Ex-Sen. Sam Nunn (D-GA) said 6/3 that it's "highly improbable" that Barack Obama would pick him as VP. But Nunn "didn't rule out accepting the No. 2 spot." Nunn: "It's not impossible, but it's very unlikely." He said he "would be ambivalent" about returning to gov't more than a decade after he retired from the Senate. Nunn: "I'd have a lot of thinking to do" (McCaffrey, AP, 6/4).
Also on 6/3, Nunn said it's time to review the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military, which he helped push through in '93. Nunn: "I think [when] 15 years go by on any personnel policy, it's appropriate to take another look at it, see how it's working, ask the hard questions, hear from the military. Star with a Pentagon study." But he "wouldn't say whether he supported putting an end to the policy" (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 6/3).
Meanwhile, New York Sun's Conason writes about the "running-mate dilemma." The selection of a VP "is not only an exercise in political handicapping" but a nat'l "rite of statecraft." The "lesson is to be bold but thoughtful -- and above all, to treat the vice presidency as a national trust and not a campaign gimmick" (6/4).
All For One, One For Jindal
National Journal/NBC's Dann reports, John McCain was introduced by the LA's "veep-buzzworthy" governor, Bobby Jindal., today. Jindal, in turn, was introduced by predecessor Buddy Roemer, a Dem-turned-GOPer who led the state from '88 to '92. Roemer's "gushing praise of the young Indian-American governor did more than just touch" on VP "innuendo."
After a cadenced listing of McCain's best qualities, Roemer mentioned the recent VP speculation, saying that "his vice president might be in this room today!" He went on, mentioning Jindal's Baton Rouge roots and, notably, his age. "He might be the only guy in America younger than my son - and I'm not that old - who is a great governor!"
But then Jindal jumped on stage, abruptly cutting off the next line in the litany of Roemer's compliments. "I thought I'd better rush up here before he gets me in any more trouble," he quipped.
McCain was later asked about Jindal's prospects for the VP job by a town-hall participant. "He was typically complimentary and also pointed out Jindal's young age. McCain said that Jindal has "earned a place" in the future" of the GOP.
Moments later, Jindal "came to McCain's aid when a woman asked him about education" in LA. Jindal "described a proposed teachers' bill of rights and outlined some of the state's policies for reform. After waiting for the audience's applause to die down, McCain said, 'Well, I've gotta take him with me wherever I go'" (6/4).
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