July 22, 2008
Posted: 09:00 AM ET
McCain aides hope VP speculation grabs some of the spotlight from Obama.
McCain aides hope VP speculation grabs some of the spotlight from Obama.

(CNN) – Sources in John McCain's campaign confirm to Dana Bash and Gloria Borger that there have been recent discussions high in the campaign about the possibility of naming a running mate this week.

One source tells CNN that “no decision has been made” by the candidate. Another says that some within the campaign are arguing to hold off until Obama has named his decision “so there is an opportunity to counter-program.” In any case, a campaign source adds, this does mean that the choice has been “narrowed” in McCain’s mind to the point where he could, if he were so inclined, spring a decision this week.

Campaign spokesperson Jill Hazelbaker said Monday “there will be no announcement this afternoon.”

The prospect of a McCain vice presidential announcement this week, first reported by Bob Novak on the Human Events Web site, would obviously change the subject from Barack Obama’s trip to the Middle East and Europe.

In fact, even some of McCain’s own advisers admit that just leaking the possibility of a VP selection could take some of the attention away from Obama — which could, in fact, be what the campaign is trying to do.

A senior adviser said the report is a “head fake” meant to help distract attention from Barack Obama’s headline-grabbing overseas trip.

But when pressed, this adviser said that was their public explanation because they did not want to give the impression the campaign was undisciplined: “Because someone is an idiot, so we have to explain it as a tactic.”

One GOP strategist says it would be a "mistake" to name a vice presidential pick this week. Another Republican source involved in top-level McCain campaign meetings — including senior level discussions of the VP search process — tells John King that "No. It'll be closer to the convention and after Obama picks his.”

Still this source says “everything” has been discussed, from naming a running mate early — with some talk that would have resulted in the naming of the bottom half of the ticket before now — to waiting until during the convention to give the GOP drama after the Democratic convention in Denver.

Other sources say the "leading" plan is still the one that has McCain naming his running mate after the Democratic convention — a plan that would give the campaign the time it needs to roll out a vice presidential choice in the right way. Sources in the campaign say that all options have been discussed, but that no decision has yet been made.

Ironically, the end result of the fresh round of VP speculation is that the headlines may be taking attention away from stories that would give a boost to the Arizona senator's presidential effort, including their base-stirring charge that the New York Times is biased, a renewed focus on his early advocacy of the surge and Obama's opposition, and the news that conservative Christian and long-time critic James Dobson might endorse him after all.

McCain has just added a trip to meet with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal on Wednesday, a meeting that is also guaranteed to attract press attention.

Filed under: John McCain


ber6964   July 22nd, 2008 10:06 am ET

What a TOOL!!!

Patrick - Oklahoma City   July 22nd, 2008 10:05 am ET

@Rise America Rise
Hahahahaha, well played. He also has attempted to get in contact with Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia but they seem to be giving him the cold shoulder.

Is there any argument that this is a political maneuver to attempt to step back into the spotlight? If he were to announce his running mate it would definitely take quite a bit of the spotlight back, but the real question is if he would be releasing his guns too early. It would obviously be a sign of desperation and give Obama even MORE attention when he announces on his own later. But, as Bush Sr. said, they're jealous, and jealous people to crazy things.

On a side note, I hope that Obama's campaign is keeping a list of all the dumb and incorrect things that the McCain campaign has said (Czechoslovakia, joke about killing innocents to his wife, etc. etc.) and will bring them all out at one time. But I doubt it, as they actually seem to be playing fair, which I applaud them for.

TheApprentice   July 22nd, 2008 10:05 am ET

John McCain and Bobby Jindal. Jindal is young, energetic and charismatic leader. He is at the forefront of Louisiana reconstruction. He has tremendous oratorical skills and can help McCain against Obama's rhetorics. The next 4 years are about US reconstruction. Jindal has impeccable credentials for this job. Surely the wisdom of the experienced and the energy of the youth is all that America needs for the top job.

McCain is ghetto   July 22nd, 2008 10:03 am ET

You've had more than enough time to select your VP and if you didn't spend all your time bashing Obama you could take care of business and manage your campaign better. Oh and we love how you fired Graham on a late friday when you figured no one would be paying attention. Your judgement is lacking Mccain and you are not fit to run this country. And besides you are obsessed with Obama.

What!!!   July 22nd, 2008 10:03 am ET

It would be a great mistake to make this announcement right now. With the Republican convention after the Democratic convention it would be much smarter to wait until that time. That is when he need to steal the press and thunder. It also give the Democrats less time to plan there offensive attacks against whom ever is selected. It the shoe was on the other foot and the Democratic convention was after the Republican, I beleive they would be playing the waiting game also.

Judgement over experience   July 22nd, 2008 10:00 am ET

Jesus man, is that all you can do – criticize Obama and talk about the surge? Good God, enough already! How about the over 1.5 million homes in foreclosure? Or the 420000 jobs lost since january? Or the 4,500 soldiers that have died in this senseless war started with lies? Or gas that is at 4.50$ a gallon? Come on Mccain, you are too out of touch to be our president. You don't care about americans you are just strictly military minded. Instead of being president why don't you try and be Defense Secretary? Americans are hurting John McCain and you could care less.

rev   July 22nd, 2008 10:00 am ET

"McCain MIGHT pick a VP?" And I MIGHT blow my nose. This isn't news, folks.

Michael   July 22nd, 2008 10:00 am ET

Republican who loves Obama: we don't need you.

Frank   July 22nd, 2008 9:59 am ET

This is nothing more than Obama backers in the 'press' trying to smear John McCain once again. This article is so full of holes you should be ashamed to put it out as real news! Shame on the Democrats.

kijana carter   July 22nd, 2008 9:59 am ET

This would be a smart move by McCain. Obama's trip is going exceptionally well, and getting a ton of media coverage. McCain needs to try to hide the fact that Iraqis agree with Obama that we should withdraw our troops, and this is the only thing exciting enough for him to change the subject. Plus, he needs to tell people who will take over as president when he keels over 1 week into his first term.

BOOTSTOMPER   July 22nd, 2008 9:59 am ET

The real news is that McCain really wants his VP to be Pat Nixon because he thinks a woman on the ticket would cinch the election. Only problem is that no one on his staff has the guts to tell him that Richard and Pat Nixon are no longer with us.

eric   July 22nd, 2008 9:57 am ET

The advisor's quote in the article is hilarious! He's absolutely correct that someone in the campaign is an idiot for suggesting it would be this week. The problem is that McCain's campagin is full of idiots, not least of which being McCain himself. Obama's trip would still trump McCain's VP announcement if it was made this week. Rise's comment was also hilarious, though I think he forgot to include McCain's stop to inspect the battlefield conditions on the Mesopotamian/Persian border. It's just such a tragedy there. :)

S-Man   July 22nd, 2008 9:57 am ET

McCain is not the kind of person I thought he is. He needs attention. His cynical smile said it all when asked about it by a reporter yesterday.

dAVE   July 22nd, 2008 9:56 am ET

McCain / Mr. Burns '08!

ERICA, Ohio   July 22nd, 2008 9:56 am ET

YES! PERFECT TIMING MCCAIN CAMP! NOW YOU CAN TAKE THE COVERAGE OFF THAT CIRCUS GOING ON OVER SEAS. MCCAIN 08! HILLARY 2012! PUMA! PUMA! PUMA!

Michelle   July 22nd, 2008 9:55 am ET

"I bet it will be Romney, who is a good choice due to his strong background in finance."

Dear Moderator: Please take my name off the moderation list. The above comment is my latest and there is no reason for it, or me, to be endlessly moderated.

I have never flouted any rules in this forum. I am not voting for Obama and that seems to be the only reason you are moderating me. That is a violation of free speech, so please stop.

Anne Hobson   July 22nd, 2008 9:54 am ET

I hope McCain chooses a VP whose background is as clean as possible, so he/she can't be dissected too badly! Get your message out ASAP!

Eddie Blake   July 22nd, 2008 9:54 am ET

Amercia NEEDS McCain/Bobby Jindal! McCain is a little too leftist, but Jindal is a good, solid fundamentalist Christian convert. It's time to reign in some of these liberal freedoms that have taken our country in the wrong direction. It's time to close it up and get people in church.

Susan   July 22nd, 2008 9:54 am ET

'But when pressed, this adviser said that was their public explanation because they did not want to give the impression the campaign was undisciplined: “Because someone is an idiot, so we have to explain it as a tactic.”'

Isn't this the premise of his entire campaign?

Ken Pittsburgh   July 22nd, 2008 9:54 am ET

I will not bet the farm on it this is a ploy to get extra attention this week.

Doc   July 22nd, 2008 9:52 am ET

When you have McCain's record, feeble attempts to trump your opponent's news exposure (like leaking a VP announcement) reek of desperation. In the weeks to come, we will see a host of stories intended to push Obama off the front page. But McCain and crew just don't get it; there's nothing new here so there's nothing news here.

Tony Z- MD   July 22nd, 2008 9:52 am ET

The only news he makes is I might make a choice. He needs to strenghten his message instead of using Obama as a talking point. He really has no viable choices because no one wants to end their political career.

Janet   July 22nd, 2008 9:52 am ET

It's obvious that the McSame camp is desperate to tsteal some of the publicity that Barack is getting on this trip. They have no one to blame but themselves, as they dared Obama to go to Iraq. Now they think that by naming McSame's runnung mate they can get some of the attention back to them is childish, and idiotic.

Marcus B   July 22nd, 2008 9:51 am ET

That's ok because Obama will be announcing his pick as soon as he steps off of Obama One in Chicago on Sunday.

OBAMA/SEBELIUS 08!!!

Mac in Nova Scotia   July 22nd, 2008 9:51 am ET

For God's sake have pity on McCain and get him admitted to a nursing home.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   July 22nd, 2008 9:50 am ET

McCain needs something to add excitment ot his campaign. His message is currently not only lost, but floundering. Announcing his VP choice early will put the media spotlight back on him.

Hey, I ain't no fan of Mc, but even I can see he must either announce his VP or take up sword swallowing to attract some kind of attention.

Problem with this old man is his message is also old…and quite tiresome. (Yawn.)

Jim from CT   July 22nd, 2008 9:49 am ET

What would be odd is if this results in an actual announcement. If it's a little ploy to get the talking heads to talk about McCain's VP choices again for a few days to take steam from Obama, ok. But if this is a real announcement, that's just sad. The VP announce is one of the few free bullets every candidate has in their gun to get mega-coverages (basically clinching the nomination, the VP announce, the convention speech, and the debates) and if McCain needs to fire it this early that should be worrisome for him.

John   July 22nd, 2008 9:49 am ET

vp?
mike huckabee

Linda   July 22nd, 2008 9:49 am ET

I hope he picks Romney. I'm on the fence about Obama (although I would never vote for McCain) and knowing that Romeny could be veep is just the push I need to vote for Obama.

rumpusgoopus   July 22nd, 2008 9:49 am ET

Go with Angela Lansbury!

Ah, I love McCain/Murder She Wrote jokes. Next up: Matlock.

EBC   July 22nd, 2008 9:49 am ET

WHO THE HECK CARES?? I mean really, most of us can guess who McCain's choice will be, I mean Jesus, he's only got about two probable choices. Ha! Ha!

This story is just a ploy for more "whinning attention", that's all.

bill for barack   July 22nd, 2008 9:49 am ET

Is Richard Nixon coming back from the grave ?
Is Tail Gunner Joe ?
No one alive and in his right mind would want near this toxic individual.
Wait …………….Dubya for V.P. ?

MD FOR OBAMA   July 22nd, 2008 9:48 am ET

McCain/Lieberman(the turtle)

LONG Yaaawwwwwwwnnnnnnn.

Mac in Nova Scotia   July 22nd, 2008 9:48 am ET

For God's sake put this guy in a nursing home.

proud army and navy mom   July 22nd, 2008 9:48 am ET

how are we winning the war in Iraq if we pay the sons of iraq millions each month to not attack us or our equipment? how is this success?

How come it's not ok to talk to our enemies, but it fine to throw money at them? Who's really winning, us or the enemy. Think about it.

Chris   July 22nd, 2008 9:47 am ET

Nothing but a ploy to pull attention from Obama.
McCain will not be making any announcement until after Obama make his.
I really don't understand why the GOP is backing him now? I mean really he had his shot back in 2K but Bush lied and cheated on him in the primaries!!! I just don't get it with the Republicans.

Jeff D, South Bend, IN   July 22nd, 2008 9:45 am ET

Who cares. Unless he somehow chose Barack Obama as his running mate, he's going to lose big in November. The old man is a disaster of a candidate. How do you not know Czechoslovakia no longer exists? AND THEN REPEAT THE SAME MISTAKE THE NEXT DAY? How can you not know who Iran supports in the middle east without Lieberman whispering it in his ear? How can your strategy for winning be TO SIMPLY WHINE ABOUT BARACK OBAMA?

He sounds exactly like my senile old grandpa when we visit him on Christmas and Easter.

Eric in Ca   July 22nd, 2008 9:44 am ET

News Flash… McCain it really doesn't matter who you choose quite honestly!

TC, Fl   July 22nd, 2008 9:44 am ET

And what "success" has Obama achieved on this trip, except to get a badly needed education on foreign affairs, especially in Iraq???

Oh yes, and great photo-ops.

Ivee   July 22nd, 2008 9:43 am ET

Colin Powell? Isn't he an Obama supporter?

Hillary in nomination. Right. Are you kidding?

CMB   July 22nd, 2008 9:43 am ET

Its a bluff to keep news media on McCain and off Obama overseas. EASY TO SEE A FAKE TOSS.

Carl29   July 22nd, 2008 9:43 am ET

I hope McSame picks Jindal or Romney. Jindal will make all the racist republicans sit this election out and Romney will certainly turn off Hispanics and crazy evangelicals.

Jay Jones   July 22nd, 2008 9:42 am ET

Actually, he did make a decision weeks ago. Then he forgot who he decided on. Then he thought he had announced it already until someone poked him in the back and reminded him he still needed to do so.

Brandon   July 22nd, 2008 9:42 am ET

People that call McCain "McSame" or "McBush" are foolish and ignorant. For the last decade Sen. McCain has been the blacksheep of the republican party, always differing with the majority and staying moderate on most issues.

hmmm……. That sure sounds "McSame" doesn't it?? Hear the man out and give him a chance!

You would be up in arms if your candidate, while riding his unicorn into the sunset, singing campfire songs while all the world holds hands, and proclaiming the the world will be at peace…. was lambasted for everything he did…….

Lorna, NY   July 22nd, 2008 9:40 am ET

Who cares who he picks. The man is an idiot!

JD   July 22nd, 2008 9:40 am ET

Mr. Obama has a more liberal voting record than the avowed socialist congressman from Vermont. Why can't Mr. Obama and/or his supporters just say that, yes he is a Socialist??

Bobby, Triangle, VA   July 22nd, 2008 9:40 am ET

John McCain, the american people and people all over the world is watching…..Your campaign is showing the signs of desperation!!! If you have so much more experience than Obama and you feel you are the better candidate to be president why are you not acting like it! Your attacks on Obama is only showing you lack the knowledge of the issues and you really do not have the experience of being truly a leader.

If I was you I would stop talking on national television about having more experience when it comes to foreign policy than Obama, because polls overseas show you are not the person they would vote for.

Also, Senator McCain being shot down from an airplane and becoming a POW and a RAT for the communists doesn't in anyway give you a title of "Hero" neither the experience of being a president. White americans may see you as a "Hero" but the rest of the world know better!!

Michelle   July 22nd, 2008 9:39 am ET

I bet it will be Romney, who is a good choice due to his strong background in finance.

JAMES DUCKWORTH   July 22nd, 2008 9:39 am ET

AFTER ALL THE FAILURES OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY WITH IN OUR GOVT. WHY WOULD ANY ONE VOTE FOR THE REPUBLICAN CANTIDATE >>???
AND SO FAR THE DEMORAT'S ARE A FAILURE ALSO

right source   July 22nd, 2008 9:38 am ET

This VP announcement is McCain's camp attempt to pull attention away from Obama's trip overseas. Besides, who cares who his vp will be, he will never see the White House.

Rust On   July 22nd, 2008 9:38 am ET

I see someone's trying his best to get back in the headlines. I guess all the foolish attacks didn't work, so its time to try plan B.

Linda   July 22nd, 2008 9:38 am ET

Colin Powell? His name keeps popping up along with Rice’s.
Powell was the “Salesman in Chief” of the war! How many
pictures of him at the UN showing pictures of the ‘mobile
chemical units’…which did NOT exist, will we see in ads
every day if he were chosen? Powell is a good man and
soldier but has demonstrated he spent too many years taking
orders to have any independent thoughts to lead in ANY
civilian role.

And Rice?!? Give me a break. She is the biggest opportunist yet. She is supposed to be steeped in Russian expertise but we now see Russia once again flexing its muscles of control and heading in the same direction as during the 'Cold War'.

American   July 22nd, 2008 9:37 am ET

Who Cares……….McBoring……zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Shirl   July 22nd, 2008 9:36 am ET

I am sooooooooo sick of seeing barack hussien parading all over the
middle east spending our hard earned tax money. We do not need a
on the job training president. obama is not ready to lead this great
country. WAKE UP AMERICA.

Ian   July 22nd, 2008 9:35 am ET

Doesn't sound like anyone in his campaign knows what's going on.

America   July 22nd, 2008 9:35 am ET

America cares!!!!!!!!!!!

no no no!   July 22nd, 2008 9:34 am ET

lets hope he picks someone who actually knows there is no Pakistan Iraq boarder.
let hope he has the common sense not to pick on of the Lobbyist who works for him.
lets hope he picks someone who can counter his countless gaffes.
lets hope he picks someone who is OK with losing

norb   July 22nd, 2008 9:34 am ET

Lieberman or Charles Keating?

CH   July 22nd, 2008 9:33 am ET

McCain is the most predictable politician in the spotlight today. Everything he does at this juncture is boring and scripted. Obama looks like a natural born commander in chief at this point.

Kim, Charlotte, NC   July 22nd, 2008 9:31 am ET

What happen to the gas tax holiday?

Tommie   July 22nd, 2008 9:31 am ET

Yawn. McCain is clearly trying to deflect attention away from Obama's overseas trip—the move is purely political. My advise to McBush: be careful what u ask for, u might regret it later.

Don't pressure Obama into going overseas and when the trip doesn't go the way you planned it—you want to moan and groan about unfair coverage. Life it is not fair, Mr. McSame.

No McBUSH   July 22nd, 2008 9:31 am ET

And the VP winner is:

Miss Czechoslovakia !!!!!!!!!!!

Come on down! You have more brains the McFlooozy!

BJGT   July 22nd, 2008 9:31 am ET

Maybe it will distract from his latest gaffe – "the Iraq/Pakistan border"

McFlop   July 22nd, 2008 9:28 am ET

Keating 5….

Do the research people!!

VP   July 22nd, 2008 9:28 am ET

Right, because Obama has never lied or flip-flopped on an issue. You Obama supporters need to stop portraying your candidate as pefect, when he is in fact far from. Say what you will about McCain, but Obama isn't much different. He's not the saintly figure you see him as being.

As to the VP choice, I think McCain should choose a woman. My preference is with Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, but we'll see.

Abby   July 22nd, 2008 9:27 am ET

Vig, in case you didn’t notice, Powell all but endorsed obama in his last interview. keep on dreaming though.

Tony   July 22nd, 2008 9:27 am ET

WHO CARES JOHNNY BOY?

Come November you will be a two-time loser! Deal with it!

Noah   July 22nd, 2008 9:27 am ET

Vig:
Not gonna happen. Hilary lost get over it you delusional, pathetic PUMA Puke!

No Bam Bam   July 22nd, 2008 9:26 am ET

Obama/Madonna 08

Let the rock show continue.

benvictor   July 22nd, 2008 9:25 am ET

As a Hillary Democrat, I support John McCain and the republican ticket. While seems unlikely, I would love to see Hillary as John's VP. That being unlikely, Mitt is the man.

Redneck John - Arkansas   July 22nd, 2008 9:25 am ET

I cant believe Mccan said "iraqi-paskistani border"…..is this guy a born loser or what….

Funky stuff   July 22nd, 2008 9:24 am ET

If it's Romney he's finished….

Open Your 3rd Eye   July 22nd, 2008 9:23 am ET

Whoever the VP is, he/she will not bring him to victory. This is simply a desperate attempt to steal the limelite so to speak. The media is focused on Obama's overseas trip and this guy can't find a television camera.

Ladies and gentlemen: It is official, the repubs are p–sing their pants.

Lone McCain Blogger   July 22nd, 2008 9:23 am ET

McSame = Sad

mollygonz   July 22nd, 2008 9:22 am ET

Just keep desperately trying to take the focus away from Obama. How sad your campaign is.

Tom   July 22nd, 2008 1:22 am ET

Will it be Joe Lieberman? I think he'll look for someone in Obama's age bracket.

On another note, if you needed a reason to marginalize McSame just take a look at that video of him with Bush #41. A couple of old befuddled geezers fumbling around trying to find their mark for their "Anti Obama" photo op on Monday. OMG! Those 2 fossils' ages total 156! Americans need fresh talent in the White House. NOT same old tired GOP stalwarts.

John G   July 22nd, 2008 1:20 am ET

I think it's funny how often democrats have to resort to name calling (the rhyming is clever though-maybe next week we can cover finger painting).

Let's try something new. No name calling. No cheap shots. Stick to the issues and may the best candidate win-legitimately not by getting the rest of the candidates off the ballot due to technicalities or by getting something handed to him by the allegedly "democratic" national committee

Connie   July 22nd, 2008 1:18 am ET

Voting for any Republican is a vote for even more corporate welfare.

david   July 22nd, 2008 1:09 am ET

McCain needs to speak up directly instead of having his little minnons spead fairytales. McCain hasnt voted on a bill in the senate in 5 months. Obama has! McCain is scared to take issue of anything because he knows Americans will judge him. But Obama isnt afraid to be judged.! Mccain needs to come out from his shadow and start being held accountable. This world is no game, and McCain needs to realize the outcome of their narrrow thoughts.

The United States is the most hated country on earth. When barack Obama is president. it will send the most thunderous message to the world that the USA Is BACK!

2 views: Mccain or Obama?

McCain, there will be NO celebrations In the streets of the world, or OBAMA which will easily have 20 million people world wide celebrating in the streets. The celebration for a new beginning.

I gaurentee, if Obama wins, Global Oil Prices will fall by atleast 20 dollars the next 3 day!

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   July 22nd, 2008 12:57 am ET

McCain can pick whomever he wants – they're both going down in flames!!!

Mark   July 22nd, 2008 12:57 am ET

Some of these comments are so lame… if you support Obama, is it only cause you think supporting McCain is like supporting Bush? Because then you really aren't supporting Obama, you just don't want to support McCain…
and for those of you who support Obama, do you even know what he stands for? I mean, before he started to sit on the fence so he could easily get off on either side to appease whoever he is with just so he can get their vote…
What does Obama stand for? I mean, he made clear what his stance was on Iraq and Afghanistan before he even visited there…
I really am not sure who I am voting for on Election Day, but at least I know it won't be Obama. He is just a figurehead with someone pulling the strings behind the scene, telling what to do and what to say. Why would you ever support someone like that to be the leader of your country?
Obama's team is saying if you vote for McCain, it is as though you are voting for a third term for Bush…
I say if you vote for Obama, you are voting for a second term for Jimmy Carter…

MarkieBee   July 22nd, 2008 12:57 am ET

Bobby Jindal? If the Repugnantcans are going to ding Obama for a perceived lack of experience what do they have to say about Jindal? He's a raising star for the wrong team, but a curious pick.

John McShame, Obama Is Going to Tax You & Cindy, but Not Me & 95% Americans Making < $250,000/Yr   July 22nd, 2008 12:56 am ET

WASHINGTON — A top foreign policy adviser to John McCain has lobbied the National Security Council, Congress and the State Department on behalf of Stephen Payne, the Texas businessman and longtime Republican fundraiser caught up in a controversy over whether he sought to sell access to the Bush White House.

According to records on file with Congress, McCain foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann lobbied the Senate and House on behalf of Payne’s firm, Worldwide Strategic Partners Inc., in 2002.

Scheunemann also lobbied the National Security Council and the State Department regarding energy issues in the Caspian region in 2005 and 2006 on behalf of another Payne firm, Caspian Alliance Inc., according to the records.

The McCain campaign said Scheunemann did not lobby on any specific legislation on behalf of either company, said McCain campaign spokesman Brian Rogers. The fees to Scheunemann’s firm amounted to $50,000.

On Monday, McCain’s campaign said that from 2002 to 2006, Scheunemann periodically engaged in consulting relationships with the two companies and that Scheunemann was never on the payroll of either firm, but that he was an occasional outside expert consultant.

chris in oregon   July 22nd, 2008 12:54 am ET

Whatever. Wake me when its over. Anyhow remember its about the judgment to enter this war. The intelligence was made up by the hawks. In other words, the people of this great nation was lied to by the leaders in charge. The reasoning was ill conceived. Someone needs to account for this deception. McCain supported it blindly without questioning the motive. Bye John. Greetings Obama.

Naomi   July 22nd, 2008 12:53 am ET

LOL…..are you serious Vig?

Colin Powell wil never run with McCain't….

Turnabout is Fair Play   July 22nd, 2008 12:50 am ET

Vig July 21st, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Go with Colin Powell and McCain's poll numbers will sky rocket, Obama's will fade and Hillary Clinton will be placed in nomination.
=======================================================

A lame attempt at a fantasy of yours, sad but a fantasy is all it is and will remain. Colin Powell even likes Obama and has said as much. Hillary is DONE. They will not and CANNOT overturn the nomination unless he dies overseas and that just ain't gonna happen. Nice try tho.

Who cares   July 22nd, 2008 12:49 am ET

McBush, Please go play chess on the beach in FL

Billy Johnson   July 22nd, 2008 12:47 am ET

Mitt Mormon for VP; nothing like a cult member to try to boost McSame's numbers.

Obamican in Tacoma, Washington   July 22nd, 2008 12:46 am ET

Who cares???? The real news is that Obama is busy restoring our face in the world while McCain, Bush and Cheney are busy making love to the sounds of oil drilling off our coasts.

Sammy   July 22nd, 2008 12:46 am ET

Has anybody read Mccain's letter that the NYT rejected? The guy has nothing to say other that war, war, war… If he's so consumed with war, why shouldn't he vie for a post as "secretary of war" and take the children of hawks like Lieberman with him to fight his wars? Afterall, he emphasized last week that he knows how to win wars, and he's not been taken to task to list the wars he successfully executed. Any wonder that he needs some magic to agin traction?

Who cares   July 22nd, 2008 12:46 am ET

Who would side with an obvious loser except for some national campaigning experience. Second, I wonder whether Sen McCain CAN express a full sentence without reading a piece of paper. Will he be allowed to do so everywhere he goes to represent the US? He's really too old. He gets my sympathy. Even pres. Bush last week said he's 62 and feels kind of too old to remember facts.

ACE   July 22nd, 2008 12:45 am ET

This reeks of desperation.

Remember when meeting directly with our enemies was deemed reckless appeasement? That's before McCain & Co. realized that we can't afford a war in Iran nor can we afford to continue alienating other countries.

Remember when McCain compared Obama's foreign policy to Carter? That reckless appeaser? That was before the Bush administration started setting up more diplomatic posts in Iran — the first time since 1979.

Remember when Obama said troops should be drawn expeditiously, but with care, so that the Iraqi government could actually exercise some sovereignty and responsibility over their own affairs.

I'm just shocked! SHOCKED! That Obama has been right all along, while McCain has been trying to hold so desperately to his unrealistic, ideological view of the world.

A Recovering Republican   July 22nd, 2008 12:45 am ET

I guess if he can't get his op ed that rehashes old speeches printed and he has nothing new to say or do, he needs to keep his name in the news somehow, so why not announce the VP now?

10 years sober

Lee-- Dallas, TX   July 22nd, 2008 12:45 am ET

Desperate times, call for desperate measures. Barack is forcing McOldy to do what he doesn't want to do, showing his (Barack's) political strength.

McOldy is going down hill, and he's going down fast.

Daniel   July 22nd, 2008 12:44 am ET

I thought McCain was the guy running on experience? If experience mearns starting every sentence with BO and finishing it with the "Surge", I will take the intelligent guy. This is beginning to remind me of the former NY mayor Rudy Guilliani who should be in the guinness world records for incorporating "9/11″, 'Ground Zero" and "Al qaeda" into every sentence.

mo   July 22nd, 2008 12:41 am ET

democrats, ughhh cant you shuddup already

chris   July 22nd, 2008 12:38 am ET

Poor old guy, I almost feel sorry for him when he can't even have someone write a op-ed piece of sufficient quality that the NY Times will run it. Gramps is plain desperate at this point to generate some news for his boring campaign.

17 year old future politician   July 22nd, 2008 12:34 am ET

Hey Lani in Los Angeles, you are absolutely right…he is trying to buy media time…sadly so, the thing is nobody really cares who McCains VP is…you hear all this talk about Bobby Jindal, but in picking Jindal he will kill his inexperience talk towards Obama

People will be like: "ok so inexperience doesn't play a role in being the 2nd in command? So what if your unable to complete all of your term? Should we just kick Jindal to the curb and look for another person to take your spot?" Picking Jindal can prove to be fatal in his campaign

Obama/Sebelius 08′

Kentucky   July 22nd, 2008 12:33 am ET

I cannot wait till the liberals in this country are stunned in November.

Max   July 22nd, 2008 12:33 am ET

I like that the media goes out of its way to mention obama by mentioning how the media goes out of its way to mention obama: it's all nicely cyclical.

Don Mitchell   July 22nd, 2008 12:31 am ET

Oh John, for God's sake…….you just CAN'T take the attention away from Obama — no matter what you do. Yawn………time for another nap, Grandpa.

Enough!!!   July 22nd, 2008 12:31 am ET

The American people are getting wiser and wiser as to the real motive to go to Iraq; oil and Iraqi wealth. Thank God for the info age. It is harder and harder to feed the people BS anymore, so whomever he chooses, it really doesn't matter. The American people are better informed w/each day.

Noakes   July 22nd, 2008 12:30 am ET

Novak was played. McCain would be an idiot to announce this early and lose not only one of the biggest free newsgrabs a campaign can have but also give Obama the chance to pick a VP to counter. As I say, McCain would be an idiot to announce now…which, of course, makes it possible that he'll announce now.

Chris   July 22nd, 2008 12:28 am ET

All the national polls say that over 60% of the people want Romney and his huge free enterprise back ground. I think that would be a great choice because we need a successful business man to run this country.

AC   July 22nd, 2008 12:28 am ET

Anything that gets the Obama-biased press from dealing with a topic other than Obama is good. Make that…very good.

streetsmart   July 22nd, 2008 12:26 am ET

Wow! McCain is really desperate for attention…First he dared Obama to go overseas and Obama called his bluff and now that his tactics has backfired he has to prematurely raise the ante…so much for the talk about good judgment and experience.

Also, with the duds he has in mind for VP, this strategy will almost certainly backfire as well if he chose to deploy…

Kucinich / Paul '08   July 22nd, 2008 12:25 am ET

HILLARY.

Tim from Ohio   July 22nd, 2008 12:21 am ET

An announcement this week would take away from media attention on Obama's visit to Iraq. I expect the Obama campaign to announce their VP choice in the next few weeks. Both campaigns should make an official announcement by August 1st.

Dani   July 22nd, 2008 12:19 am ET

He's naming his VP now because he knows the Obama camp will be dealing with the backlash that's coming when Hillary isn't named as VP. Smart move, especially if he picks Romney who was a big favorite in Republican camps. They will be picking up speed while Obama is mired in the never ending drama that seems to surround him.

Obama 08: white, 60 year old woman   July 22nd, 2008 12:18 am ET

I hope McCain does go with Jindal. there goes the Obama is too "inexperienced" to be president smear.

MoxieGurl   July 22nd, 2008 12:17 am ET

awwww…. Poor McCain has to reveal the one last interesting thing he has left because Obama is dominating the media this week….

Got Attention?

The Truth   July 22nd, 2008 12:16 am ET

Obama's Thunder
Now that is just hilarious !

Obama takes a weekend trip to the middle east and now he is an expert?
Please

McCain's choice for VP can come at any time he is ready to announce

Orange   July 22nd, 2008 12:16 am ET

Mc Cain/ Clinton
Mc Cain you want interest, add Hillary.

Marj,Paso Robles, Cal   July 22nd, 2008 12:16 am ET

The first step on the road to victory.

McCain 2008

E.C.Coleman   July 22nd, 2008 12:15 am ET

Hold off, there's no rush to name a Vice President, Senator McCain.

DC   July 22nd, 2008 12:15 am ET

Wow he is desperate

Clinton/Clinton '08   July 22nd, 2008 12:14 am ET

McCain selects Hillary Clinton and steals the election!

Fleur du Mal   July 22nd, 2008 12:12 am ET

Sad, sad, sad.
And just the teensiest bit transparent.

An Independent Please post this!   July 22nd, 2008 12:12 am ET

Should be Mitt Romney

John Mccain = National Security Powerhouse
Mitt Romney = Economy Powerhouse

Please post this!

Mike in Tx   July 22nd, 2008 12:09 am ET

OBAMA ALL THE WAY 08/12

jt   July 22nd, 2008 12:09 am ET

McCain 08.

Obama the great pretender. No experience. Not qualified.>>

roger, colorado   July 22nd, 2008 12:08 am ET

How pathetic. After 25 years as a Washington pol the only way he can get attention is by trying to step on Obama's trip to the mid-east and Europe. It also shows how shallow his campaign operatives are. Why name a veep this week and have to share the spotlight with the next President of the United States?

THE TRUTH CAN NOT BE HIDDEN!   July 22nd, 2008 12:08 am ET

I set and listened tonight to the great new STAR ON THE HORIZON being interviewed by ABC News in IRAQ. From the first time he gave a public speech until now where he is being questioned by a news reporter I have never heard a man craw fish so much in my life. A craw fish for you Novices is a shell fish that swims and crawls backwards. This is what Obama is doing on his Iraq policy. He said one thing back when and now that the surge is working he does not lay the credit at the feet of all the BRAVE SOLDIERS WHO HAVE FOUGHT THEIR HEARTS OUT AND GAVE UP THEIR LIVES FOR VICTORY. But instead he claims it's because the Summi Tribemen have come together and do not want Al-Qaeda there anymore. IF IT WERE NOT SO SERIOUS A THING AS A MAN WANTING TO BE PRESIDENT WHO IS NOT QUALIFIED SUCH AS OBAMA THIS WOULD BE LAUGHABLE. BUT FOLKS I'M TALKING TO YOU FROM THE HEART NOW. THIS MAN IS NOT READY OR FIT TO BE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. HE KNOWS IT. HE DON'T CARE. OBAMA SUPPORTERS DO NOT HAVE BRAINS ENOUGH TO KNOW IT. SO IT IS UP TO THE REST OF US, REPUBLICANS, HILLARY SUPPORTERS AND INDEPENDENTS TO INSURE THIS MAN GETS NO CLOSER TO THE WHITE HOUSE THAN THE FRONT FENCE THAT IS UNDER GUARD. HE WILL DESTROY AMERICA. To show you the mentality of these OBAMA supporters one made a comment under another article THAT IF OBAMA DID NOT GET THE PRESIDENCY THERE WAS GOING TO BE A REVOLUTION IN AMERICA. I SAY TO HIS IGNORANCE IF I WAS YOU I'D KEEP MY STUPID MOUTH SHUT UNLESS SOMEONE TAKES YOU SERIOUS. THEN WHAT YOU GONNA DO.

Mike in Tx   July 22nd, 2008 12:07 am ET

Maybe he will name the players from the Green Bay Packers offensive line he gave when he was a pow or was it the Steelers offensive line he named ( insert crickets soungs )well maybe he will flip a coin,he probably will flip flop on that too.Like every thing else.

If McCain was a Spice Girl...   July 22nd, 2008 12:06 am ET

…He'd be Old Spice.

Mark Columbia, MO   July 22nd, 2008 12:06 am ET

McCain should steal Huckabee's former running mate, Chuck Norris – then he'd really have a fighting chance at winning the election.

Yawn. Snooze. McLame lost all credibility when he rolled over to Bush and Rove back in 2000.

Obama/Biden (or Hagel)

NY   July 22nd, 2008 12:05 am ET

The VP nominations are decided….

McCain/Juliani
NObama/Pastor Wright

Dylan Los Angeles   July 22nd, 2008 12:04 am ET

Please no Rudy Guilani or Mitt Romney or yet another Bush

Jane, MD   July 21st, 2008 11:59 pm ET

First, you become a 71yr old cry baby because no one is paying you any attention and you are downright jealous, and if that does not work start a VP rumor. DESPERATE!.

Gail in SC   July 21st, 2008 11:56 pm ET

Senator McCain will have some explaining to do if he picks either Bobby Jindal or Mitt Romney(I think he is going to be JM's choice) . Bobby Jindal is just barely over the age requirement in the Constitution to be president and John McCain loves to talk about BO being young and inexperienced.That would be harder for him to do if Jindal is his man. Mitt Romney never served in the military and John McCain has decided this election year that having done so is a requirement to be CIC. At least it is for Sen. Obama , but wasn't ever in the case of George Bush , the man that he has modeled himself after. So Romney doesn't meet his criteria either . Makes it hard to try to make that a mark against Se, Obama when your man never served and made the remark that his sons serve by trying to get him elected.
just sayin'

Ron   July 21st, 2008 11:54 pm ET

So sad that after months of complaining that Senator Obama hadn't stepped foot into Iraq, Senator McCain is showing us the envy he feels now that someone else is in the spotlight. Maybe he, like Bush, should think before they speak next time.

JOHN   July 21st, 2008 11:52 pm ET

KIND OF EARLY FOR THIS, SMELLS LIKE AN SOS TO ME. BUT, HE BETTER DO SOMETHING HE'S BECOMING AN AFTERTHOUGHT.

joemarsh   July 21st, 2008 11:51 pm ET

Whippe!

The Real Truth   July 21st, 2008 11:49 pm ET

I just saw McCain's new ad blaming Obama for the gas prices and I couldn't believe he would stoop that low. I have had it with the Republican party! They never tell the truth any more and all they do is play on fears and lies…and to top it off they nominate a lame candidate that does not reflect the Republican values. I will never vote Republican ever again.

Who cares unless it's Jesus? Only he could resurrect McCain's chances.

Bob   July 21st, 2008 11:48 pm ET

It's an interesting thought by McCain, but ultimately a losing proposition. The VP announcement is a one-shot deal. If McCain announces now, he has little chance to manipulate the conversation at convention time. While it may seem to him short-term gratification, he is ceding the initiative and the conversation to Senator Obama. Something has to be done soon, but I don't think this is it.

James in Oregon   July 21st, 2008 11:46 pm ET

Whoever McCain picks better be a fast talker because , he will be spending all his time correcting McCain……….LOL.

mike   July 21st, 2008 11:46 pm ET

McCain problems is as old as the republican party itself.Do anything to get power politricking and desperation.People already know this and are tired of it.If you are not good enough,it simply means you are not good no matter the dirty politricks you play.McCain should just give up and let the people have what they want.OBAMA ispires and gives hope which McCain does not do.McCain is simply a big chip of the old block.The people are simply tired and need someone who will breathe fresh life into them and renew their believe and confidence in government.McCain and the republican party should have known by now that the worst way to fight OBAMA is to throw dirt at him because the more dirt is thrown at him, the cleaner and more handsome and inspiring he is to the people.

James D   July 21st, 2008 11:44 pm ET

lol…. desperation. It's Romney…big whoop-di-do.

FIrst Gramm, the former soft porn investor, then this morning McCain says Irag borders Pakistan. Wow. Just hilarious.

Obama is gonna win 38-40 states.

The fat lady is warming up…Obama/Biden 08

Ilene   July 21st, 2008 11:44 pm ET

Even talking about this is taking away from Obama. Shame on McCain, pulling out the stops to get attention. People, stop talking about it and give Obama his dues.

arlene,CA   July 21st, 2008 11:43 pm ET

McSame is getting desperate for HELP! He needs someone close by at all times to correct his errors, remind him of what hearings he has attended, proper names of foreign countries, & especially because Obama is such a big success on his trip over seas. It will be just more of the same an extension of McBush. More lies,failed policies, & does anyone really listen when you speak?? Low energy & NO charisma. Obama for President 08-16

TerryDo   July 21st, 2008 11:42 pm ET

Oh Poor Baby Obama, someone might steal his thunder.

He will never be elected president, the media make have a boner for this guy, but the American people can see right through fluff and cotton candy…

I wonder how many flip flops Obama will come home with, how many things he will refine, and tell us about how much foreign experience he now has because he has spent at least 24 hours in certain countries.

Sue in MI   July 21st, 2008 11:42 pm ET

Does it matter? I can't imagine there are many people even WANTING to jump on this sinking ship. If he makes many more geographical errors (the BORDER between Iraq and Pakistan???) I think they should seek some medical advice. He obviously can't take the pressure.

David Peter   July 21st, 2008 11:41 pm ET

Who would say yes to McMurder

Derek   July 21st, 2008 11:41 pm ET

Hey Kyle, how's that high school education treating you? You're the sort of person Obama thrives on.

Terrence (Winston Salem, NC)   July 21st, 2008 11:38 pm ET

Sounds like someone's desperate to grab the headlines back. LOL Too funny.

Miguel Rivera   July 21st, 2008 11:37 pm ET

I hate to say it, but McCain isn't half the man he was back in 2000.
McCain has $40 million in the bank, and why does he need more? Obama has only $1 million; I guess we know who the real "elitist" is. McFlipFlop.

Texas Voter   July 21st, 2008 11:37 pm ET

Bobby Jindal???? Why would we out-source for the Vice President? Haven't we given enough jobs away? Colin Powell or Condi Rice!

NW   July 21st, 2008 11:36 pm ET

Go ahead McBush, pick you VP so the American people will know he is just unique like the rest of you, in fact the worst than ever. We will not take off our focus on Senator Obama's trip because that's a very important issu the country face right now. Your VP won't change the dynamic of what the country face right at this moment. We still need a candidate which will bring America together as well as the people. The way you always attack and talk about the negativities of other people especially Senatore Obama is not going to be survived in this 21first century. You are still hanging on with the old style we all getting tired of, fear and smear. Not good you know.

informed voter   July 21st, 2008 11:35 pm ET

Pick Powell and Obama's poll numbers will drop and Hillary will get the nomination?? Seriously?

Not gonna happen. Powell is not on the table, and even if he were, two advocates of the Iraq war very well could have the opposite effect.

If McCain should choose Powell, the only poll numbers to drop will be his.

Michael, Lorain, Ohio   July 21st, 2008 11:35 pm ET

Desparate moves from a desparate candidate. I'm waiting for the straight talk express to either put up or shut up with regards to the VP selection.

Adri   July 21st, 2008 11:32 pm ET

Inshallah.

Diogenes   July 21st, 2008 11:29 pm ET

Same 'ol, same 'ol.

McCain-Powell?

Hmmm…a discredited Powell? Intriguing, all the same.

TonyinKentucky   July 21st, 2008 11:28 pm ET

#1 reason it doesn't matter is who ever it is, is even less appealing than McCain.

Mitt?
Jindal?
Mayor Noun, 9/11, verb, 9/11?
Huck?
Criminal Condi?
Carly The Outsourcer?
Dr Phil?
Lazy Campaigner Extraordinaire Thompson?

None of these folks are people we want to be 2nd in line. Palin is about the only electable Republican but she's still on the oil, big brother, and banks band wagon, like all the rest.

The GOP really should withdrawn and go sit in the corner and think about their lives.

Peter   July 21st, 2008 11:28 pm ET

This wont tarnish Obama's media army. But it will make me pause for 5 seconds to see that name…its most likely going to be Romney..after all, McCain is having a harding time unifying his party then Obama with his

Kate   July 21st, 2008 11:28 pm ET

Someone's desperate.

That's the last card you hold, John — wouldn't you wait until you NEED it? Oh, yeah. You've got nothing.

Trevor   July 21st, 2008 11:28 pm ET

So, let me get this straight.

CNN is reporting that the McCain camp is talking about the possibility of announcing the VP candidate, and that they're most likely only doing it in order to get attention from the media?

Val from MA   July 21st, 2008 11:27 pm ET

It is going to be Mitt Romney. The campaign has previously reported that McCain may announce his running mate right before the Olympics were to begin – and for a good reason. The announcement, in my view, will once again remind people of Romney's marvelous work he did at the winter Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2002 and his ability to turn around our failing economy as well.

McCain/Romney 08! The winning ticket!

Robert   July 21st, 2008 11:26 pm ET

I'm smelling McCain-Romney

Jason   July 21st, 2008 11:25 pm ET

I doubt there will be announcement. Announcing your intention to make an announcement will get some attention.

Anyway, I am still predicting McCain/Jindal.

Shannon   July 21st, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Oh, so now that him and his warmonger buddies have figured out that they can't scare us with war talk, since that is all they know (I swear these guys are caught in a time warp), they are trying something new to divert our attention to McShame the warmonger.

I can just hear McCain now, Hey everybody look at me I can stand on my head and twirl a baton.

Lucas, Nashville TN   July 21st, 2008 11:22 pm ET

THE WORLD IS WAITING WITH BAITED BREATH!

Will it be Statler or Waldorf?

Jim   July 21st, 2008 11:19 pm ET

In an effort to show that he is the real candidate of change, McCain will appoint a much younger man to appeal to the youth vote.

The leading candidate, Methusaleh, could not be reached for comment.

Tre   July 21st, 2008 11:19 pm ET

All for it. Obama's veep pick Hagel will then crush mccains thunder 3 days after the mccain camp makes the announcement.

David in Illinois   July 21st, 2008 11:19 pm ET

McCain-Romney perhaps? Ugh, what a stinker ticket that would be. In fact, any ticket with McCain is a horrible proposition. No matter the choice for veep, the true ticket is McCain-Bush.

Hey McCain, Iraq & Pakistan do not share a border.   July 21st, 2008 11:18 pm ET

McCain, is old, dull, forgetful, and boring. Nothing coukld bring excitement to his campaign. Even if he does announce a running mate this week I will continue to be interested in what Senator Obama is doing.

Robert   July 21st, 2008 11:15 pm ET

After the terrible weekend McCain had this is pretty much his last option to steal some thunder from the Obama freightrain. This foreign trip has gone better than I think anyone could have imagined. It started Friday with the leaked info about Maliki wanting a 16 month time table and it hasn't stoped since. Add that in with the McCain Iraq/Pakistan border Gaffe and it hasn't been a good 72 for McCain.

My bet is, he makes the announcement the day after Obama's huge speech in Germany. Once it's seen in America that Obama can pull in 50,000+ people in a foreign country for one of his speeches his poll number immediatly go up 5-7%. McCain has to stop that swing and will pull out his vp choice then.

Before this trip I would have said McCain would wait until the day after Obama's acceptance speech, but if he waits that long he might never be able to catch Obama.

Also, remember Obama is more than likely to make his VP choice before the Olympics. Which in my best guess is between Biden and Clinton. If he pulls that out right before the Olympics you can bet on another 3-5% jump. Since McCain is already 3-5% nationally in the polls he can't afford to go down 11-17% going into the Olympics and into the DNC's convention which will give Obama even a bigger push.

Remy   July 21st, 2008 11:15 pm ET

McCain is a lame duck. He never get any footage in press.

Jason   July 21st, 2008 11:14 pm ET

McCain will show again why the GOP or Goofy Old Party can't imagine anyone of color in their ranks. He will undoubtedly choose another white guy and stick with, well if its broken, don't fix it plan.

He is old and his politics are old and outdated. I think McCain should go to Czechoslovakia and announce he has captured Hitler and he is going to fight the North Koreans back to Atlantis..

I am from Arizona and he is making a fool of himself and MY state. He isn't even a native of Arizona.. So John go back to the Panama Canal zone and run for President of the Canal Zone, you crazy old codger!

Craig Shaver   July 21st, 2008 11:12 pm ET

First reported by Robert Novak? Isn't he the same guy that blew Valerie Plame's cover? What a great source! We all know he sure was right about Valerie being in the CIA huh? Gotta be right about this too!

Let me guess. It'll be someone that'll boost his stock with conservatives – you know, make them forget his abortion flip-flops, his sleazy divorce, his various positions on taxes, drilling in Alaska, and the fact that Rudy supports him.

IR   July 21st, 2008 11:11 pm ET

I refuse to vote for Obama without Hillary. So, pick Romney and you have my vote.

Andy   July 21st, 2008 11:11 pm ET

Thanks goodness. With the inherently liberal media showing obvious bias towards Nobama, it's good that McCain gets at least a little attention.

Steven   July 21st, 2008 11:11 pm ET

Iraqi Is Not Our Country.
It's Time For Iraqi government take charge of its own affairs.
The Decision Should Be Iraqis Not America, If They Want A Time Table.

McCain Wants That Oil!

Richard   July 21st, 2008 11:10 pm ET

I bet he picks phil Gramm or Romney. Two rich elitists that have no clue what the american people are going through right now.

Joy   July 21st, 2008 11:10 pm ET

This is all lies to get some media attention. McSame is selling snake-oil and no one is buying, not even the Bush.

Mary   July 21st, 2008 11:08 pm ET

John McCain just announced he will be going on a world tour and plans to visit Persia, Abyssinia, Ceylon, Mesopotamia, Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, Siam, and Burma.

He also hopes to meet with Nebuchadnezzar at the Iraq-Pakistan border, however, strangely, there has had no response on his official request yet.

Ian M   July 21st, 2008 11:08 pm ET

Colin Powell already said he wouldn't do it, Vig, and he's all but endorsed Barack Obama.

Ted   July 21st, 2008 11:05 pm ET

It's gonna be Mitt.
But it won't matter.
Obama/Edwards 08!

Jere, Salt Lake City   July 21st, 2008 11:04 pm ET

I tend to lean toward Obama, but really, for Obama and McCain both it's all about political strategy. I wouldn't count this for or against McCain. I just hope he does name a VP soon. I'm tired of waiting. You too, Obama.

Brandon Hillary PUMA 4 Mc   July 21st, 2008 11:03 pm ET

Mc Cain will wait to announce his vice president until after the democratic convention in an effort to cut obamas bounce-
Mc Cain should choose Sarah Palin after obama snubs Hillary Clinton and obama can kiss new hampshire and a few other states goodbye when he does.

Ron Nebraska   July 21st, 2008 11:03 pm ET

I think it's fairly obvious that God does not forgive stupidity. So you people willing to elect John McCain to continue the morally corrupt policies of Bush/Cheney might think about how you'll spend eternity.

Mark   July 21st, 2008 11:02 pm ET

McCain/Mickey Mouse 2008

Lisa Salt Lake City, Utah   July 21st, 2008 11:01 pm ET

He's confused; he doesn't know what day it is. He has been planning to make his announcement during the Democratic convention.

Will, NJ   July 21st, 2008 11:00 pm ET

Woo hoo…

Matt from Indiana   July 21st, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Maybe he will pick huckabee, making his poll numbers drop to zero. Or maybe, george bush will be picked, another perfect choice for McCain, since they are the same person. No matter how you put it, McCain is a freedom hating conservatives as all die hard conservatives.

CAW in MD   July 21st, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Vig, dude, get over it already. Still waiting for 8-tracks to make a big comeback?

starfire426, Salem VA   July 21st, 2008 10:58 pm ET

TO: RISE AMERICA RISE…you should apply for the WH spokesperson job in the new administration!!!! You're witty!!!

TO VIG: "When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are…"

bk   July 21st, 2008 10:57 pm ET

The media is so biased. They did it to Clinton and now McCain. This is the most unfair election I have ever seen. At least in November there are no caucauses to bully people and call them racist. The people will speak in November not the biased media.

Sherry   July 21st, 2008 10:57 pm ET

This is just an attention getter from the McCain Camp. They are just playing with the media to get attention away from Obama's trip. I find it amusing that McCain was so vocal about Obama going on this trip and now that he is, and it has garnered so much attention, McCain is like a spoiled child just begging for attention. He will do whatever he can to get attention, even the pretense of announcing his VP choice. What a whiner!

Bill Morrison LaGrangeville, New York   July 21st, 2008 10:56 pm ET

CNN is being tricked into showing bias against Senator Obama by the right wing elements. This is not new, and is just beginning to fire up. Anderson Cooper and other regulars who report on CNN have started to shift as demonstrated on Monday evening, July 21st. I am amazed at the impact of people like O'Riley and Hannety. Most of the time CNN does a good job of reporting the news, but once the tipping point takes place CNN caves in; mostly I am surprised by Anderson Cooper.
Please just report! . Unbiased reporting is a key for all Americans so we can make a thoughtful decision when we vote.

Robert   July 21st, 2008 10:56 pm ET

I hope Romney is the VP, because he has the best vision and experience with the economy! No other politician running for pres or potential vp even comes closes.

Joe, Chicago   July 21st, 2008 10:55 pm ET

McCain should pick Bush!

libby   July 21st, 2008 10:54 pm ET

Who cares???? Most likely another old fart like him. He could never still Obama's spotlight. Old gatekeeper.

twister61   July 21st, 2008 10:53 pm ET

The Republican Party needs to throw out McCain,and draft Mitt Romney,who knows everything about the economy! Go Mitt!

Wood   July 21st, 2008 10:52 pm ET

PCS,

If he does that, that'll be the end of his languishing campaign..

Mike, Louisiana   July 21st, 2008 10:49 pm ET

I would be REALLY nice if Jindal was required to resign as governor in order to run for Vice President, which would make Mitch Landrieu the governor. Then McCain & Jindal would be defeated in November and we could be rid of BOTH of those idiots.

felix   July 21st, 2008 10:48 pm ET

MCCAIN/ROMmey

skip   July 21st, 2008 10:48 pm ET

@ Rise America Rise

And just tonight the campaign has leaked that McCain plans to visit the troubled North Korea-Brazil border.

Joe Reg   July 21st, 2008 10:47 pm ET

Mcain/Jeb Bush 08

Go.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   July 21st, 2008 10:47 pm ET

yawn…. a loser who'll be forgotten in a year

Loretta from California   July 21st, 2008 10:47 pm ET

Well I don't think it will make much difference who he picks. I do wish he would stop "whining" about his lack of media attention. It really is getting old. I THINK THE COVERAGE THAT HE RECEIVES IS SUFFICIENT. We already know what he is thinking.

DEMOCRATS UNITE!!!

VZ   July 21st, 2008 10:46 pm ET

Who would want to be his VP? This is a joke right?

John   July 21st, 2008 10:45 pm ET

If Mccain chooses Romney, then Obama should choose Hillary.

Either way it represents Unity and Hillary could beat Romney in debates.

HILLARY FOR VP

Wisconsin   July 21st, 2008 10:44 pm ET

The problem is will his pick even matter.

McCain has fail on to many issues for any VP to fix.

Colin H   July 21st, 2008 10:42 pm ET

I am starting to lose interest… I can't wait til its all over in November. This is turning into a "drama queen" election.

Elly   July 21st, 2008 10:41 pm ET

Who Cares!!!!

@Rise….. outer mongolia sounds like a great place for McSame

Rave   July 21st, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Pick a VP or Pick his nose..nobody cares. He will be un-successfull to take off the attention that Obama is getting with his successfull trip.
McPain with his very limited brain can try all his monkey acts.
OBAMA (2008 -16)

Thomas, Illinois   July 21st, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Vig—I total agree, except, Powell's leaning towards Obama…After what the Bush adminastration done to him I don't blame him—–Obama/Powell 08

Jody Monroe   July 21st, 2008 10:38 pm ET

No one cares.

Denise Groves   July 21st, 2008 10:37 pm ET

I really do not care who Mccain picks, but all that I ask is he looks as if he still has some life in 'em!

ken cincinnati ohio   July 21st, 2008 10:36 pm ET

McCain has no desperation. He will win the white house come november…Obama is only getting attention because he is a minority running for president..Its been that way all along and he will fail…mark my words and write it down…He Will Fail……..go McCain

Mark   July 21st, 2008 10:36 pm ET

John McCain has my vote. Colin Powell is a great choice for running mate but Condi Rice would have been a great choice also. To bad she won't be in the line up.

michael   July 21st, 2008 10:36 pm ET

I don't get it, why is McCain not picking C. Rice?

The ticket grabs a share of the black vote, Obama's bread and butter.

Rice responds well to a possible Clinton and the female vote.

Rice puts to rest the talk of McCain VP has to be ready to be called into a president's position.

If possible, she adds even more experience to the ticket on all aspects.

Eileen from Maine   July 21st, 2008 10:35 pm ET

In a daring bid to wrench attention from his Democratic rival, John McCain today embarked on an historic first-ever visit to the Internet.

Given that the Arizona Republican had never logged onto the Internet before, advisors acknowledged that his first visit to the World Wide Web was fraught with risk.

But with his Democratic rival Barack Obama making headlines with his tour of the Middle East and Europe, the McCain campaign felt that they needed to "come up with something equally bold for John to do," said one advisor.

Aides said that the senator’s journey to the Internet will span five days and will take him to such far-flung sites as Amazon.com, eBay & Face book.
With a press retinue watching, Sen. McCain logged onto the Internet at 9:00 AM Sunday, paying his first-ever visit ever to Mapquest.com.
"I can’t get this [expletive] thing to work," Sen. McCain said as he struggled with his computer’s mouse, causing his wife Cindy to prompt him to add that he was "just kidding."

Having pronounced his visit to Map quest a success, Sen. McCain continued onto Weather.com and Yahoo! Answers, where he inquired as to the difference between Sunnis and Shiites. Sen. McCain said that he had embarked on his visit to the internet to allay any fears that he is too out-of-touch to be president, adding that he plans to take additional steps to demonstrate that he is comfortable with today’s technology: "In the days and weeks ahead, you will be seeing me rock out with my new Walkman."

James   July 21st, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Whatever.

Perusing-through   July 21st, 2008 10:31 pm ET

LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS UNTIL G.E. DAY and McSAME GETTING DESPERATE.

Poor, poor McSame. If he head fakes the media on VP talks, he buys (at best) 48-hours of media coverage before the media catches on that it is a campaign head fake. If he announces his VP choice this week, he forever locks in his VP choice while simultaneously leaving Barack the advantage to counter-trump McSame's VP choice.

Team Obama has got to be feeling real good knowing they are wielding their campaign 'strength' in a way that leaves Camp McSame in a position where they can only react.

GOD Bless America!
GOD Bless Obama!

jm from sc   July 21st, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Vig, I can not believe people are still trying to figure a way to give Hillary the nomination. Give it up, Hillary was out ever since the PA primary.

It doesn't matter who McCain selects, he will still lose in November.

tai   July 21st, 2008 10:30 pm ET

Somebody needs a little attention….awww.

jason   July 21st, 2008 10:29 pm ET

McCain/Clinton 08-12.
You never know……….

Mike in Indiana   July 21st, 2008 10:25 pm ET

What is all the hype over Piyush Jindal as VP?? He has been governor less time than Obama has been in the Senate, he represents a state that SHOULD be solid for McCain, and he has no national standing.

Romney or Huckabee would make sense. Sara Pallin would be an interesting (maybe risky) choice. Fred Thompson would be a safe (if somewhat dull) choice.

Jon in WA   July 21st, 2008 10:25 pm ET

Well yeah. McCain is boring and has been too loose with his tongue. He needs something to prevent his campaign from going the ways of Bob Dole's.

ED FL   July 21st, 2008 10:25 pm ET

Who will it be, His little suck up puppet who is stuck in his REAR pocket and has to keep reminding him of who and what is he saying, Or Romney who will steal the spot light from him on every term ,comment or statement he makes while hoping he can not complete or serve his term.

Michigan Voter !!!   July 21st, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Obama is All Hype !!! . The Only Ones Who Are Paying Attention To His Daily Circus , Are The Ones Who have Fallen For The Obama Bag Of Tricks !!! . I'm A Life Long Democrat , And This Election Cycle . I'm Voting For Sen. John McCain . No Matter Who He Picks As His VP.

Democrats Like Myself Will Be The Reason John McCain Wins The The White House in Novenber !!!!

gene   July 21st, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Vig… it's time to face the harsh reality. NOTHING will put Hillary back on the ticket as the presidential nominee, NOTHING! It's not going to happen… move on… it's time to stop the mourning process and move on to acceptance. Please… just get a life already. And although Powell would make be a GREAT pick… I'm pretty sure that Powell is leaning towards Obama… so I doubt he would accept that nomination.

That being said.. I can't think of anyone honorable that would actually run with McCain… only someone two faced and corrupt would run with McCain… maybe Leiberman? Eithe way… He's gonna lose.

William Whitelaw   July 21st, 2008 10:22 pm ET

If thet dont choose huckabee its over and the dem. won so be very cautious mccain

case   July 21st, 2008 10:21 pm ET

He will not announce now, but just drop hints to generate media attention. Pure and simple.

Kuljah   July 21st, 2008 10:20 pm ET

McSame has some great VP choices. He has talked to Bill OReilley, Rush Limbaugh and Lou Dobbs. Wouldn't the country be in (good) hands? Jessee Helms was considered, but he's gone.

Gary Chandler in Canada   July 21st, 2008 10:19 pm ET

Obama just might as well quit now that McCain is showing such brilliant signs as a strategist. Cleverly and deceptively drawing all of the media away from Obama on the mere whisper of his VP announcement; then, with a brilliant stroke, waiting for Obama to go first so he can offset, counter, and stymie with his blockbuster counter selection.
He should choose Petreus. It sounds like he a crush on him.

from the desk of, DM of Texas   July 21st, 2008 10:19 pm ET

Powell will never sign on with McSane

Chris - Seattle   July 21st, 2008 10:18 pm ET

If all goes as planned, Obama will make a fine President! It's in the air! If you cant feel the enthusiasm around the world for Obama then you're just stuck on stupid, period! BTW a lot of folks are really stuck there, not by any fault of there own, so please if you can try and spread the word that:

-he's not Muslim…
-he's not un-patriotic…
-he's not selfish, absorbed or narrow-minded…
-he's not inexperienced… & he's not the anti-christ…

-he is, most importantly, on our team!

Team Planet Earth that is!!!

Obama'08 – '16

ADAM   July 21st, 2008 10:17 pm ET

MCSHAME DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH NOBODY CARES. THIS IS NOT A BIG NEWS.

GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hussien   July 21st, 2008 10:17 pm ET

The pick will be Mitt. A proven business man with executive experience. This is something BHO is missing. The LMSM will only give it a little attention while they continue to follow Barack's every move.

Michael   July 21st, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Well I hope for his sake it's someone who knows that Czechoslovakia no longer exists, that it is impossible for Obama to visit Iraq along the Afghanistan border (yeah look that one up :) ), and that Iran is highly unlikely to support Al-Qaeda.

Geri   July 21st, 2008 10:15 pm ET

The Obama supporters calling the kettle black. Get rid of your nastiness and stop being so negative. I'm a democrat but I am really tired of Obama and his supporters.

Puffin   July 21st, 2008 10:15 pm ET

McCain needs help for sure. Quickly. Anyone will do.

Mauri   July 21st, 2008 10:14 pm ET

In my opinion, there are enough lies and flip-flopping by both candidates to go around. As for failed policy, well that can't be judged because Obama has not made nor had any. This is what is so troubling about his candidacy. It seems like pure lunacy to subject Senator Obama to the pressures and responsibilities as President of the United States. So I think we'd be doing him a huge favor by saving him from himself. As for Senator McCain announcing his vice presidential running mate, I for one would welcome it as a merciful delivery. When the news pundits and anchors get on one subject, they beat it to death ad nauseam. That's where we are right now with Obama's trip to Europe. Time to change the subject.

JIM CARTER   July 21st, 2008 10:14 pm ET

HE CAN.T GO WRONG WITH MITT.

Michael   July 21st, 2008 10:13 pm ET

Well I hope for his sake it's someone who knows that Czechoslovakia no longer exists, that it is impossible for Obama to visit Ira

Chuck   July 21st, 2008 10:13 pm ET

Vig,
Powell will announce he is for Obama.
I do not think Powell will be fooled again
by the Republicans.
Capt. Smash,
I hope you are right. Just think how much the
Democrats can make of him. Jobs going to
India!
Obama is going to win no matter what McSame does.

Tim   July 21st, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Would it not be funny if Barack was winning early in the race, then out of no where big mac won the election

Xavier   July 21st, 2008 10:11 pm ET

McCain is like that annoying kid at school that keeps yelling at the teacher, "look at me, look at me! Please look at me!" Not very presidential.

McEmpty   July 21st, 2008 10:10 pm ET

I thought that McCain would counterpoint Obama's trip with some concrete talks about issues…

All that I can see is show-off: McCain complains about NYT (where, again, he just wanted to attack, but never gave any hint of substance) and now he is reacting to Obama's trip with this VP pseudo-announcement…

What a fake!

I've just made my mind.
Obama.

Paul   July 21st, 2008 10:09 pm ET

This is not news.

Sick of Bush republicans   July 21st, 2008 10:09 pm ET

McCain/Romney-exactly what you need for the summer, a pair of flip flops……

Patriot4Paul   July 21st, 2008 10:09 pm ET

Paul-Hagel '08: the only winning Republican ticket.

McCain's options for VP are very limited…
1. Dick Cheney
2. Fred Thompson
3. Rudy Giuliani
4. Joe Lieberman
5. Condoleeza Rice
6. Charlie Crist
7. miscellaneous neocon Sith lord

It does not matter! McCain will never be president.

White-Marsh   July 21st, 2008 10:09 pm ET

CAMPAIGN CHESS MATCH

Not sure if the VP talks are campaign "head fakes" for temporarily getting news coverage off Obama or a sincere indicator that McSame will announce his VP this week. Either way 'Team McSame' accomplishes the equivalent of a NFL interception just as 'Team Obama' was on track for another phenomenal scoring drive.

If McSame do announce the VP this week, he may bump Obama's overseas love fest. Keeping in mind that it was McSame's suggestion in the first place that Obama take the trip. But if McSame makes that choice early, he leaves Obama open to a series of "unchecked media scoring drives" including the Democratic rally in seventy-thousand seat Bronco stadium. An early VP pick by McSame also steals his opportunity to wait and see Obama's VP choice, so McSame can counter-trump Obama's VP.

Oh, the campaign chess match is brutal.

Robert- Cary NC   July 21st, 2008 10:07 pm ET

Who cares!!!

JPM   July 21st, 2008 10:06 pm ET

Its called a BLUFF.

nik   July 21st, 2008 10:06 pm ET

“Because someone is an idiot, so we have to explain it as a tactic.”

The McCain campaign needs to put this on bumper stickers I think.

Michael Ray Thompson   July 21st, 2008 10:05 pm ET

I'm shocked to hear that CNN is even covering the posibility of a McCain VP pick. Your coverage is so biased toward Obama, it is unreal!

KenM   July 21st, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Oh, the BHO lemmings are out.

austin   July 21st, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Its obvious that McSame campaign is out of ideas and must wait to copy what the Obama campaign is doing.

Obamamania!   July 21st, 2008 10:02 pm ET

I heard he was going to tap Jeb Bush for VP. And maybe Laura for Sec State. And Bushes dog for NSA.

K in Oregon   July 21st, 2008 10:00 pm ET

During Obama's trip, McSame has slung mud and insults at Barak. He like the kid that waits of his turn and makes everyone angry.

McSame is saying Obama alone is the cause for the high oil prices.

Well the math is not on his side. The US Fed debt has almost doubled in the years Bush has been president. The dollar has tanked due to horrific fiscal policies. McSame was part of the majority during the very ugly part of this fiscal disaster.

McSame has flip flopped so much and now he can only be a mean old guy that can't answer tough question.

If McSame announces a VP choice this week, it will show how much this man has sunk.

McSame wants to be a war president, yet America is tired of the constant war and all the corruption.

Obama will win!!!

Scott, Charlotte   July 21st, 2008 10:00 pm ET

He's going to go with Count Chocula.

Gary Chandler in Canada   July 21st, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Vig, Powell wouldn't run on McCain's ticket. (lol)

orville   July 21st, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Just more desperate antics from McSame!

JERRY   July 21st, 2008 9:59 pm ET

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
OBAMA IS GETTING MORE ATTENTION THANME! WAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

shelley   July 21st, 2008 9:59 pm ET

The presidential race has become ridiculous… why are these guys traveling outside our own country, anyway? when everyone in the US is broke, the $$ spent on these campaigns looks BAD BAD BAD! Let's have some TRUTH IN ADVERTISING in these campaigns…

Bernard   July 21st, 2008 9:57 pm ET

Well..McCain is speaking in Louisiana this week…the only non-swing state he will hit while Obama is on his world tour….and McCain has a speaking event scheduled in Louisiana "but he won't release details about it." It's supposed to steal Obama's thunder…
Seems like an announcement of Jindal as VP candidate makes sense…

Attention Please, really, please. By McCain   July 21st, 2008 9:56 pm ET

THIS JUST IN!!! McCain just announced that he can juggle flaming batons while blind-folded and riding a unicycle with one hand tied behind his back! Let's see Obama beat that!

Nate   July 21st, 2008 9:56 pm ET

I hope it's Giulianni.

Andy in Charlotte, NC   July 21st, 2008 9:56 pm ET

Obama and McCain are both bad choices for our country! It does indeed look like McCain is trying to steal Obama's thunder. Obama is the first African-American with a shot at the presidency, and he's talking about change (c). The media loves that, and has been giving him a lot of attention. McCain just wants attention, especially since many conservatives aren't too fond of him either.

Jack from California   July 21st, 2008 9:55 pm ET

John – take a good Christian so the good reverend dobson will support you! – WHAT A SELLOUT!

McCain is all about power to the RICH! and NO INTEGRITY!

Xango   July 21st, 2008 9:54 pm ET

He will not remember next week who he named this week………

this is not country for old man……mcbush

JohnLee   July 21st, 2008 9:54 pm ET

Hope McBush doesn't take this long to make a decision about a terrorist strike that they keep claiming is going to happen! Of course if you catch McBush on the weekend, I doubt any response to a terrorist attack would happen until the following business day!

David   July 21st, 2008 9:53 pm ET

That's amusing…look at me…look at me…look at me!

KO   July 21st, 2008 9:53 pm ET

It doesn't sound like it's a definite yetm so I would be a little skeptical of this report. If the campaign released an official statement to the public, or some kind of hint that they would announce the running mate, I would feel better. However, this does sound like something a typical politician would to do to change the newscycle in their favor.

jim holmes   July 21st, 2008 9:52 pm ET

How could anyone support either of these candidates? Neither of them have any leadership ability to speak of, not to mention, they've been avoiding questions left and right. Neither one of them know how to correct the problem with the economy…probably because their funding speaks for them both. That's why they both avoid the question about NAFTA, yes the acronym that was going to change everything for the country. All it did was make it easier for US corporation to go somewhere else and evade EPA laws and get cheap labor, not to mention pay know taxes on the product anymore, and still sell to Americans an pawn it off as made in America. Come on America, you really can't be that stupid to see who these guys really represent. Politicians don't speak for America anymore…they speak for their pockets and big BUSINESS!

Call me stupid if you wish, but just take a good look around and see what's going on…and maybe then you'll understand what I'm talking about. Some, it takes a little longer than others.

Doc Holiday   July 21st, 2008 9:51 pm ET

McNuts should pick Ronald McDonald and they can both run under the mad cow ticket.

dennis from chicago   July 21st, 2008 9:50 pm ET

mc cain should announce sooner than later…..this shows another type of leadership…. it will invigorate his presidential run and spread his word of change and moderation……..good work JOHN…..NOMINATE a vice president to show your full affect

Lydia   July 21st, 2008 9:49 pm ET

The longer the campaign, the more irrelevant McCain becomes.

Greg, NY   July 21st, 2008 9:49 pm ET

"…some within the campaign are arguing to hold off until Obama has been his decision…"

Unfortunately for CNN, Obama will never be McCain's decision.

ARLINGTON,TX   July 21st, 2008 9:47 pm ET

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Is it November yet?

Jeff B.   July 21st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

The suspense is KILLING ME!
LOL…

Mike   July 21st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Why are there so many Kool-Aid drinking obama supporters on here?

No one cares about obama in iraq. He made his policy decision about it 4 years ago. It doesn't matter what happens over there, he will still say we should retreat in "16 months". Ridiculous.

Will H.   July 21st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Diversionary politics 101.

baracomama   July 21st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Have anyone else seen the hysterical new attack ad McCain has launched against Obama.. It is Obama fault Gas prices are so high?? ROTFLMAO This Guy needs to find a new staff, If this is how he is going to run the country, God help us all

Susan in Cincinnati   July 21st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Us PUMAs are waiting…. with rapt attention. Give us someone that we can back, and our purses will open. The money we had been saving for Hillary's run will flow like water.

And, the votes too, of course!

Roger from CA   July 21st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

If McCain feels he needs to play prematurely the single biggest card he has in his hand just to counter-program an overseas trip by Obama, then McCain must be pretty desperate, and it is a VERY bad sign for him.

Linda31   July 21st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

And if they don't make an announcement, they will look very pitiful.

Doris,Memphis,TN   July 21st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Vig, Colin Powell will not even endorse McCain, what makes you
think he will be on his ticket. McCain should retire and give the
nomination to Romney. Obama will still win. Sorry.

Teddy California   July 21st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

They can only use it once to get attention. But everything Obama does will get attention because he is a history making candidate. Some experts (quite a few) are arguing that a failed Obama Presidency will bring more benefits than a successful McCain Presidency. In a lot of people's minds, Obama must win for the sake of the country no matter what.

Dennise   July 21st, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Smells like he's nervous or desperate? Or maybe both! …LOL..It doesn't matter what they do, they have no mission, they can't compete with Obama and that's the bottom line. McCain = George Bush!

Herman in LA   July 21st, 2008 9:37 pm ET

Vig, get a grip Colin Powell is voting for Obama…

Nelson   July 21st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

This won't work, McCain is lame and he's got nothing. Pick Romney or Joe Scarborough, for all I care. It's lame.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

He's like the old man in sea, determined to gain favor.

Obama 08

Anna   July 21st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

It actually makes me wonder who Obama will choose!

ABC (Anyone But Clinton)

I can't wait to call you my President, Mr. Obama!

Obama 08

Marc PDX   July 21st, 2008 9:33 pm ET

Question for the Dems here: does it really speak well of Obama that almost all of his supporters here are idiots? I would think that a large base of dimwits would more or less indicate that you're the choice of…well, nitwits. But, to each his own I guess.

from the desk of, DM of Texas   July 21st, 2008 9:33 pm ET

Let us pray for Senator John McCain he is a good man, his memory may not be that good….

Boston For OBAMA   July 21st, 2008 9:32 pm ET

Sorry McSame…….You can announce if it makes you feel important, but it won't take the wind out of the OBAMA sail..

AND your op ed the NY TIMES won't publish as is needs to be corrected. Check the translation re: TROUP WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ.

OBAMA 08

Steve   July 21st, 2008 9:32 pm ET

McCain should put politics aside and pick the most qualified VP: Condoleeza Rice.

By the way, I'm an undecided independent voter

Brian   July 21st, 2008 9:32 pm ET

Desperate… well, goooooood that they are desperate.

OBAMA 2008

Maybe with Hillary/Biden/Bayh

Mike, Syracuse, NY   July 21st, 2008 9:32 pm ET

Good strategy. This may blunt the incredible pro-Obama news bias.

Phil G.   July 21st, 2008 9:31 pm ET

I think I'm goin with Obama all the way on this!! McCain has made too many foreign policy gaffes to continue calling himself an expert. We are all allowed to make mistakes and i grant him that but he cannot continue to call himself an expert and continue day in and day out to make mistakes, some which he makes on more than one occasion.And I'm sorry experience isnt the only thing that matters. The more and more I see Obama the more i feel that I'm ready to take a chance on him. After all rookies are not bad just looking in the world of sports would we really say that Lebron James was worse than Tracy McGrady or even Jason Kidd, and their pretty good players. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't most entrepreneurs kind've the same. We see how bad some of them turned out right like Bill Gates, the Google founders, Facebook Founders, Myspace founders, etc. yea they all turned out to be losers….NOT! This is not an endorsement for Sen. Obama but i think McCain should argue the facts rather than the experience. But hey as long as he doesnt take advice from Bush he just might be a hair better than him.

NotFallingInLine.org   July 21st, 2008 9:31 pm ET

Hey Obama fans,

Keep up the nonsensical fallacy that McCain is Bush. It might make you feel great to say it over and over again, but the American people are too smart to fall for it.

Obama is fighting a political on two fronts, because many, many stalwart Democrats know that he sleazed off with a nomination that he did not earn and does not deserve.

We’re working hard to ensure his electoral humiliation. Then we’re going to take our party back.

Believe it.

Knoxville NFIL

Matt   July 21st, 2008 9:31 pm ET

I love this Obama will announce 3 days after McCain….Guaranteed. And Will screw up his VP by doing so. It'll be Jindahl or Christ, and then the Dems will try to attack him for picking someone who's as inexperienced as Obama…except they actually have a record and stances on issues. J

Chris from Texas   July 21st, 2008 9:31 pm ET

'Listening to the crickets in the background'……McLame is desperate and who cares. He will go down in history as what this country was, while Obama will overcome and be the face of where this country is going. Progress!

Brian, Pittsburgh   July 21st, 2008 9:31 pm ET

A few weeks ago, I read that John McCain might announce his VP right after the Democratic Convention, in an attempt to 'steal the thunder' from the 75,000 people event. If McCain announces now out of desperation, what would he do then?

It's more likely that the McCain campaign leaked this story to distract the media from the Obama trip. And here we are… falling for it.

Jack   July 21st, 2008 9:30 pm ET

It will be Romney unless he's a complete fool. Remember, it's the economy stupid! Romney gets the economy. I am in business and whenever I hear these two clowns yap i think of how little they know what they are talking about.

Peter from Victoria BC   July 21st, 2008 9:30 pm ET

Hey Vig….

I see your posts here all the time. You are one twisted person. Completely full of hate and loathing. Seeing the number of posts you submit, it seems to me that those that know you won't listen to your crap and they leave you no choice but to state your ridiculous sludge here. Unfortunately for us on CNN.Com we can't stop you from posting. You should move out of your parent's basement, get a job and get on with your life.

Chuck   July 21st, 2008 9:29 pm ET

Yes McCain name your running mate, your just trying to steal the show that you insisted be played out and that is Obama taking a trip to Iraq and Afganistan. McCain got what he wanted so why is he crying so much.

VG   July 21st, 2008 9:28 pm ET

Ha ha ha… this is call divert the good coverage Obamas is having so far…

Andrew   July 21st, 2008 9:28 pm ET

I am tired of Obama's lying and flip flopping on issues like the war. Now he is visiting Afghanistan? Get real he is trying to get wahatever he can by lying.

Ted:Canada   July 21st, 2008 9:28 pm ET

McCain pretends that he is free to name is own VP. Give me a break!!
The Republicans will install the same old guard.

The Republicans and McCain are running away from the last eight years pretending it did no happen.

Pelosi was right!!! Bush and the Republicans are a "total failure".

If it wasn't government and they were in the pubic sector they would have all been fired!!

1. They have failed to capture the terrorists that attacked that USA
2. They fought the wrong enemy and are still fighting for no reason at all.
3. They have cost the American people billions of dollars for nothing.
4. They let their economy turn into a third world country.
5. Most importantly young American lost their life for NOTHING!

Sue the Republican Party for every cent they have.
They have been TOTAL FAIURES!

B.Hawkins   July 21st, 2008 9:28 pm ET

it's obvious McCain needs to get his campaign going. He needs help because he is being overwhelmed by the Obama tide and he needs a younger man to speak for him.

Obama 08: white, 60 year old woman   July 21st, 2008 9:27 pm ET

This is the way McCain hopes to get attention. Sounds like a very confused, desparate campaign to me. Very sad actually.

Fed up with the lies   July 21st, 2008 9:27 pm ET

As long as it isn't the hair do. Romney will do anything to get an office in the White House…including sucking up to a man he disparaged repeatedly during the primary.

PUMA Hillary supporter   July 21st, 2008 9:26 pm ET

i hope McCain picks the female Governor from Alaska… and if he does, that will bring more of Hillarys women over to camp McCain… yes we clinton supporters can hand the election over to mccain… obama is a dlip flopper.

Susan from Scotts Valley, CA   July 21st, 2008 9:25 pm ET

He has to do something to capture some attention. Whether it's real or not, they're getting just want they wanted.

Juan Carlos(Vegas)   July 21st, 2008 9:24 pm ET

McCain And Colin Powell, and let the race begins

Erick,ALabama   July 21st, 2008 9:24 pm ET

Go Obama!!!! Mccain = the same
Why do you want that?
Obama/Better than Bush 08′
Anybody is better than this administration.

Desdemondo   July 21st, 2008 9:24 pm ET

Chosing a VP is an exercise in futility. The writing is on the wall. Obama sets the agenda and Mc. Same-Bush responds with lies and more lies – talk about a flip-flopper.

Maybe he should chose another old prune like himself: the old Democrat/Independent turncoat, Liebermann.

Obama to the rescue 08/12   July 21st, 2008 9:24 pm ET

What a bunch of jealous in desperation low lifes /he has absolutely nothing going for him he is a pickled pickle so all he has left is to lie,brag about something he never done ,flip flop, sing BombBomb Iran and grin , tell what he thinks is a funny joke but instead insulting then laugh most likely take a nap,return to Arizona and Bar-be -que or have ANOTHER TOWN HALL. and talk about his failed policy .
Obama 08/12 McShame is toast no matter who he chooses.

bern   July 21st, 2008 9:24 pm ET

Misdirection. The McSame camp is just trying, feebly, to get some air time. They tried running a stupid commercial blaming Obama for the gas prices but got zero traction. Now they figure if they talk about McDumb picking his VP they will get some coverage. I suspect that approach will come off about like the commercial.

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   July 21st, 2008 9:24 pm ET

I don't know if he should pick Jindal. (Pssst. He might be Hindu.)

(sarcasm)

William Y   July 21st, 2008 9:23 pm ET

Let me get this right. McCain has no better plan than to announce a VP in order to still Obama's thunder???? Pitiful. Just plain pitiful.

Steven   July 21st, 2008 9:23 pm ET

McCain's rejected New York Times op-ed pieceNext Article in Politics.

I Don't Blame The NY Times For Rejecting This.
Was This Written By A 5th Grader? Very Weak and Not Very Presidential.
McCain or Someone In His Staff, Need To Take A 101 College Writing Course.

Kyko   July 21st, 2008 9:22 pm ET

Mr. McCain,

Here is what an ancient pearl of wisdom just for you:

The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs;
Even if she lays eggs,
She never hatches;
And if she hatches,
She never rears the chicks;
And when she rears,
The hawk takes the chicks.

Stop daydreaming; your star faded long ago.

Donna from Colorado Springs   July 21st, 2008 9:22 pm ET

McCain is clearly trying to move attention away from Obama. With all of the problems he and the Bush regime are dealing with in Iraq, and everything pointing up the stupidity of McSames and Bushs idiology, of course they would do or say anything to re-direct the countrys attention from Obama to them. Frankly, considering how dumb and out of touch they really are and how they look,I'm sure they wish they could find a huge deep hole to crawl into. Bush ignors questions he doesn't want to hear or answer, and McCain says stupid things like blaming Obama for the high gas prices. Someone needs to muzzle them. They are truly pathetic.

Jen, Philadelphia   July 21st, 2008 9:21 pm ET

That's what I like about Obama supporters. When you have nothing constructive to say, let's call John McCain names and make fun of his age. Let's have a real debate about what the issues are and what your candidate's positions are that make him so perfect. Just try to remember what his positions are these days, they have been changing lately.

ali   July 21st, 2008 9:20 pm ET

vig-powell would never serve under a republican administration again ,after he was thrown under the bus by bush and made to look like a fool.powell has shown more interest in obama's campaign than mccains.

Patty   July 21st, 2008 9:20 pm ET

This is so patheric that it makes me feel bad for Senator Mc Cain.

Carol, Lansing MI   July 21st, 2008 9:20 pm ET

What's the McCain, whining because you're no longer the media favorite you were the last time you ran for President?

Leaking out phony reports of a VP pick in a vain attempt to graph a minute of media attention?

Stop your whining, its just a mental moment you're having. Or in your words, "psychological".

Donna   July 21st, 2008 9:19 pm ET

McCain could make the announcement in the nude and no one would care….his news cycle will last all of 5 mins…he will probably wait to hear who Obama selects so he can "counter" with another "better" choice…must be a comfort for the Republican VP potentials to know that he doesn't have enough confidence in them to make a selection based on whats best for his campaign instead of worrying abt what Obama is going to do……

Slash   July 21st, 2008 9:18 pm ET

I really hope McCain picks Jindal. Really, I do. If he picks the guy who's nutty enough to believe in demonic possessions, this election will go from one-sided to blowout.

Chut Pata   July 21st, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Vig: "Go with Colin Powell and McCain's poll numbers will sky rocket, Obama's will fade and Hillary Clinton will be placed in nomination."

Republican party used Colin Powell like a toilet paper and disposed him like one, when they made him a liar in front of the whole world. If he has any self-respect, he will never say yes to the VP ticket. If he has none left, and accept the ticket, who would respect a man who does not respect himself?

ali   July 21st, 2008 9:17 pm ET

i hope its romney ,so the obama haters,will stop with the cult following smears.

E   July 21st, 2008 9:17 pm ET

It's about time!!!!!!!!!!

McCain/Crist 08

Ryan Sullivan   July 21st, 2008 9:17 pm ET

McCain is trying so desperately to change the news cycle. Obama is overseas and looking very presidential. McCain will continue to play defense until November, when he gets absolutely walloped in the general election.

Deborah   July 21st, 2008 9:16 pm ET

He seems willing to try any stategy short of making persuasive presentations of his ideas. If conservatives and republicans aren't ashamed by now of the intellectual midgets they keep trying to pararde to the White-house…well I guess they don't know any better.

Brian, Pittsburgh   July 21st, 2008 9:16 pm ET

McCain / Bush 08? Or is that too redundant?

Jim   July 21st, 2008 9:15 pm ET

I support McCain, but all I know he better not pick Bobby Jindal. That guy is a certified looney. Plus, McCain will lose many of the white Southerners vote, because he's picking a minority as a VP. Furthermore, Bobby Jindal is even less experienced than Obama. McCain better pick either Lieberman or Romney. I prefer Romney, because he knows how economics and business. I don't care if he's a Mormon.

Mike Hunt   July 21st, 2008 9:14 pm ET

What is this "counter-programing" nonsense. This isn't a game.

If John McCain has made his selection, he should be a man and name the person. These types of political games are what we want to change.

Besides, from all the gaffes and the way that the Obama campaign is out manuevering him this week, he could use all the help he could get as quickly as possible.

Chris   July 21st, 2008 9:12 pm ET

McCain/Lieberman? Please? (i.e. perfect way for McCain to lose :P ).

Whatever, he's going to pick Romney and lose anyways.

Adam Snitzer   July 21st, 2008 9:07 pm ET

What about Condi Rice?

Joe the Troll   July 21st, 2008 9:07 pm ET

Colin Powell is too smart to be McCain's VP.

Bradley In Colorado   July 21st, 2008 9:07 pm ET

Even if McCain DOES pick a VP this week, not only will he still be eons behind Obama's progress (since clinching the nomination), but it won't make the slightest impact on the cold, hard truth: that Obama will WIN by a landslide come November.

Bradley S.
Anti-PUMA

ex republican   July 21st, 2008 9:07 pm ET

"In fact, even some of McCain’s own advisers admit that just leaking the possibility of a VP selection could take some of the attention away from Obama — which could, in fact, be what the campaign is trying to do. "

why would McCane advisors want to take attention away from Obama's trip? THEY suggested he take it!!! lol lol lol

Outersider   July 21st, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Our country needs new blood, new direction. McCain won't be anything close to that need.

ANGIE   July 21st, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Mcsame the poor little whiney baby not getting any attention so now hes gonna announce his vp well you no what mcbush NO one cares everyone is focused on obamas trip that you pressed him to do mccain they say watch what you wish for haha another backfire in your face mcain when are you gonna learn the more you bash obama the more it backfires oh yes i love it!!!

Christie of PhIlly   July 21st, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Go back to sleep "Gramps!" No one cares who you name; it will either be Jindal, or Romney. Someone from McCain's camp will need to wake him up from his "senior nap" right before his VP announcement is made. Then, he and his camp can go back to sleep! Or not……Because just maybe someone in McCain's camp can tell him where the Iraq/Pakistan border is, so he can head for it and get out of our lives!!! Good luck with that "pops", since there is no Iraq/Pakistan border.

Right now, our focus is on our next President of the United States of America, Barak Obama while he is in the middle east and Europe!

Rachael, NY   July 21st, 2008 9:04 pm ET

I was wondering how the Clintons were getting along with Bill Richardson now that they're in the same camp.

Can we expect them to travel together on the campaign trail? Would love to watch the body language.

Another old white woman for Obama   July 21st, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Colin Powell would never agree to be VP. He is too smart.
He has seen the corruption up close and personal. If it's Lieberman forget learning Spanish and study Hebrew.
If McCain is elected (G-D forbid) we will have to learn Chinese. We owe them so much money already that it will take generations to repay. Trillions.
For what? Osama Bin Laden is laughing his butt off in some cave.
Your tax dollars at work. We will no longer own our country.
You gave it away when you voted for George. Twice. Proud?
You should be begging forgiveness from the people you threw under the bus with your votes. That is most of us. We are drowning in debt, and blood.

Cynthia   July 21st, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Trying to steal the spotlight from Senator Obama. This won't even work, but will be interesting to see who he picks. Can you say Mitt?

Heath, Bronx, NY   July 21st, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Non event!

dems be dopes   July 21st, 2008 9:02 pm ET

And Obama's policy is?

Whoops, there are none, just a junior boot senator with 145 days on the job.

Tasha from Houston, TX   July 21st, 2008 9:02 pm ET

Please go ahead and let us know, if he tells the American people, this will give the media an opportunity to cover the McCain campaign and hopefully build some excitement within the Republican party.

NG in DC   July 21st, 2008 9:01 pm ET

McCain – Powell

Obama – Clinton

the plot thickens.

Desert Shield vets   July 21st, 2008 9:00 pm ET

so experience , no confindence. he should have had his Vp on board. that shows a man with no direction.

MCLAME. SO NOT PRESIDENTIAL !

faithsem   July 21st, 2008 9:00 pm ET

My guess is his VP will be Mitt…it's his ONLY chance he's got to even make a showing come November……right now McSame is trying to steal some thunder from Obama…

Obama!!!!

John Air Force Vet   July 21st, 2008 9:00 pm ET

But Vig- Colin Powell won't want to be McSames VP- The Repulicans lied to him! That's why he retired.

Phil, FL   July 21st, 2008 9:00 pm ET

……..in McCain’s mind to the point where he could, if he were so inclined, spring a decision this week.

There's the problem. He doesn't know where his mind is – it's here, it's there, it's everywhere — oops – it's gone.

Nice try BUSH III, you "ain't gonna win".

Obama '08

Dan, Idaho Falls, Idaho   July 21st, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Dan Quayle (potato? potatoe?)

Jean   July 21st, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Dear Campbell,

I am a 61-year old African-American woman who is an avid viewer of CNN so I miss very little that you all report.

I would just like to know how John McCain's and Joe Lieberman's visit to the Middle East differs from Senator Barack Obama's and the other members that are accompanying him. Do you know if both trips were paid by the taxpayers. What should it matter. Isn't the entire Iraq War being paid by the American taxpayers? I am employed, so I am a taxpayer. Since so much emphasis is being put on Senator Obama's lack of military experience, can you please provide me with the military experience of George Bush or Former President Clinton, for that matter. I have always believed CNN to be unbiased in its reporting, but this presidential election is certainly showing another side. I truly hope it is just what you have to report and not your personal feelings being injected. I hope you do read this.

David   July 21st, 2008 8:58 pm ET

Pick Leiberman…. then he and McCain can star in the movie sequel, "The Bucket List" !!!

Yellow Dog Democrat   July 21st, 2008 8:57 pm ET

I think that McCain's only chance would be to nominate the only republican that seconded him in the beginning, Mit Romney. Of course, I can see a ridiculous choice like Mike Huckabee, which is actually worse than Romney.

I'm still a Gore Supporter all the way! Hilary was my second choice, with Obama dragging third. I think we would be better off with Hilary as the front runner and Obama in the VP slot, but if he has to be the front runner, I would like to see him find someone to run with him with enough experience to cancel his inexperience. I could see him going with Ted Kennedy, but I would rather see Bill Richardson.

rich   July 21st, 2008 8:56 pm ET

Who cares??? His VP pick will be of no consequence come November. It's all about McSame.

Jay   July 21st, 2008 8:55 pm ET

Wow!!!! Mac is not taking this Obama trip very well.
I guess the grumpy guy needs to try to stay in the news somehow or at least try. The lousy "gas price" attack ad directed at Obama is not going to cut it.

Hate to break it to you   July 21st, 2008 8:54 pm ET

Don't care who that idiot chooses!

Perla   July 21st, 2008 8:54 pm ET

Sen. McGaffe would probably feel more confident with a veep campaigning by his side, within reach of the mic.

linda from South Dakota   July 21st, 2008 8:53 pm ET

oh come on now ,, mccain,, you are just tryin to steer the focus on you instead of obama goin overseas,,, what a baby,,, first you challenge him to go, then you blame him,, nothung seems to please you,, lol,,,need some prozac???? in readin a article on mccain blaming obama for the high fuel prices,, << this is totally crazy,, again mccain is tryin to steer the focus from obama to himself,,, seems nothing will ever make him happy,, but thats ok, he cant remeber anyways,,,,lol,, go obama,,, 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

M.S. Indiana   July 21st, 2008 8:52 pm ET

You better write it down McCain or you may flip flop or forget…
News is, will any one be willing to end their career to be on a VP spot ??

white people for obama   July 21st, 2008 8:52 pm ET

McBush wants to divert our attention to him because Obama is really well liked abroad.

Hawkeye   July 21st, 2008 8:52 pm ET

A much younger man I hope, but then who really cares. What a total joke the last 8 years have been. Enough is enough. Democrats by a landslide in November.

David E   July 21st, 2008 8:52 pm ET

Perfect timing to distract from Obama's trip. Lord knows McCain isn't exciting enough to generate news on his own.

Lee, Egg Harbor NJ   July 21st, 2008 8:52 pm ET

I feel sorry for John McCain. He sold his soul to Bush and company as well as the fundamentalist agents of intolerence just to gain the republican nomination.

The McCain that ran in 2000 could not vote for the sad 2008 version.

He will likely choose Mitt Romney, an unprincipled man he detests to the core, because Romney can bring a lot of cash to the effort.

McCain wants this so badly that he would sell his own wife out (sort of like he did with his first wife, the one that stood by him when he was in Nam and traded her in for a 24 year old with tons of inherited beer money. With that money, he launched his political career.)

rayster   July 21st, 2008 8:51 pm ET

You goated him into going thinking he would fall on his face and now you have to stop the water from flowing. Your VP anouncement will only get you charges of sour grapes and trying to steal thunder cuz he is doing too well on the trip.
John stick to campaining clean and one on one and dump those who are changing you and you may have a chance to catch up

JorgeM   July 21st, 2008 8:51 pm ET

He should pick Liebermann. Both warmongers. Peas in a pod.

DOH!   July 21st, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Vig—-DREAM ON!!!! Powell is too smart to jump on a sinking ship.

and Clinton is riding off into the sunset about now……..

English Grad   July 21st, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Do you guys read these before you post? "not undisciplined", "obama" with a lower case "o", "the 'leading' plan us still the one…"?? I appreciate prompt reporting, but maybe a casual glance over by some sort of editor before hitting the "post" button is in line. You don't see three mistakes in a New York Times post…at least, not knucklehead ones like these.

fred   July 21st, 2008 8:50 pm ET

I am leaning libertarian this time. I am not happy with McCain's record on Iraq, his free trade policy as opposed to fair trade policy, his lack of opposition to entitlements which would also likely alleviate the immigration problem in this country, and for all his talk about killing "earmarks" he would likely continue to put this country into greater debt. Obama is talking and pandering but he hasn't actually done anything significant in government which is scary. I'm also uncomfortable with the executive and legislative branch being democrat. Turning the U.S. into France isn't the "change" that we need.

FactCheck   July 21st, 2008 8:49 pm ET

Oh just get on with it and name Dick Cheney as your VP. Four more years.

captain   July 21st, 2008 8:49 pm ET

It'll be Romney.

Lee from FL   July 21st, 2008 8:48 pm ET

there will be NO pick this week.
the man is looking for free media attention

Kevin from Texas   July 21st, 2008 8:47 pm ET

Wow, we might actually get to have the first bona fide Exorcist as a VP – Gov. Bobby Jindal. That ought to get his base going.

Jeremy   July 21st, 2008 8:47 pm ET

The announcement is certainly a clever idea by the McCain Campaign to try get some media attention from Obama's Overseas trip. Unless the announcement is about someone who the media have not been speculating about already, i do not see how it will make big news!!

TheTruthHurts   July 21st, 2008 8:46 pm ET

This is more a comment on McCain's problems with conservatives than anything. For the general, he should wait as long as possible. But, if he needs to energize his base to get the troops working for him, this might be a good move.

Tejano   July 21st, 2008 8:46 pm ET

McCain should stop praising Obama and start hammering at his lack of experience and loyalty to the United States. Where is Karl Rove when you need him?

EA   July 21st, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Campbell Brown, no bias no bull my you know what. Everytime you open your mouth it's obvious you have a love affair for McLame

Chuck, Livermore   July 21st, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Who can he possibly pick that can help him? He is supposedly a 'foreign policy guru' who actually has never been up to snuff on foreign affairs issues … he has offered no leadership there in the Senate … and appears to be somewhat 'geographically challenged' … boy was I surprised to hear that Iraq and Pakistan share a border … I mean… I'm all for getting rid of Iran and Afghanistan as troubled spots, but I didn't know McCain had the ability to just move them … to say … Antartica …

Every opponent he faced in the primaries has no foreign policy experience … which might be important if something happened to McCain … they do have some experience on the economy … but Romney's nomination stirs up evangelicals, Huckabee's turns of independents, and Giuliani … he is just annoying and with even more problematic ethics related to former spouses than even McCain! They could probably be compared as to how lousy they were as husbands to their earlier wives and how terribly they cheated on them. Real banner choices for those on the religious right.

Good luck Senator McCain … anybody who isn't controversial isn't well veted … and those who are, most won't want. Fortunately you have a Senate seat to go back to!

Crush Rush   July 21st, 2008 8:45 pm ET

Who ever it is probably has a Visa to work here.

s.positive   July 21st, 2008 8:45 pm ET

grabbing on straws, the game is already over, you'll remain on catch up mode because you refuse to feel the pulse of AMERICA.

drs   July 21st, 2008 8:45 pm ET

desperation act for a campaign too old, too feeble, and with moribund ideas.

EA   July 21st, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Campbell Brown sucks. What a brutal journalist. Can you be more one sided? Go get more botox and leave your biased opinions at home.

Mike   July 21st, 2008 8:44 pm ET

I care. News is news. Like the news that you love obama, making you an idiot. Report on that.

ak   July 21st, 2008 8:44 pm ET

lol trying to get the action off of what is McCain definition of Victory, and if the surge has succeeded why can't we leave

Northern Soul   July 21st, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Since McCain's campaign is sinking he'll need some kind of announcement to keep him relevent in the campaign. Let's hope for his sake, his VP has a working knowledge of geography.

Kumar   July 21st, 2008 8:43 pm ET

So if Obama is not a good leader, then why would McCain want to follow his lead in VP picks at this point.

He missed his chance to steal some thunder during the Obama-Clinton drudge match by picking a veep then.

Come on man, pick already and stop making excuses (that goes to both candidates by the way ;)

Eric   July 21st, 2008 8:43 pm ET

It's Mitt Romney.

This isn't news…

judy, Wisconsin   July 21st, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Whoever it is–won't help him! I think he'd be better off studying a little geography this week after the gaff this morning, considering he's so "experienced".

Crush Rush   July 21st, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Is it Gomer Pyle?Im just dying to know.

EA   July 21st, 2008 8:42 pm ET

Big deal!! I guess he feels he needs to get SOME spotlight right now.

juliiano   July 21st, 2008 8:42 pm ET

GREAT NEWS OBAMA PICKED TO VP'S
1- DON KING
2- FLAVOR FLAV

It's a done deal   July 21st, 2008 8:42 pm ET

Wow, I guess I will have to watch CNN all week to find out. A real nail-bitter.

John in WV   July 21st, 2008 8:42 pm ET

Sen. McCain……You may as well give it up.

Tom   July 21st, 2008 8:42 pm ET

It will be Romney and it will not matter.

This is Obama's year and rightfully so. He's a great candidate and will be a much needed contrast to the "cowboy diplomacy" of the Bush years. Maybe this country will actually regain its standing in the world and get something done domestically instead of just lining the pockets of the oil industry.

Bush has been a pathetic disgrace. Time for a change America.

Anonymous   July 21st, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Yes mr president Mccain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

seth   July 21st, 2008 8:41 pm ET

So "sources confirm that there have been discussions about the possibility of naming a running mate this week."

So someone says that someone's been talking about maybe naming the vp candidate?

That's not too solid there CNN. It's a half-hearted effort to get people talking about McCain again instead of Obama, but it's gonna be a tough sell. After all, the news anchors are all overseas.

"This is Brian Williams, reporting from Baghdad, outside a key meeting between presidential hopeful Barack Obama and Iraqi prime minister Al-Maliki, and umm, well, huh, I guess someone in the McCain camp said that maybe they were talking about perhaps saying that they got their vice president candidate figured out or something. . . yeah, umm, so back to the real news."

Wild Guess   July 21st, 2008 8:40 pm ET

It should be Ron Paul. He has the mos supporters. He also has a honest reputation.

loyd   July 21st, 2008 8:40 pm ET

I dont see how this helps Mcain. Stealing the press from Obama at home wont change anything-remember all the respected news anchors of the world are focused on Obama trip, and I dont see them that much interested in who is Mc VP unless he pics a woman, a black or a democrat. As long as it remains a white male, its no news

Roberto   July 21st, 2008 8:40 pm ET

I'm betting it will be Romney. That will alledgely give McCain some economic street cred.

Then we can attack McCain-Romney for their campaign BS towards Detroit. "We can get all those automotive jobs back by getting rid of all those regulations". Yea, bring back exploding Pintos and lets get rid of seat belts and have every vehicle from Detroit get 9 mpg. That's the way to move the country forward.

Drew from Green Bay, WI   July 21st, 2008 8:39 pm ET

You think it's news that McCain shoots himself in the foot? That's not news! I guess I still love to hear about it. I don't think Obama's trip is big enough to announce a VP candidate in response. They should save the card for a more important time.

Obama/Hagel '08!

Neal   July 21st, 2008 8:39 pm ET

Pure politics.
Sucking air out of Obama's control of the current new cycle.
The Republicans have to cheat to win.

Denise in OKC   July 21st, 2008 8:38 pm ET

Nobody cares….your going down in NOV.

Obama's M0M   July 21st, 2008 8:38 pm ET

My son's a mess.

pat C.   July 21st, 2008 8:38 pm ET

i second that ….WHO CARES!!!!

Non-Conformist   July 21st, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Who cares??????? ……… Boring … not gonna get no media attention .. FAILED

Jerry   July 21st, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Come on!!!! He needs coverage this week they will float anything to get the media to pay attention.His message is being shredded by the hour as the Iraqui's flex there muscles to decide their own fate. I bet he won't announce until after the Olympics and Obama makes his announcement.

DC   July 21st, 2008 8:37 pm ET

yawn

Justin, Ohio   July 21st, 2008 8:35 pm ET

You may not care, but I do care. Instead of blindly voting for someone for change because of change. But it's alright, lets just forget about the past. As the old saying goes "History repeats itself because nobody listens." If you're ready to announce a VP, then go for it McCain :) Not everyone is shallow minded as the liberals.

Andre' of Maryland   July 21st, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Just trying to get a headline……everyone already knows that Romney is the pick. You will still come in second McSame!!!!

Rickymo   July 21st, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Is this suppose to be a suprise? It will be Romney…..what an even more boring ticket and just like Dole/Kemp.

Debby, NJ   July 21st, 2008 8:35 pm ET

There is no one that can help you McShame
BARACK THE VOTE !!!

spudmctater   July 21st, 2008 8:35 pm ET

It will be Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota.

Noans, South Pasadena   July 21st, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Ditto, "Republican who loves Obama.' it's probably another fat cat who thinks Americans losing their homes; can't afford gas, food; their medications; or great health insurance that McSame enjoys, thanks to us, the tax payers, are just whiners. McSame needs to retire and spend more time at one of his 8 homes!!!!!

Refuse War - We can Do Better   July 21st, 2008 8:35 pm ET

I'm also an ex-Republican, now voting for Obama. The Republican party has a bigger problem than trying to find a star candidate/team to run up against Obama, especially after 8 years of Bush. McCain is representing the Republicans as the party of Hate, Fear, a government for the rich, and, of course, War.

The people want something different. The country cannot survive on these types of policies. Indeed, this was the motivation for the American Revolution. If this is truly all the Republicans can offer, it has already become irrelevant to our country.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   July 21st, 2008 8:34 pm ET

I personally feel sorry for the poor guy who is selected for McCain's V.P. McCain is dummer than dirt and republicans should be looking for another presidential nominee.

jay   July 21st, 2008 8:34 pm ET

Please. Not impressed.

Black Republican - New York, New York   July 21st, 2008 8:34 pm ET

As a Black Republican, I don't like this if this report is true. Why should McCain appear to be picking his VP based on who Obama picks as his own VP? This is now about personalities for McCain? Whatever happened to substance?

If McCain plays the personality game he is going to lose. Obama has a larger draw than he does so he has to counter with substance. not charisma. Two left or two right wings cannot make a bird fly. There has to be balance so people can see a stark difference; not sameness.

texas DEM   July 21st, 2008 8:34 pm ET

obama/CLINTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mccain/who really cares?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ray from CA   July 21st, 2008 8:34 pm ET

I want him to chose his VP, this week it will give Obama time to think and another advtange.

eric, minnesota   July 21st, 2008 8:33 pm ET

McCain is doing everything he can to try and get some attention, so sad. Also, about the NYT rejecting McCain's op ed. I'm glad they did. If people would actually take the time to read it, they would see that all it does is criticize Obama. The NYT actually asked Sen. McCain to write the op ed, so they obviously wanted to put it in their paper. The problem is that his op ed doesnt even articulate any of his opinions. All it says is he was for the surge, then its just a ten paragraph bashing of Obama's plans. The reason THEY ASKED HIM TO WRITE IT was they thought their readers would want to read about John McCain's policies on Iraq and Afg. The piece fails to do that. So, people should be upset with McCain for not even writing about his own positions, since that was supposed to be the whole point of his op ed. It is true that Obama did crticize McCain and Bush in his op ed, but that was only a few lines in the whole piece, the rest of the op ed, talked about Obama's views and policies on Iraq and Afg. The NYT never said McCain couldnt criticize Obama in his op ed, they just didnt want that to be all he did. Like I said THEY ASKED HIM TO WRITE THE OP ED, so they obviously wanted to print it, they just didnt think his piece said anything about his positions. Which it didnt!

Republican who hates OBAMA   July 21st, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Just the important people care

Stacy   July 21st, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Desperate for TV time I see! Well, go ahead and make the annoucement, already.

LA   July 21st, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Great! I hope this is true.

Let's move on   July 21st, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Yawn! This is all he has.

Dr.Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   July 21st, 2008 8:32 pm ET

THIS IS ALL MEDIA HYPE.

THE REPUBLICANS DON'T WANT MCSHAME ELECTED.

NO ONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WANTS TO ELECT FOR

PRESIDENT, A MAN THAT WORKES ON THE NONEXISTANT

ISSUES OF A NONEXISTENT NATION. THAT IS MCCLUELESS

FOREIGN EXPERTISE FOR YOU. THE OLD BIGOT IS JUST

PLAIN OUT OF HIS WARMONGERING MIND.

Anonymous   July 21st, 2008 8:31 pm ET

Who cares…

TEXAN   July 21st, 2008 8:31 pm ET

Jealous…Jealous..Jealous ! GOP is so jealous of Obama. Go ahead McCain name your VP. We all want to know. But…that will still not take the attention away from Obama.

Bill   July 21st, 2008 8:31 pm ET

To bring a little youth and excitement into McCain's campaign, perhaps he should consider Methuselah. McCain could use some fresh ideas.

California Voter   July 21st, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Democrats for McCain . . .

Kelly   July 21st, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Who cares about Obama I am so sick of that chicago hack politician.

Voter   July 21st, 2008 8:30 pm ET

"opportunity to counter-program"

So with all his "experience" and "better" judgement, he still must follow someone elses lead? (and a new guy at that!) not much faith in himself or by his campaign if I had to guess

McSame…

Democrat '08

Megan D.   July 21st, 2008 8:29 pm ET

Oh jeez. Looks like ol' gray geezer is gonna get a VP! Wonderful for him. Unfortunately, he is still going to lose. I wonder if he will lose the rest of his marbles before he loses the Presidential bid in November. Maybe in his free time he can study a globe.

SDunn   July 21st, 2008 8:29 pm ET

Doesn't matter. Whoever he picks is still going to be on the losing team.

No Republican loves Obama   July 21st, 2008 8:29 pm ET

Yo Mama Cares.

Independent from CT   July 21st, 2008 8:28 pm ET

If he names his VP choice this soon, it will lose its allure to the summer doldrums of this stretch of the campaign. Even if it is to draw attention away from Obama's "Rock Star" tour of the world, the effect has already happened and people are noticing that Obama would be more favorably viewed by other nations.

Trying to distract voters away from headlining issues with trivial news that we'll find out sooner or later is just the same old politics that is crippling our ability to progress as a nation.

Mrs.L   July 21st, 2008 8:28 pm ET

DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rachel   July 21st, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Wonder who it will be.

Diamond   July 21st, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Mccain is playing "chicken" with Obama about who will announce the v.p. first.

Doug from Cali   July 21st, 2008 8:27 pm ET

who cares, not going to matter. Watching McCain on CNN. I can't believe people think CNN favors Obama. They are very biased in favor of McCain. 1st time seeing or hearing Lars Larson, what a buffoon. Would love to see him and Ed Schulz go head to head. From what I hear Lars is afraid. What a joke these GOP "analysts are.

rhoward   July 21st, 2008 8:26 pm ET

You can't imagine how little I care.

Ben (Eugene, OR)   July 21st, 2008 8:26 pm ET

It should be:

McCain/Leiberman

Obama/Richardson

TheTruthHurts   July 21st, 2008 8:24 pm ET

Because of the HRC factor, Obama will wait for the last possible second to announce. McCain won't have the same luxury. Given McCain's missteps, it might be good to get attention off Obama and McCain gaffes.

Obama essentially has two choices: HRC and the person he really wants. If the race is too close, he'll punk out and choose HRC. If he's ahead in battleground states, he'll pick who he wants. If he can get his foreign policy numbers up, he'll pick who he wants.

He wants Sebellious, but she's clearly a dangerous choice given HRC and the "war is everything" crowd.

Paula   July 21st, 2008 8:24 pm ET

Nobody cares.Mcain is boring and nuts in my book.

kenneth bernstein   July 21st, 2008 8:23 pm ET

John…give it up toots

no one gives a poop poop de doop

John, you look like a walking corpse…and when you and bush senior posed in that photo op you guys looked like two walking corpse

Obama 08!!!!!!!

A Latte Lover, Seattle, WA   July 21st, 2008 8:23 pm ET

I would definitely be interested in knowing who he picks, but I don't think it would take anything away from Senator Obama. I think it is going to be Romney. I'm more interested in knowing, as is everyone else who Senator Obama will pick. No matter what McCain does, Obama will always trump him. He is just more interesting.

Kyle Indianapolis, Indiana   July 21st, 2008 8:22 pm ET

McSame is Lame

No matter who he chooses, people will see through his lies, flip flopping, and failed policy

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.   July 21st, 2008 8:21 pm ET

I'm a supporter of Senator Obama,
I think this smells like desperation. He feels he can't get traction like he needs to and with the successful trip abroad for Obama, Senator McCain has to do something to stem the tide.

Vig   July 21st, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Go with Colin Powell and McCain's poll numbers will sky rocket, Obama's will fade and Hillary Clinton will be placed in nomination.

PCS / North Carolina   July 21st, 2008 8:20 pm ET

It will be Joe, who is affiliated to another country.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   July 21st, 2008 8:18 pm ET

McCain/Bobby Jindal

Lani in Los Angeles   July 21st, 2008 8:18 pm ET

They need to make the announcement to steal Obama's thunder.

Rise America Rise   July 21st, 2008 8:18 pm ET

John McCain just announced he will be going on a world tour and plans to visit Persia, Abyssinia, Ceylon, Mesopotamia, Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, Siam, and Burma. He hopes to meet with Nebuchadnezzar, however, strangely, there has had no response on his official request yet.

Republican who loves OBAMA   July 21st, 2008 8:16 pm ET

Who cares????? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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