FIRST READ: ON THE RECORD, IRAQ EDITION:
Back in the US, Chuck Hagel had tough words for McCain, though he didn't mention him by name. "Quit talking about, 'Did the surge work or not work,' or, 'Did you vote for this or support this,'" he said. "Get out of that. We're done with that. How are we going to project forward?" On the surge, he said of course there would be a result when you "flood the zone."
In an interview with the AP, Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) called the talks with diplomats and military commanders candid and substantive.
ON THE RECORD:
Tom Ridge on MSNBC's Hardball: "It's very flattering, because of my longtime relationship with my friend John McCain... I don't know if I'm being vetted. Certainly, I have not had a conversation with my friend about it. So we'll just see what transpires over the next couple weeks." He said he hasn't talked to McCain about the process at all.
At home in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) dodged many VP questions. "I have just stopped engaging in the speculation because I think it is just largely speculation and it just fuels more speculation... I have just stopped engaging in the discussion."
THE SHORT LIST:
An aide to Rob Portman confirmed that he would join McCain in Columbus tonight. The McCain camp later confirmed that he'd ride with the senator on the Straight Talk Express.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that a Portman "intimate" said it would be a surprise if there was any running mate announcements.
WHAT THEY'RE UP TO:
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) was scheduled to be part of a press conference on gas prices.
Pawlenty can crow about a decision to keep a Ford plant open in his state for a few more years.
For the third time in as many weeks, anti-death penalty Gov. Tim Kaine (D-VA) declines to intervene in a scheduled execution (release). Kaine speaks in Washington tomorrow on investing in infrastructure. It'll be live on C-SPAN.
Sen. John Thune (R-SD) was spinning for McCain on MSNBC, cut off as Obama took the stage in Berlin.
Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) says he'll put out more documentation on his mortgages. "There ain't much to the story," he said of allegations he got sweetheart deals.
BUZZ METER:
Terry McAuliffe "was adamant" in his suggestion that Tim Kaine would be the best VP choice. (Of course, it was during a speech in Virginia. Don't forget, he suggested Joe Biden a few weeks ago).
Speaking of Biden, Marc Ambinder thinks he has had a very productive speech.
Former VT Gov. and Hillary backer Madeline Kunin backs an Obama-Clinton ticket. "Clinton and Obama have already established a unique bond, having gone through the same trial by fire, revealing much about who they are – not only to the voters, but to each other. In order for the union to work, Clinton will have to be offered a clearly defined portfolio of responsibilities."
Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA) backs colleague Cantor for VP in a letter to the McCain camp.
ELECTORAL MATH:
Obama leads McCain by 3 in the new Fox News poll. But that lead grows to 9 points if it's Obama-Clinton vs. McCain-Romney.
CHATTERING CLASS:
Profiling Portman, the Wall Street Journal says that his association with the Bush White House "may be too much of a liability."
firstread.msnbc.msn.com |
