Veepstakes verve: Contenders create media boomlets with leaks and manipulation

The leak-fueled orchestration by Republicans who are either openly or quietly running for vice president is a classic cabaret of media and political intrigue.

Virtually every significant name on the mythical "short list" – which essentially exists in Donald Trump’s head – has undergone a boomlet in the press, fed by the potential veep or by surrogates.

The Trump campaign is bemused by the spectacle, and happy to let the auditions play out. Indeed, in some cases Trump wants these tryouts. They range from joint speaking appearances to network interviews to showing up at the hush money trial to defend the indicted former president (for just about anyone who seeks the prize).

FOX NEWS INVITES TRUMP, BIDEN CAMPAIGNS TO VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Journalists, meanwhile, have nothing else to cover (other than indulging in six weeks of speculation until the first debate). So they have created the closest thing to a horse race and are susceptible to whispers about the ostensible fluctuations among the aspirants.

The leaks aren’t coming from the Trump team. Its members are well aware that different strategists and allies are promoting certain names. But they don’t really care what the motivation is as long as they fight for Trump.

The former president’s camp believes everyone is getting along, as opposed to cutting each other down, producing a team spirit. The outlook is that many of those that don’t get the nod will wind up with Cabinet posts or other administration jobs.

TIM SCOTT: THE MEDIA IS NOT SHOWING THE TRUTH OF WHO BIDEN HAS ALWAYS BEEN

Tim Scott has been publicly seeking the nomination since his own presidential campaign quickly imploded. But Trump has sounded dismissive, saying the Senate’s only black Republican does a better