Almanac: At the Capitol

As rumors swirl about McCain announcing his veep pick, Gov. Tim Pawlenty says "I've stopped engaging in all this vice presidential discussion." He made the statement apparently from McCain campaign headquarters on a live appearance on FOX. He repeatedly refused to talk about his place in the veepstakes, but told the interviewer it was "nice to ask." When she pressed if he has been contacted by McCain about being a running mate he again said he's stopped engaging "because there's so much speculation." But when it came to the qualities McCain is looking for, Pawlenty said first and foremost is someone ready to be president. Second, Pawlenty says McCain will be looking for a person who "balances his strengths," adds to issues, messages and someone McCain is comfortable with. It seems to me he's not talking because maybe a decision has been made, but I won't engage in the speculation either :)

There's also an increased collective sense that Pawlenty is not at the top of the list anymore. Even a boxing commentator Crackrockid posted a commentary on YouTube saying "Pawlenty's veepstock has taken a sudden plunge." He cites dropping approval ratings, no idea what he's talking about here, and shows this photo of Pawlenty playfully posing with kids accompanying a comment of "whispers of inproprietry" which can only be an odd reference to the WCCO Radio comment about having sex with his wife. It continues to amaze me how Minnesota which is seen as prude by the rest of the nation seems to have a better sense of humor about our politicians. But the legit national press said last week that the "chattering class" has moved on to a new flavor of the month for VP like Jindal and Romney.