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6 Maxims for Navigating the VP Search

Media often miss behind-the-scenes political intrigue

By Michael Foreman,  Newser User

Posted Jul 2, 2008 2:10 PM CDT

(Newser) – 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.

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.
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)
Nelson Rockefeller at a press conference in Paris, France, March 22, 1976. He turned down Nixon saying, I'm not stand-by equipment.
Nelson Rockefeller at a press conference in Paris, France, March 22, 1976. He turned down Nixon saying, "I'm not stand-by equipment."   (Getty )
Geraldine Ferraro in Chicago, 2007. Walter Mondale surprised his staff by selecting Ferraro for his VP candidate.
Geraldine Ferraro in Chicago, 2007. Walter Mondale surprised his staff by selecting Ferraro for his VP candidate.   (AP Photo, file)
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