Mark Halperin’s Three Things

Mark Halperin's three things to watch for in presidential politics for Wednesday, July 30:

1)   Keep an eye on Barack Obama in Missouri Wednesday, trying to put a red state into the blue column. The Senator will hold two economic security town hall meetings— the first in Springfield and the second in Rolla. He’ll hold a barbecue at Union City Park later this afternoon, and Sen. Claire McCaskill will tag along with Obama at all three events. Watch to see how Obama does in the Show-Me State.

2)   John McCain and his campaign’s recent drive of negative messages against Barack Obama are drawing some critical attention today in the New York Times. The paper reports that some in the GOP are worried that by going negative so early and initiating so many of the attacks himself, McCain risks coming across as angry. Republicans are concerned that McCain’s tone could turn off some independents who have been attracted by his calls for respectful campaigning. Watch to see if the McCain campaign re-calibrates, or reacts at all to this criticism, or whether the camp continues full steam ahead.

3)   Pay attention to the veepstakes. There’s been lots of speculation and lots of below-the-radar activity on both sides. Tuesday night, Virginia Governor Kaine again hinted at his veepstakes potential to a local resident while visiting the carnival grounds in Chincoteague Island, and there is continuing speculation that McCain’s veep pick might not be someone the media expects to see. Continue to watch to see if there are any developments on who might be picked and when.