6 Maxims for Navigating the VP Search

Media often miss behind-the-scenes political intrigue
By Michael Foreman,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 2, 2008 2:10 PM CDT
6 Maxims for Navigating the VP Search
Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack in New York, Sept. 19, 2007. Thoroughly vetted by John Kerry in 2004, Vilsack never knew where he stood until the last minute.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

While pundits stoke the frenzy around potential vice-presidential candidates, they rarely see what actually happens behind the campaign curtain. In Men's Vogue, Lloyd Grove offers six maxims to help make sense of the "veepstakes" hype:

  • Presidential hopefuls seek input from several quarters to curry favor, though most of it is for show.  
  • Potential VPs should have ambition, but accept playing second fiddle.

  • While VP names get tossed around, candidates usually play it close to the vest.  
  • Lawyers often make decisive strategists in the selection process.
  • Even thoroughly vetted veep prospects won't know until the last minute whether they've been picked.  
  • VP contenders often court their candidate with a calculated disinterest.
(More lists stories.)

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