| August 19, 2008 One week until conventions kick off -- still no picks for VP
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(NECN: Greg Wayland, Boston, Mass.) - While presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama are on the campaign trail, the buzz among analysts is focused largely on one thing these days -- the number two spot on both tickets. So, what is the latest update on the vice presidential waiting game? Who's who when it comes to the possibilities?
The year was 1988 and the political world was waiting for the presumptive Democratic nominee for president to make his choice for running mate. Today, Michael Dukakis says there should be one overall measuring stick for that number two spot.
"Can that person be a first-rate president if something happens to the president. All this other stuff is not irrelevant, but much less relevant," says Dukakis.
20 Augusts later and the political world is waiting for Barack Obama's and John McCain's decisions.
Even for experienced political hands, the vice presidential sweepstakes could rank with reading tea leaves.
Democratic consultant Michael Goldman says it comes down to the name at the top of the ticket.
However, Dukakis says the choice is critical for reasons that have nothing to do with geography. "This is the first time people say, ok, if we elect this guy, what kind of people is he going to surround himself with," says Dukakis.
Make a list, check it twice and avoid surprises is the advice from Dukakis. "If you do it right, it will lead you to the right choice and we'll see what happens
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