How does the vice president matter in a McCain administration? McCain gives him a portfolio. For instance: McCain delivered that judge speech last week. It was a good speech save for a line or so that reminded conservatives who hadn’t yet forgotten that they don’t trust his instincts. So, he hands that judge blueprint over to a competent conservative and that helps. He does this with other domestic issues. Like the economy. Like life and family issues (which are going to overlap with economic issues — and occasionally foreign-policy issues). I think the vice president could serve McCain and conservatives if McCain would be bold. Hey — it’s a maverick move!

John McCain is, indeed, set in his ways — I have no Pollyannish dreams of waking up tomorrow to a different candidate. But he also is a guy who has been around the block a few times and has already said he doesn’t have an interest in or knowledge of certain issues. So, maybe it’s not insane to think he thinks he can hand ‘em over to someone who does — and who shores up his base a little.