Losing sleep over choice of 'veep'
FLICK through any compendium of American political humour and the section on the vice-president is often the biggest. The 'veep's' job, it is often said, is one no one campaigns for, turns down or emerges unscathed from.
Current incumbent Al Gore's own predecessor, Dan Quayle, certainly did not - and he has his own favourite line about the post. There are two brothers; one who ran away to sea, the other who became vice-president. Neither was heard from again.
This weekend, Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush is expected to decide on who will accompany him on his quest for the White House ahead of the party convention early next month, while Democratic Party rival Mr Gore is due to name his running mate next month. Although political lore suggests the deputy cannot win you the election, he can lose it.
As he contemplates his future from the seclusion of his Texas ranch, Mr Bush has the phone numbers of an intriguing array of leaders, and a thorny range of issues to consider. Does he choose someone from the centre or right wing of the party to supplement his still vague 'compassionate conservatism'? Hard or soft on abortion? This is an issue prone to splitting his party. Or will he opt for a charismatic contender? Mr Bush would also have to consider contenders from the Midwest and the West Coast.
Dick Cheney, the man who served his father as defence secretary, is discretely testing the vice-presidential waters. Speculation is so feverish that on Friday night, the 59-year-old Mr Cheney was said to be a possible candidate, and the choice of former president George Bush Snr. Also on Friday, Mr Cheney changed his voter registration to make his selection possible, Republican insiders said.
The Texas Governor's most intriguing options include ex-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell and Vietnam War hero John McCain, the maverick senator who electrified the primary campaign against Mr Bush with promises of sweeping reforms, only to be crushed by the Republican establishment.
General Powell would be the first black to become vice-president. If he accepted an offer to join Mr Bush, it could cause serious trouble for the Democrats, who count on substantial black support. He has repeatedly stressed he would only be interested in a cabinet position, such as secretary of state.
Senator McCain has at times ruled himself out, but on other occasions suggested he might accept an offer from Mr Bush.
Strategic frontrunners include the governors of Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, Frank Keating and Tom Ridge respectively. New York counterpart George Pataki is also on the shortlist.
More exotic candidates come from Capitol Hill. There is seasoned Hollywood bit player and Tennessee senator Fred Thompson, Vietnam War veteran Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and congressmen Chris Cox of California - a fierce critic of China - and the popular John Kasich of Ohio.
