McCain Camp Leaks VP Pick Announcement

Republican strategists are creating some buzz this week with leaks about a potential announcement of Sen. John McCain's running mate on August 29, one day after the wrap-up of the Democratic National Convention. The strategy calls for McCain to name his choice early on Friday morning in an effort to diminish Democratic rival Sen. Barack Obama's post-convention bounce.

The news was first reported by Politico, quoting unnamed Republican sources, in a post on the Web site on Monday. "Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) plans to celebrate his 72nd birthday on Aug. 29 by naming his running mate at a huge rally in the battleground state of Ohio." The report could not be independently verified on McCain's official campaign Web site.

Meanhwile, on the Democratic ticket, speculation about Obama's running mate continues to make rounds across the Internet. The list of potential running mates, according to the Associated Press, is widely believed to be down to four names: Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Many news outlets, citing unnamed Democrats, continue to believe that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is a longshot pick. Given the sudden embrace of Clinton by Obama can only lead others to assume the senator from New York is very much a part of the conversation.

A recent New York Times/CBS News poll of convention delegates found that 28 percent preferred Mrs. Clinton for vice president.

Still, the move to attract Clinton supporters remains a puzzle. More analysis and educated guessing can be found in Friday's post: Democrats Align to Hint at a Obama-Clinton Ticket in November

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