In modern political history, vice presidential running mates have been chosen in the months leading up to the national party conventions. The party’s presidential nominee has typically chosen his running mate in July of August of a presidential election years.
Here are some examples:
Romney Picks Ryan
The 2012 Republican presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, announced he had chosen his vice presidential running mate on Aug. 11, 2012. He was U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.More »
McCain Picks Palin
The 2008 Republican presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. John McCain, announced he had chosen his vice presidential running mate on Aug. 29, 2008. She was Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.More »
Obama Picks Biden
The 2008 Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, announced he had chosen his vice presidential running mate on Aug. 23, 2008. He was U.S. Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware.More »
Bush Picks Cheney
The 2000 Republican presidential nominee, George W. Bush, announced he had chosen his vice presidential running mate on July 25, 2000. He was Dick Cheney, who had served as White House chief of staff to President Gerald Ford, congressman and Secretary of Defense.
Kerry Picks Edwards
The 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, announced he had chosen his vice presidential running mate on July 6, 2004. He was U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina.
Gore Picks Lieberman
The 2000 Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Al Gore, announced he had chosen his vice presidential running mate on Aug. 8, 2000. He was U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut.
Dole Picks Kemp
The 1996 Republican presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, announced he had chosen his vice presidential running mate on Aug. 10, 1996. He was Jack Kemp, a former secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and congressman.
Clinton Picks Gore
The 1992 Democratic presidential nominee, Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton, announced he had chosen his vice presidential nominee on July 9, 1992. He was U.S. Sen. Al Gore of Tennessee.
Bush Picks Quayle
The 1988 Republican presidential nominee, Vice President George H.W. Bush, announced he had selected his vice presidential running mate on Aug. 16, 1988. He was U.S. Sen. Dan Quayle of Indiana.
Dukakis Picks Bentsen
The 1988 Democratic presidential nominee, Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, announced he had chosen his vice presidential running mate on July 12, 1988. He was U.S. Sen. Lloyd Bentsen of Texas.
Mondale Picks Ferraro
The 1984 Democratic presidential nominee, former Vice President and U.S. Sen. Walter Mondale of Minnesota, announced he had chosen his vice presidential running mate on July 12, 1984. She was U.S. Rep. Geraldine Ferraro of New York.
Reagan Picks Bush
The 1980 Republican presidential nominee, former California Gov. Ronald Reagan, announced he had chosen his vice presidential running mate on July 16, 1980. He was George H.W. Bush.