McCain Conducts First Round of VP Interviews

GOP Presidential nominee John McCain has begun conducting running-mate interviews. Reporters on the campaign trail note that McCain will meet with 3 possible VP nominees over the Memorial Day weekend--Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

McCain staffers insist, however, that the Arizona Senator is not meeting with the three to interview them for the VP slot but that the meetings are 'purely social.'

All three have been mentioned in the Press as possible contenders for McCain's running mate.

Crist and Romney have obvious problems. Crist, for example, has irked some in the conservative GOP base. And conservatives simply do not trust Romney.

But Bobby Jindal could be considered a top choice and part of McCain's 'short list.' Louisiana's first-term Governor is already being touted as the next GOP 'star.' Jindal is never lacking in 'charisma,' and he knows how to rouse and energize the conservative base of the GOP with his unequivocal support for gun rights, immigration control, a strong national defense, low taxes, balanced budgets, and family values.

Thus, we can safely add Bobby Jindal to the McCain short list, along with Joseph Lieberman.

It is to be remembered that McCain's long-time allies and close friends in politics do not need to be 'interviewed.' Thus, the fact that some top contenders for the job of running mate are not being interviewed is no sign that they are not being considered.

Conversely, it is not to be assumed that McCain's final choice will be among those who will be interviewed.