I pick Fender because of the Fender p-bass...
I think Fender guitars and Gibson guitars both have their place, they both have distinctive tones and uses. For example, I guess if you play complicated jazz chords, you need a relatively short scale length, and the Gibson may suit this. Personally though I've always been more comfortable playing a Fender, I feel like I can get a great sound and play for ages without straining myself and getting a nice sound.