Townhall's Matt Lewis has some advice for McCain, some of which I could certainly get behind:

1. Make Obama pick first. The Democratic convention (August 25-28) is before the GOP convention (September 1-4), so why not make Obama go first? ...

2. Float the trial balloon. Whatever you do, don't "surprise" us with a running mate pick. That's how we got Dan Quayle, for crying out loud. ...

3. Roll out a team. Nothing says you must pick just one "running mate" Why not roll out a team of advisers? ...
4. Keep teasing us. It's summer. There's not much to write about. That little barbecue the other week was brilliant. Keep it up. Oh yeah, why not invite a few bloggers next time???

5. Forget paybacks. Charlie Crist was vitally important in helping you win Florida. That's great. Make him Ambassador to something.

As Lewis notes, the timeline alone will probably determine who picks first. But I can see McCain in a difficult spot if he waits and sees whom Obama picks. Lewis writes: "For example, if Obama does not pick a lady, you might decide to do so. " Exactly, and that would reek of political opportunism. Coming out first would be a bolder move for McCain. I'm not disagreeing with Lewis. Just looking at it from the other side.

As for the bloggers BBQ, I'll bring the baked beans.