Since the Presidential nominee was picked by process of elimination, it's only fitting that the Vice Presidential nominee is picked in the same fashion.
This is what we appear to know right now:
Probably Not Being Picked
Romney - said he's not it
Pawlenty - said he's not it
Palin - ABC reports she's still in Alaska
Whitman - reports that she was never vetted
Hutchinson - says she's not it
So, who does this leave? Some interesting possibilities:
Former Congressman Rob Portman - he as appointed to the positions of United States Trade Representative and Director of the Office of Management and Budget by President Bush
Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman
Former Pennsylvania Governor and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge.
Who else?
PS, the first speculation thread is here.
Update
CNBC is now saying that Palin is McCain's pick. (I should note that this leak is apparently from a "Republican strategist" and not someone who is officially with the campaign. Take that as you will.)
Update 2
Chicago Tribune also says it's Palin based on a "Republican source." Could be the same source.
Update 3
Most recent article on JohnMcCain.com, which was posted this morning? John McCain is the Right Choice For Women
Also, is it just my browser, or is Mccain's site messed up?
Update 4
The first big boy jumps on board: CNN says it's Palin.
Update 5
MSNBC does now too
Update 6
I think we can say that the experience issue is off the table. Palin has some awesome experience as Mayor of Wasilla and 2 years as Alaska Governor.
Oh yeah, and she's currently under investigation for abuse of Power.
And she apparently has some serious ties to the oil industry as well. (If anyone has links for that, please post them)
Update 7
Apparently Palin's biggest qualification is being able to hunt moose and eat mooseburgers.
Update 8
Palin: Her being Vice-President is "so out of the realm of possibility."
Update 9
Some obvious notes as a result of this:
- We'll either have an African-American President or a female Vice-President for the first time ever.
- I believe this would be the first time that someone who was either born or represents either Alaska or Hawaii will be in the White House (Palin was born in Idaho).
Update 10
Palin: "I still can’t answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the V.P. does every day?" doh!
Update 11
Not saying that everyone with 5 kids holds this position, but given the fact that she has 5 kids and is a republican...can is Palin's stance on birth control?