The other finalist: Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was not subjected to a lengthy in-person background interview with the head of Sen. John McCain's vice presidential vetting team until last Wednesday in Arizona, the day before McCain asked her to be his running mate, and she did not disclose the fact that her 17-year-old daughter was pregnant until that meeting, two knowledgeable McCain officials acknowledged Tuesday.
How many other interviews was she subjected to?
Did her advisers have a clear mind, free of pressure, when they advised McCain that it wouldn't be a problem?
I originally called this a "bombshell," but the more I think about it, the more I realize that if Palin answers her critics tomorrow night, these process stories might not matter much.
Update: A McCain aide e-mails:
"We started the initial process with Gov Palin months ago. Culvahouse spoke with Palin multiple times to discuss and confirm details we learned in the initial vet. In the final weeks of the selection process of course took care to conceal who Culvahouse was meeting with personally, which explains why the bulk of their contact in the final weeks of the process was by telephone. Finally, the fact that the process was secretive does not mean that it was not thorough. We have no further comment."
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