All shows led with intensified veepstakes speculation.
ABC: Led with "rampant speculation" on both parties' running mates. First mentioned Obama's Springfield rally Saturday. Then package said Obama's VP announcement is likely at week's end. Clips of Biden, Bayh and Kaine, and clip of Obama mentioning Biden in his VFW speech. Separate package included McCain on the oil rig and his possible Aug. 29 VP announcement. Also included Limbaugh's tough comments about a pro-choice running mate. Finally, word that "Harry and Louise" will be returning to TV ads on health care.
CBS: Led with package on Obama veep speculation. Reported Obama will announce his pick Saturday in Springfield and that his campaign is keeping a "tight seal" on details of selection. Also said "Michelle Obama has played important role in the process" and recapped Obama appearance at the VFW. Jeff Greenfield analyzed the timing of the picks, saying McCain has "a tactical advantage."
NBC: Led with speculation over the candidates' No. 2's. Noted Obama's tough language in his VFW speech, said Biden is someone Obama could turn to to help him with foreign policy, noting the downfalls are that he'll "undercut his message of change," and has been called "a gaffe machine." Said he'll pick Kaine if he wants "change without experience." Said "safest choice" is Bayh. Said McCain could reveal his veep next Friday or wait til the convention. Suggested he's "seriously considering" Lieberman. Said if Lieberman is on the ticket they would promise to serve for only one term, Pawlenty would be safer choice.
