DAY’S END ROUNDUP

Anticipation for Barack Obama’s vice presidential pick has grown to a fever pitch as everyone waits for that text message from the Illinois Democrat’s campaign. Some aren’t surprised that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) was reportedly not being vetted by the Obama camp and liberals wonder if John McCain is going to accuse the Bush administration of advocating defeat after signing off on a troop withdrawal timetable.

The plan to deliver the vice presidential announcement via text message has heightened anticipation for the pick as reporters and bloggers check their cell phones nonstop, The Caucus writes. Marc Ambinder sums up what has been a fast a furious day of rumor and speculation by pointing out even that camps for Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) are contradicting each other.

Clinton has been plenty vetted, The Corner’s Kathryn Jean Lopez writes, adding that entire book shelves can be filled with investigations of the New York senator’s life. In addition to her massive public record, Hot Air’s Ed Morrissey points out that her massive campaign debt ruled her out of what is becoming a more and more competitive money race between Obama and McCain.

And the Bush administration embracing “aspirational timetables” puts McCain in a very uncomfortable spot, Satyam at Think Progress writes. Cernig at Crooks and Liars says the issue plays right into Obama’s hands as all the Illinois Democrat had to do was release a statement declaring “it’s time to succeed in Iraq.”

FROM THE BLOGS:
I Think It’s Me – David Kurtz, TPM
Biden vs. Biden – Patrick Ruffini, The Next Right
Falsh Alarms – The Caucus
Oh God Pick Someone – Wonkette
Obama-Bayh Sticker – Erick Erickson, RedState
McCain Tries to Raise Expectations – The Trail
Rove Goes Nuts on Housing Slip – Daily Kos
New Obama Ad: Hey McCain’s Old! – Hot Air

OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
My Long War – New York Times Magazine
Dems Keep up Pressure on McCain Housing Gaffe – The Hill
Obama Prepares to Name Veep – AP