Around the Web: When Will McCain Make His Choice?

By CQ Staff | July 25, 2008 3:01 PM | | Comments (0)

Much chatter today about the timing of John McCain's decision on a running mate. The Washington Post says the magic moment is likely after Barack Obama returns from Europe on Sunday and, most importantly, before the Beijing Olympics start Aug. 8 McCain aides are worried about the blanket Obama coverage lately that has eclipsed McCain and competing with the news from China once the Olympics start. CNN says McCain has not settled on a Number Two or the timing of his decision, even though top adviser Charlie Black says enough vetting has been done so far that McCain could make that decision whenever he wants. CNN's source said that McCain is just as likely to make his announcement at the end of the month as at the beginning.

RealClearPolitics is giving these odds on who McCain will choose:

  • Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (2-1):
  • Ex-Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (3-1):
  • Ex-OMB Director Rob Portman (7-1):
  • Florida Governor Charlie Crist (15-1):
  • Ex-Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge (20-1):
  • South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham (20-1):
  • RNC Victory chair Carly Fiorina (20-1):
  • Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (30-1):
  • Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (75-1):
  • Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (1,000-1):

Former Ohio Rep. Rob Portman made an unscheduled appearance aboard McCain's Straight Talk Express Thursday afternoon fueling speculation about him, CNN noted. Portman, also a former head of the Office of Management and Budget under President Bush, brings economic credentials to the party.

Now, for the "It's not me" section of our round-ups. The TownTalk in central Louisiana reports that Gov. Bobby Jindal told a town hall meeting in Winnfield: "I'll vote for Sen. McCain, but, look, I'm not going to be vice president, I'm not going to be the nominee."

Over on the Democratic side, the Falls Church News Press in Virginia says that Terry McAuliffe, who ran Hillary Clinton's campaign, that Virginia Governor Tim Kaine would be his party's best choice as Barack Obama's vice presidential running mate, particular since traditionally Republican Virginia is shaping up this year as a potential battleground state.

Eagle-eyed Zack Beauchamp rounded up the items for this report.

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