Daniel, don’t get me wrong: I’m very cognizant of the downsides of a Joe Lieberman pick and not quite certain how John McCain would overcome the policy differences. But I am intrigued by the possibility and not thrilled with the other options. Of those other options, I agree that Tim Pawlenty is the best of the lot. In an election lacking anyone with a smidgen of executive or out-of-Washington experience, he could be a breath of fresh air. And yes, his geography and everyman appeal are pluses. Still, on the one issue which matters most to McCain–national security–Pawlenty doesn’t quite fit the bill.

But events of the last few days may point in a different direction. Given the enormous emphasis placed on wooing Hillary Clinton voters and aggravating the Democrats’ internal divisions, which are real and serious, I wonder if it’s time for a woman VP. (Tip for Democrats: It’s never a good idea to refer to the losing candidate’s supporters as “Japanese soldiers in the South Pacific still fighting after the war is over.”) Again, there is no obviously outstanding choice, but Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina may seem more viable as McCain goes all-out to lure independent, moderate, middle-aged women.

There is no ideal candidate in all of this and I imagine the McCain team is ruminating about all these concerns and more. But the biggest lesson of Obama’s failings this summer should be be their guide: national security matters, voters want gravitas, and older swing voters are where the election will be won or lost. We’ll have to see where that leads the McCain team.