The standard backdrop for a campaign press event is a line of American flags. Cliche, even. But for Rudy Giuliani’s press event with Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour yesterday, focusing on improving state and local emergency response, it’s a row of fireman’s jackets.

By the way, according to local press accounts, “Giuliani said it would be presumptuous to discuss a possible vice presidential running mate because he hasn’t won the party’s presidential nomination. But he said Barbour might be a good choice for lots of Republicans because of the governor’s connections.”