Students of political science know presidential candidates only have 3 opportunities

[morningfog]

Students of political science know presidential candidates only have 3 opportunities to change or influence the news coverage.

1- Announcement of running mate

2- The Convention

3- The Debates (however many there are)

Outside events will dominate the rest of the news narrative. It is really only these events where the candidate has the opportunity to change the story.

It was after Obama's Convention speech, which he changed the story, that McCain was forced to react with his best card, which was announcing his VP. McCain overreacted and chose Palin in desperation to change the story.

Romney only has 20 days until the Republican Convention. He must announce his running mate before then. His problem is that he has been dogged by gaffes and his tax release evasions. Even the running mate announcement won't end the story. He may be forced to making the announcement when he doesn't want to or pick someone he doesn't want to.

[1StrongBlackMan]

1. Good Observation ...

Romney only has 20 days until the Republican Convention. He must announce his running mate before then. His problem is that he has been dogged by gaffes and his tax release evasions. Even the running mate announcement won't end the story. He may be forced to making the announcement when he doesn't want to or pick someone he doesn't want to.

And as one astute DUer mentioned, romney's pick of running mate is likely to fuel the tax release narrative by begging the question(s):

"How many years of financial documentation did you get from {insert running mate name} when you vetted him?" And, "why do you feel the American public deserves less?"

[morningfog]

2. Safe to Crazy, the picks go Portman>Rubio>Ryan.

Obama is forcing his hand.