John McCain plans to announce his Vice-Presidential choice on his birthday, August 29. There is a double benefit in releasing the announcement on that day. It follows Obama’s acceptance speech and dilutes the bounce he gets from the Democratic convention. By announcing on his birthday, it also squashes the impact that at 72, he would become the oldest person elected President.

The leading contenders are Mitt Romney, and Minnesota Governor Tom Pawlenty. Also in the running is McCain’s close friend and former Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate Joe Lieberman.