McCain's Game

On ABC News last night, they did their best to be balanced in the coverage of Barack's trip. They did this by mentioning that McCain was struggling to find a way to fight the intense coverage Barack is receiving.

Some say that McCain has found the answer - an early announcement of his VP pick.

The scuttlebutt comes from a piece written by syndicated columnist Robert Novak. The small item, which was also posted on Drudge Report, said the campaign was considering breaking the news to mitigate any excitement around Barack Obama’s trip abroad.

The McCain campaign had its tongue planted in its cheek with the response: “We have no announcements today,” said Brooke Buchanan, a close McCain aide.

Is there some possibility that this is true, or is McCain messing with the press?

The schedule certainly keeps the possibility open for later in the week. McCain will hold a town hall meeting in New Hampshire on Tuesday afternoon—a state he won in both the 2000 and the 2008 primaries. He’s also headed to a trio of high-profile swing states.

If it's a ruse, which it surely must be, it's a well orchestrated one.

And then there’s the news of the private meetings with the names of folks topping the shortlist. Reports surfaced that McCain has met with former rival Rudy Giuliani and will meet later this week with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.

The media traveling with McCain has been trying to get an answer, but hasn't had much luck.

To get to the bottom of the buzz, the traveling press corps rushed the plane Monday evening. A group of reporters reached beyond the curtain that divides its seating area from McCain and his campaign.

“Go away!” laughed Mark Salter, a senior aide.

“What do you want you little jerks?” McCain said.

From my point of view, the media coverage of Barack's trip has been rather subdued. It should get worse today, as network anchors start to join The One.