Many Democrats are convinced that he is a shoo-in for the vice-presidency: a working-class southern boy made good who balances Mr Kerry's patrician gravitas with a generous measure of charm.
Although a registered Republican, Kirsch has been a supporter of Gore's bid for the presidency since he met the vice president at a Silicon Valley fund-raiser featuring rock star Elton John.
Jimmy Carter elevated the vice presidency into a real position of policy-partnership, giving Walter Mondale an unprecedented role, which led him to be the Democratic presidential nominee in 1984.
The candidates were each asked if the other would make a good vice-president (both dodged) and if the other could win the presidency as Democratic nominee.
The report, presented to Ms Banda last Wednesday following an official inquiry, alleged that government ministers and other senior officials held a number of secret meetings aimed at preventing Ms Banda - then vice-president - from assuming the presidency in accordance with the constitution, our reporter says.