Obama's Embattled Veep Hunter to Quit

(NEWSER) - Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh’s currency with the Obama campaign may be on the rise, perhaps giving the perennial Democratic veep candidate a shot at the Naval Observatory, the Wall Street Journal reports. Many think Bayh’s foreign policy experience would bolster Obama’s perceived lack of experience, and his modest demeanor could offset the Illinois senator’s grandiloquence. More»

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»

Va. gov lands under the microscope

(NEWSER) - Tim Kaine doesn’t like his vice presidential chances, the Wall Street Journal reports. “It's flattering to be mentioned,” he says. “My mom loves it. I still think it's more likely that he'll go in another direction.” His Kansas roots appeal to Midwestern voters, his fluent Spanish wins over Hispanics, and he’s governor of Virginia, a crucial swing state. So why aren’t state Republicans worried? More»

Says talks are 'very serious'; Biden, Bayh, Sebelius in contention

(NEWSER) - Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine is in “very serious” talks about a spot on the Democratic ticket, sources tell the Washington Post. The 50-year-old has joined Sens. Evan Bayh, Joe Biden and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Barack Obama’s shortlist, bringing outsider credentials though no experience in foreign affairs, which is perceived as an Obama weakness. More»

But prominent McCain adviser has clear ambitions

(NEWSER) - Carly Fiorina sparked stunned silence when talking over breakfast yesterday about the unfairness of health insurance plans that cover Viagra, but not birth control. “These women would like a choice,” she said, despite the fact that her nominee, John McCain, voted against a proposal to mandate coverage. Dana Milbank writes in the Washington Post that the moment typifies why she’d be a risky VP choice for McCain—but also “potentially the most rewarding.” More»