McCain wants to "quickly shift the focus of the race" by naming his VP after Democratic convention

[Amerigo Vespucci]

McCain likely to let Obama choose VP first

By JONATHAN MARTIN | 8/4/08 4:33 AM EST



http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12271.html

John McCain's extended circle is divided on whether he should announce his running mate in the immediate days ahead—but the Republican is more likely to wait for Barack Obama to announce his choice first, according to advisers.

While McCain’s aides are tight-lipped about revealing anything related to what has so far been a leak-free process, some of his advisers state a clear preference for not firing the valuable political bullet too soon.

By waiting to make a major announcement in the window after Obama’s much-anticipated acceptance speech August 28 at Invesco Field and before he receives his party’s nomination the following week, for example, McCain would be able to quickly shift the focus of the race following the Democratic convention.

Further, these advisers say, by waiting until the end of the month he could also gauge his pick based both on who Obama selects and what the contours of the race appear to be just two months out from Election Day.

“We’d be stupid to pick before they do,” said one top McCain adviser, speaking about the hush-hush decision on the basis of anonymity. “If they go first, you have more information.”

[Alter Ego]

1. Well, um, technically we kinda do have to pick first

even if it's at the convention. No arguing about this one.