Waiting For Announcement Of Hillary Clinton's Running Mate

Hillary Clinton (L) and Sen. Tim Kaine (R)

As the Republican National Convention closed up shop last night, the country now awaits the announcement of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's running mate.

The news could come as soon as tonight, and most believe Tim Kaine, U.S. Senator from Virginia, will be the pick.

Kaine, while not the flashiest choice, would be a serious "steady-eddie" who checks a lot of boxes in terms of filling the role of vice-president both on the campaign trail and in the White House:

• Helps Clinton with the white male demographic, her weakest demo.

• Kaine speaks Spanish fluently - a serious plus at campaign rallies to reach out to the important Hispanic voter.

• He enjoys a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood and NARAL.

• As opposed to picking Sen. Sherrod Brown from Ohio (a good progressive option), who would be replaced by the Republican governor of that state should Hillary win, the governor of Virginia would most certainly choose a Democratic replacement helping Democrats possibly retake control of the U.S. Senate.

And then there's the fact that he has won state-wide election several times - as governor and U.S. Senator - in the all-important swing state of Virginia.

I've always been one to believe it's the thinking behind the choice of running mate and not the running mate themselves that makes any kind of difference to a campaign.

No one votes for a vice-president, but if folks see logic and good judgement in choosing a running mate, you can tell voters a bit more about who you are and where you stand.

Ann Coulter On Mike Pence Veep Pick: "Pence Is The Combo-Platter Of Disaster"

Ann Coulter has heard the rumors that Indiana Gov. Mike Pence will soon be Donald Trump's pick for running mate, and she's going apoplectic over the idea.

From her Facebook page:

Report: Trump about to make first mistake in VP pick, as predicted by Ann Coulter, July 6, 2016

MY VP PREDICTION: TRUMP'S FIRST MISTAKE

I won't believe it, until I hear it from the Trump's mouth.

Pence is the combo-platter of disaster. He’s all in for corporate America bringing in as many guest workers as they please to replace American workers, tried to sell the monster amnesty as a "compromise bill." (How about this compromise: We start with a wall...)

He also somehow managed to tick off both sides in gay marriage debate. After his state passed a law passed protecting Christians from having to participate in gay marriages, all hell broke loose. Pence thought to himself: 'I have semi heading for me. Should I just stand here? Yes, I think I’ll just stand here!' First, he allowed himself to be portrayed as a right-wing homophobic nut and then -- just days later -- he sold out to the left-wing activists, anyway.

Donald Trump On Running Mate: I Want An Attack Dog

Donald Trump told reporters today, in what may be a hint as to his choice of running mate, that he wants an attack dog to join him on the GOP ticket.

Mr. Trump, in a telephone interview Tuesday, said his top picks include Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and a couple politicians who haven’t gotten as much attention, including Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions.

The New York businessman has said he wanted a seasoned government leader as a running mate. But in the interview, on the way to events with Mr. Pence in Indiana, Mr. Trump added a new criterion: He wants an attack dog.

“I’m getting attacked from all sides,” he said.

That plays to the strengths of Messrs. Christie and Gingrich, feisty and combative politicians that Mr. Trump called “two extraordinary warriors.” Saying that personal chemistry is also important, Mr. Trump said, “You either have it or you don’t. I clearly have it with Chris and Newt.”

Having someone to play the classic "attack dog" role would possibly give Trump the chance to perhaps lay back a bit and appear more "presidential" on the campaign trail.

Or, maybe, that's just creative thinking that Trump would relinquish his role of "attacker in chief" on the campaign trail.

Washington Times: Indiana Gov. Mike Pence 95% Chance Of Being Donald Trump's VP Pick

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence

The right-leaning Washington Times is reporting today that Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has a "95 percent" chance of being tapped to run as Donald Trump's running mate for the White House.

A campaign rally in Indianapolis has been hastily added to the Trumpster's schedule, and several sources close to the Trump campaign are telling the Times they believe Pence is the pick.

You'll recall the backlash Pence suffered when he tried to legalize anti-LGBT discrimination in his state. It was a withering defeat that left Pence embarrassed. And his retreat on the issue bruised his reputation with anti-gay conservatives.

Anti-Trump Republicans Seek Rule Change In Selecting VP Candidate

While anti-Trump Republicans may be stuck with the Donald, they may not have to accept the Trumpster's choice of running mate if they are successful in passing a change in rules at this year's GOP national convention.

From Buzzfeed:

A draft proposal obtained by BuzzFeed News outlines several changes to Rule 40 that would make it easier for delegates to reject whomever Trump picks as his running mate and present their own alternative. BuzzFeed News has learned that it will be presented at the Rules Committee meeting next week in Cleveland ahead of the convention.

Already, delegates are technically not bound to vote for the nominee’s choice for vice president. But in the past, vice presidential picks have largely been automatically ratified by the convention after being chosen by the nominee.

This year is different, as a vocal contingent of anti-Trump delegates to the convention are searching for ways to stop Trump from being nominated — or, failing that, to at least assert control over the party’s vice presidential nominee.

The Hill: Trump's VP Top 10 Contenders

Political news website The Hill shares this video round-up of what the folks there think will be Donald Trump's "Top Ten" Choices for running mate on the Republican presidential ticket.

On the list: Ben Carson, Chris Christie, Marco Rubio, John Kasich, Newt Gingrich, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, and retired USMC Gen. James “Mad Dog” Mattis.

You'll note at least 4-5 of these folks have pointed declared in the past that they have no interest in the veep spot.

We shall see.

News Round-Up: August 29, 2016

Some news stories you may have missed:

• After Republicans bashing First Lady Michelle Obama for years as having "no class," meet possible First Lady Melania Trump.

• Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro says early rumors for him to be Hillary Clinton's running mate "flattering." I say it's a definite possibility.

• The Democratic National Committee unanimously approved a resolution supporting marriage equality, along with over 60% of the country. The Republicans still think they can turn back time.

• Bill Maher to Josh Duggar: "Dude, you're just horny."

• Calgary bus driver refuses to drive rainbow-covered Pride bus because "religion." So, basically, no one wants to do their job these days?

• Newly out rugby player (and hottie) Keegan Hirst celebrates at Manchester Pride.

Keegan Hirst