Liberals said Mr. Bush was picking a fight.

It also reflected the frenzy of speculation among political insiders about whom Mr. Bush will pick.

Some Senate Republicans say they wish Mr. Bush had picked a less awkward issue on which to show that he is tough.

There were plenty of other, more mainstream conservatives Mr. Bush could have picked.

The unanswered question is why Mr. Bush picked this man above the many first-rate candidates he could have chosen.

For example, Gore advisers said that if Mr. Bush picks a woman, they might feel pressure to do the same.

Mr. Bush may have just picked the best person for the job.

So, it is with good reason that Mr. Bush picked a conservative as his running mate.

Mr. Bush, having already had cereal, usually picks at the bowl of fruit in front of him.

It is not as if he believes that Mr. Bush picked the wrong man for the job.