Nothing is predictable in VP search

By JOEL CONNELLY P-I COLUMNIST After helping Democratic nominees pick their 1988 and 1992 running mates, Democratic operative Mark Gearen coined a rule on speculation: Those who know nothing will say anything. Those who know anything will say nothing. The maxim has already proven true in 2008: Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Virginia Sen. James Webb topped The Washington Post's tout sheet of prospective Democratic vice presidential candidates, only to opt out of the running. The names of Sens. Joe Biden, D-Del., and Evan Bayh, D-Ind., have migrated to the top of today's lists. Should either be chosen, Democrats' acceptance speeches at Denver's Invesco Field may see 70,000 party faithful put to sleep by the veep choice before awakening to Barack Obama's oratory. Buzz on the Republican side is whether John McCain has become... [read full story]