Veep Watch: McCain speculation runs wild
Somewhat lost among the spectacle of Obama’s acceptance speech last night is the big even for John McCain this afternoon. The GOP nominee will unveil his running mate in an anticipated event at a half-full arena. McCain will unveil the Veep and then commence a pre-convention tour with him/her through Pennsylvania and other battleground states.
The CW has changed dramatically since last night in the McCain Veepstakes. Breaking news this morning has Tim Pawlenty confirming to the press that he won’t be traveling to Dayton for the McCain event and that it is “fair” to say that he won’t be the final choice. This after Pawlenty fever had swept through the GOP and the media, causing many to peg the Minnesota Governor as the last man standing. Not quite…
Joe Lieberman has also been taken down a few notches in the Veepstakes. His chances were always more in the realm of wild card, but the buzz around his name was palpable this week. No confirmation, but there are indications that Joe won’t be in Ohio and that he may have been off the short list weeks ago.
Two final names that have everyone going crazy this morning are Mitt Romney (of course) and the darkest of horses- Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Romney will be in Dayton regardless of the VP outcome today.
Meanwhile, Palin is reported to have flown all the way from Anchorage on a private Gulfstream with her two children, landing at a small airport just outside of - gasp! - Dayton. Smaller airport, more secrecy/less press.
Is McCain really going to gamble with a virtually unknown governor from the wilderness of Alaska (of all places…) who has some ethics concerns to combat Obama-Biden? It does give him a boost with women, possibly luring away some Hillary voters. And it causes headaches for the Dems in trying to go after the ticket: They certainly can’t hit Palin hard without appearing as unduly mean and tough on a woman. It could be a solid plus.
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically each day to your feed reader.
the Palin selection still won’t work, nor will it fly amongst most woman voters; Hillary’s “attraction” was her coattails to Bill’s Presidency, her “liberal” causes, and the factors of Hispanic and Black womens voters. It seems by all appearances Hillary and Bill came through for Obama and the Democrats….so, whatever Obama loses from defected Hillary supporters post-Convention, the loss will be made up more or so by the split of moderate Republicans; crossing over, voting for Ron Paul, Bob Barr, staying home, write ins, etc…. in other words, whatever gains McCain has with Hillary voters will be statistically in signifcant, especially reviewing again the electorial map.