"Gustav Beats Pawlenty"

On the McCain veepstakes ...

Trippi: "I think picking Biden has probably dimished Romney's chances, they have 15 houses between them. Against Joe Biden from Scranton. It sets up very, very badly."

Toughest GOP veep match-up for Dems ...

Matthews: Tom Ridge

Trippi: Ridge or Joe Lieberman

Greenberg: Lieberman

Cherny: Kay Bailey Hutchison

Matthews: "Gustav beats Pawlenty."

Trippi: "It is possible the Dems could lose this thing. That is a real possibility." Dems need to pitch the contest as: "McCain's not on your side. Barack Obama is."

(JENNIFER SKALKA)