DENVER - Here at Invesco Field, awaiting the Obama acceptance speech, there's plenty of buzz about John McCain's impending vice-presidential pick. Granted, you do tend to chew over every conceivable topic while shuffling along in a security line for 60 minutes; nevertheless, I am struck by the substantive challenges facing the GOP nominee. Consider:
If he chooses either Joe Lieberman or Tom Ridge (both pro-choice), he triggers a revolt in his own party...and forefeits the talking point about "Democratic disunity."
If he chooses the wealthy, multi-housed Mitt Romney, he forfeits the talking point about how the Democrats are elitists with no connection to the common man. (To quote GOP strategist Ed Rollins, "Twelve houses between them, two rich guys, it's almost like shooting fish in a barrel.")
If he chooses a surprise candidate like political novice Meg Whitman, the ex-CEO of eBay, he forfeits the talking point about Democratic inexperience and lack of readiness.
If he chooses Condoleezza Rice (don't laugh, her name has been floated), he forfeits his own quest to distance himself from the failed lame duck administration.
If he chooses veteran Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, a floatee of conservatives who are worried about Lieberman and Ridge, he undercuts his own bid to project an image of reform and change.
If he chooses Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, he lulls the nation to sleep and provides Joe Biden with a punching bag when the debate topic turns to foreign policy.
Grading on a curve, and looking for the least unacceptable option in that field? Probably Pawlenty.