Ex-HP Chief a Risky VP Choice

Careful timing around convention schedules could turn focus to GOP

(NEWSER) - John McCain probably will let Barack Obama make his vice-presidential pick before he does, Politico reports. GOP strategists hope that by making his announcement after Obama’s convention acceptance speech, McCain will be able to shift media focus toward his own campaign, as well as playing off the Democratic pick. "If they go first, you have more information," says an adviser. More»

Political mag lists longshot candidates that strangely work

(NEWSER) - Nancy Pelosi suggested an unlikely vice-presidential candidate for Barack Obama this week, and got Politico's editors thinking—who are the best longshot candidates for both parties? They called up political analysts and drummed up seven names that are "unconventional" but "reasonably viable." Bill Gates topped the list for his business smarts, something John McCain needs—but Gates apparently leans Democrat these days. More»

Pundit advises the wannabes on how to play it cool

(NEWSER) - Dear wannabe running mates, here’s how to campaign for the No. 2 job, per Mark Halperin in Time: DO:

• Prove you can be an attack dog while maintaining “eloquence.”
• Suck up to Michelle/Cindy. They’ll have the final say before the final say.
• Notify the campaign of every appearance you plan to make.
• Prove you’ve got something the future nominee needs.

Blogger runs down likely veep candidates for Obama and McCain

(NEWSER) - “Since McCain and Obama appear to have the nominations locked up,” it's time to start eyeing the veepstakes, Chris Cillizza writes in The Fix blog. Here are his top three for each presumptive nominee, GOP first:

1. Tim Pawlenty: The Minnesota governor is a longtime McCain backer, and widely admired.
2. John Thune: A handsome conservative who also beat then-senator Tom Daschle 4 years ago.
3. Rob Portman: From Ohio, a crack economist, and not well-known—which could actually be a good thing.

GOP goal is to distract from Obama speech

(NEWSER) - John McCain has a top-secret ad scheduled to run during or just after Barack Obama’s acceptance speech in battleground states—and the campaign could leak news of the Republican’s running mate even earlier, Mike Allen writes on Politico. Little is known about the ad, save that McCain will address Obama personally, speaking directly into the camera. More»