Keller @ Large: Will Running Mate Choice Matter This Time?

BOSTON (CBS) - Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is reportedly still in line to be Donald Trump's running mate, even though today's scheduled announcement was postponed due to the horrendous attack in Nice, France.

When I heard about it, the Pence appointment made sense. Trump said all along he wanted to round out the ticket with a Washington insider who knew the players and how the place works, and Pence fits that bill.

But as we await the final word, let's be honest about all this running-mate fuss – it's way, way overdone.

Yes, a vice-presidential choice provides insight into the judgement of the nominee doing the choosing.

John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin wasn't flattering. Neither was John Kerry's selection of adulterous fraud John Edwards.

But scholarly studies have shown that the vice-presidential pick – even a sketchy one - rarely makes anything close to a significant difference in the election.

Could this time around be different?

Both major-party candidates have at least flirted with the idea of running with a former military officer. After this latest apparent terrorist atrocity, that idea may make more sense than ever.

It does appear as if civilization is at war, and come November the voters may well want some reassurance that their choice is well-equipped to fight it and win it.

Check in here for ongoing analysis of what they're saying about that and who's making more sense.

And while you're at it, pray for the people of France, and for us.

Listen to Jon's commentary: