presidential nominee in a matter of just five years.

Patrick is close to Obama, and the two have known each other for many years.  Biden owes his standing completely to Obama, and if he were to be succeeded by Patrick, then Obama might well have two sock puppets as president for the next twelve years, enabling him to carry out the rest of his fundamental transformation of America.

Oh, and by having a black VP anointed as the future nominee for president, the crucial turnout efforts in the black community would be far more effective, and provide the winning margin in a number of big states.

Be afraid – be very afraid.