Too Good to Check

By Joe Klein | @JoeKleinTIME | June 23, 2008 | +

I have no way of knowing if this is true, though the source is excellent…but the word in Republican circles is that John McCain is quite frustrated by the vice presidential selection process because he can’t go with any of his top three choices. They are:

1. Former Governor Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania–McCain loves the guy, I’m told, and Ridge might bring Pa. into the Republican fold…but he’s pro-choice. Fuggedaboutit.

2. Former Governor Jeb Bush of Florida–Ahhh, Florida. But, oy, that last name.

3. Senator Mel Martinez of Florida—Ahh, Florida….and brings Latinos, too! But born in Cuba, so ineligible for the office.

As I’ve said in the past, speculation about vice presidential choices is sheer foolishness. This, however, isn’t speculation. It is gossip, to be taken with a grain of salt. But ~~irresistable~~, irresistible nonetheless.

Update: As several commenters point out, this list is defective. Gotta figure that Zell Lieberman is at the tippy-top of McCain’s wish list.

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