How Jindal Traded Vishnu for Jesus

Er, barbecue guests

(NEWSER) - John McCain may claim he’s just having Bobby Jindal, Charlie Crist, and Mitt Romney over for a barbecue this weekend, but it’s pretty clear the GOP’s presumptive nominee is really scouting VP candidates. So Politico ran down the merits of each potential ticket filler:

• Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is young, ethnic, and extremely accomplished, especially in domestic policy, a McCain weak spot. But would the 36-year-old make McCain look too old?

Crist, Jindal, Romney set to visit GOP candidate in Arizona

(NEWSER) - John McCain will meet with three men this weekend thought to be on his short list of vice-presidential candidates, the New York Times reports: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Mitt Romney. McCain's camp remains mum on possible VPs—though the candidate says he has a list of about 20 contenders—and won't characterize the meetings as part of the selection process. More»

(NEWSER) - John McCain would consider a run for the White House with a pro-choice veep at his side, ABC News reports. When asked about Tom Ridge, McCain told the Weekly Standard that the former Homeland Security chief shouldn’t be “ruled out” for the No. 2 job because he supports abortion rights. Dem-turned-Independent Joe Lieberman, another McCain short-lister, is also pro-choice. More»

Poll surge noticeable but brief: Gallup

(NEWSER) - Much ink has been spilled over Barack Obama and John McCain’s upcoming VP selections, but a running mate is not a game-changing choice, the Chicago Tribune reports. History suggests the effect on opinion polls will be noticeable but not huge: Gallup shows recent candidates getting an average 5% bump after announcing their picks. More»

Mormon on GOP ticket would 'deeply sadden' religious right

(NEWSER) - Evangelicals do not want John McCain to pick Mitt Romney as his running mate, and they’re not being quiet about it, the Washington Times reports, with Mike Huckabee fans particularly in oppostion. “McCain and Romney would be like oil and water,” one says, citing the former Massachusetts governor’s flip-flops on issues like abortion. Many also don’t trust the Mormon Romney to oppose same-sex marriage. More»