Cheney: Romney needs good VP pick

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JACKSON HOLE, Wis., July 29 (UPI) -- Former Vice President Dick Cheney said presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney must handle his running mate selection better than John McCain.

In his first interview since having heart transplant surgery in March, the former vice president told ABC News he didn't think Sen. McCain, R-Ariz., handled the selection process well. He said a presidential candidate has two lists under consideration for vice president: a large list including many politicians and a smaller list that is under active consideration.

"And the test to get on that small list has to be, is this person capable of being president of the United States?" he said.

"I like Gov. [Sarah] Palin. I've met her. I know her," Cheney said. "But based on her background, she had only been governor for, what, two years? I don't think she passed that test of being ready to take over. And I think that was a mistake."

On ABC's "This Week," Jonathan Karl, senior political correspondent for ABC News said he believes Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, Tim Pawlenty, former governor of Minnesota, and Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., should be on Romney's short list for vice president.