Veepstakes PM: McCain pick soon?
Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008 6:17 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under:
Democrats, Republicans
From NBC/NJ's Mike Memoli
THE SHORT LIST:
Bob Novak reports, citing sources close to the McCain camp, that the Arizona senator may pick his running mate this week while Obama is overseas.
ON THE RECORD:
Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) was asked by Andrea Mitchell if he’s envious of the time Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) is spending with Obama abroad. “Jack’s a good friend,” he replied. “I’m glad he’s there.” More on VP speculation: “I was doing my best to avoid it.” And he politely demurred.
Tom Ridge tells PolitickerPA.com that McCain has a “steep climb” in the Keystone State. Asked about his VP status, Ridge says: "John and I have had no conversations about it. When John lets me know, I'll have more to say. If John lets me know."
During a South Florida stop, Joe Lieberman again signaled he’d be an unlikely pick for veep. “I had the opportunity to run in 2000,” he said.
WHAT THEY’RE UP TO:
Mitt Romney was on Bill Bennnett’s morning show. Bennett did not ask Romney about VP speculation, but began the interview by saying he’d make a great VP pick. Romney said that he’s currently in Canada with his family.
Will he still go if he’s the VP-elect? Romney is on the list for the National Review cruise, which starts November 8.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) sent a letter to Ford Motor Company seeking to keep a local plant operational. The governor also “proposes to partner with Ford in developing opportunities related to renewable and hybrid technologies, including the creation of a nation-leading Center of Excellence in Renewable Fuels or in more traditional ways.”
Gov. Tim Kaine (D-VA) spoke at the dedication of a monument to the desegregation of Virginia schools.
Hillary Clinton, along with colleagues from New York and New Jersey, are urging the Bush Administration to extend the contract of John Howard, a 9/11 health expert.
After Clinton addressed delegates of the National Association of Letter Carriers in Boston, the group threw its support behind Obama. "The best way to stand up for everyone who feels invisible is to make sure we have a Democratic president taking the oath of office on January 20, 2009," Clinton said.
Michael Bloomberg said McCain has a better record on free trade.
Mike Huckabee will be in Lancaster, PA, on Oct. 11.
Gov. Jon Corzine (D-NJ) is an unlikely VP pick, but he’s going to try and smooth the path for Obama during his trip to Israel.
BUZZ METER:
Nancy Pelosi addressed talk about how HRC backers might react to Obama’s VP pick, saying: "I don't think we should be making an issue after the primary is over about who should be vice president... The only one thing important right now is party unity. None of us can afford the luxury of 'my candidate doesn't win the nomination' or 'my candidate wasn't chosen as vice president, I'm taking my marbles and going home.'”
Most of the Hillraisers have been slow to give to Obama and the DNC.
Minnesota Monthly profiles Pawlenty, saying he is the “most talented Minnesota politician of his generation.” And Pawlenty discourages VP talk, but does talk about a Cabinet post. “I think there’s a mistaken impression that going from governor to a cabinet post is somehow a promotion.” The crux of the piece is that, “Pawlenty’s friends, allies, adversaries, and staff often don’t seem to be describing the same person.” In other words, as the headline reads, a “cipher.”
ELECTORAL MATH:
Gov. Bill Richardson says Obama will narrowly win New Mexico this fall. “"I'm realistic. New Mexico is one of the battleground states," he said.
CHATTERING CLASS:
Jonah Goldberg outlines the plusses, minuses and risks with any of McCain’s picks.
Despite a poll showing electoral strength, Frank James doubts we’d see a Obama-Powell ticket.
The Christian Science Monitor takes a look at how this vice presidential process is playing out in the Internet age. “The beauty of all the talk is there no way to disprove any of the theories, at least until the actual selections are announced. The candidates themselves may not know which way they're leaning, at this point. Those with a window into their thinking aren't talking, and those who talk probably don't have a clue.”
