Speculation over McCain’s and Obama’s potential Vice Presidential picks appears to be reaching critical mass these days. At the center of the chattering class’ favorite parlor game are two guys who seem to have a lot in common in addition to their first name: Tim Pawlenty [1] and Tim Kaine [2].
As Governors of potential battleground states in 2008, Minnesota and Virginia respectively, the Two Tims certainly could change this fall’s Electoral calculus. In addition, both men have attained their executive posts by performing well among this year’s critical swing vote: working-class white guys.
Most importantly, however, both men have been loyal and outspoken supporters of their respective Party’s nominee since early on in the campaign. This indicates a level of trust and confidence that will be crucial to being and effective team both on the campaign trail and, potentially, in the White House.
Personally, I’ve thought Pawlenty made the most sense for McCain for a long time. Primarily, he has none of the baggage with various segments of the GOP that names like Romney and Huckabee do, nor is he closely linked with the Bush administration.
As for Kaine, if he is Obama’s pick, we can be pretty confident that the RNC will be heralding a “No Experience, No Accomplishments” ticket on the Dem side. We can also start the countdown for the nutroots meltdown in 3, 2, 1 . . .