So the Bush campaign wants to smear Johnny Sunshine, a strong candidate with genuine charisma and popular appeal, as Kerry's "second choice." Based on what? Kerry had talks with McCain about potential interest? Kerry had talks with 25 people about their potential interest and qualifications. One person won out. It wasn't McCain.
Since Tom Eagleton and Sargent Shriver, there has been only one "second choice" of whom I am aware. Bush the Elder.
http://www.freep.com/news/politics/civics19_20040419.htm
[Note: this link is to the Detroit Free Press]
Bonus points for reminding people that Reagan didn't care much for your father and probably didn't even know who you were.
While we're on the Bush subject, I notice that Kerry actually made a choice, rather than allowing the director of his VP search to choose himself. You remember him, George? The guy you don't put in any of your ads for a reason.
Kerry/Edwards: Chosen by the people.
Bush/Chen*y: Chosen by nepotism and privilege.
If you want to open the door to an evaluation of how these running mates were selected, you go right ahead, George. We'll take an Edwards/Cheney comparison any day, on any criterion.