McCain Eyes Virginia Rep. Cantor for Veep

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»

Governor's strength in Fla. an important asset

(NEWSER) - Florida’s importance in the general election can hardly be overstated, and his presumed ability to deliver it for the Republicans is at the heart of the case for popular governor Charlie Crist in the veepstakes, writes Chris Cillizza for the Washington Post. McCain may select a VP with more conservative bona fides, assuming he’ll take Florida with or without Crist, but that could be a mistake. 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»

Webb helps Dem's credibility on national defense

(NEWSER) - Jim Webb, Virginia’s firebrand junior senator, is becoming Barack Obama’s wing man for courting pro-military and national defense voters. A respected war veteran and best-selling novelist, he is also among the more colorful candidates for Barack Obama's VP slot. But the politician who calls himself a "redneck" does have his liabilities, the Wall Street Journal notes. 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.