The political punch/counterpunch games between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama have remained amusing over these otherwise quiet weeks of corporate America’s vacation month. It’s been hard to tell and know of late at the gym that there is even a presidential election underway, though – - almost as though everyone has had enough and moved on to other things. Perhaps, though, it’s just everyone catching their breath for the mad run of autumn.

For the political junkie and those seemingly few following the election news, though, the bobbing and weaving that is the selection of running mate keeps things lively. Obama says he’s going to announce his selection by text messaging – - how “techie” of him, how hip. McCain’s campaign has rallies scheduled that raise speculation about his choice of running mate, too.

Neither wants to be the first, it seems – - each would rather counter-punch to steal the limelight from the other. First one to flinch loses. Politics is a game, which is both its strength and its weakness. That it is a game is less than flattering to the electorate, for it does not speak well of us that gaming us is a successful strategy. It does seem at the moment, though, that Obama is the better political athlete in this competition, a little slicker and more polished in his tactics than McCain.

It’s a moment in presidential elections when the choice of running mate is less important than the timing of the selection, the method of selection, and the counterpunch of the other party’s nominee. Form over substance, although that is a fair description of politics at times, too. Often, the substance of the running mate selection never becomes real, evaporating into the ether over time. How many of you can name Barry Goldwater’s running mate in 1964, or Hubert Humprhey’s running mate in 1968? Or Gerald Ford’s in 1976? At least those of you in my generation, anyway?

But at the moment, we have McCain and Obama circling each other, waiting, watching the other’s movement to discern the timing if not the name. The first one to chose will be counterpunched by the other in an effort to steal the thunder and the light and the news space. Any edge could help, and even a score card draw can make a difference.

Today’s poll results from CNN suggest Obama’s lead has diminished to three points. Can we know why? The Russion aggression in Georgia that puts the foreign policy inexperience of Obama into question? The recent drop in oil prices that diminishes Obama’s edge in voter confidence on economic issues? The Brett Favre trade to the Jets?

Assuming neither comes out of the VP round with a clear edge on timing, news space or substance, the polls are not likely to change. And a couple of decades later, only the really hard core politicos will remember the running mate of this year’s loser, and Trivial Pursuit will have some ready made material for some future release.