 July 22, 2008
Posted: 09:00 AM ET
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
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Not everyone is shallow minded as the liberals.