Veepstakes: The Sunday Tryouts

[nsd]

From The Fix:

Perhaps the best way to think about the vice presidential sweepstakes is as an extended -- and very public -- job interview.

Resumes are examined, references are checked, past performance is measured. But, more important than all of those factors is how the job applicants do under pressure -- can they perform well when the klieg lights are on them?

If the job you are applying for is vice president of the United States, then your best chance to show your stuff is on the closely-watched Sunday talk shows. Succeed in advocating for the nominee and/or pushing back against attacks on him by your rival guest and boost your stock. Bomb out and watch the buzz around you -- and your chances at being the pick -- peter out.

...

And now comes word that Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) -- the vice presidential frontrunners for their respective parties -- will square off this weekend on "Face the Nation."

Make no mistake: every person involved in the vice presidential selection process for McCain and Obama will be watching closely to see how each man does. And while these appearances are not likely to prove conclusive in making up either nominee's mind, they are certain to play a role in the decision making.

Both men have something to prove.

...

[Connie_Corleone]

1. I thought Kaine did better than Richardson this past Sunday.

Richardson had the same problem he had during the debates. He kept repeating the same talking point over and over and over again, even when the question was not relevant to the talking point.

Kaine did well on Face the Nation. All the questions were negative, but Kaine handled them effectively.

[nsd]

2. Yes, Kaine did well.

Unfortunately Richardson rarely does well in these settings.