Clues and hints and rumors -- oh my!

The quadrennial parlor game of veepstakes has reached its endgame, and with thousands of reporters bottom-feeding for any scrap of news, every move by every possible running mate -- and every scheduling detail -- is getting super scrutiny.

First, there's this: Sen. John McCain told Pittsburgh radio station KDKA today that he would be joined by former governors Tom Ridge and Mitt Romney at a rally Saturday in western Pennsylvania, although he cautioned in the interview not to read too much into his guests.

Then there's this: Sen. Joseph Lieberman, who the Associated Press today said "speculation swirled around" as the possible McCain choice, is an orthodox Jew. As such, he can't work or write or operate machinery -- such as a TV, a car or even a light switch -- from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. What's more, he can't fly.

Now the hint: McCain will make his veep announcement Friday at noon in Dayton, Ohio, then drive to Pittsburgh in his Straight Talk Express bus, arriving before sundown. On Saturday, his schedule calls for "down time" until 6 p.m., when he holds a rally, and a departure flight to St. Louis at 8:15 p.m.

Hold on to your hat, now, here it comes -- sunset is officially 7:57 that night in Pittsburgh.

Yes, Joe is still in the hunt, as AP's Liz Sidoti reports: "Inside GOP circles Thursday, speculation swirled around Lieberman. It was fueled by reports that McCain's advisers had asked for additional detailed information from him, by McCain's close friendship with the 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee, and by word that Republican operatives had been told to prepare for the possibility of an 'unconventional' choice."

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who spent the day in Denver beatingn up Democrats and stumping for McCain, threw reporters off when he said: "I am scheduled to be in Minnesota tomorrow."

Scheduled? But McCain's in Ohio! Oh wait, scheduuuuuuled. Doesn't mean he'll be there, but he's "scheduled." Check.

Last, consider this, from Roll Call: "According to sources with strong Michigan ties, the Secret Service has conducted a security sweep of the home of Romney's sister. Romney was raised in Michigan, where his father served as governor. However, one campaign operative familiar with the working of a presidential-level campaign cautioned that a sweep of such a location could have been conducted in advance of Romney appearing as a surrogate not the vice presidential nominee at an upcoming McCain campaign stop in Michigan."

And this: "Other sources and some news reports have also suggested that Romney in the last few days might be traveling with a security detail, although exactly who employs this security detail could not be confirmed." "Other sources and some news reports."

Oh my.

Joseph Curl, senior White House correspondent, The Washington Times

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