Armchair strategists talk about "balancing the ticket, " but it's like balancing a Great Dane with a Chihuahua.

FORBES: Commentary

So, it's not comparable to vice-presidential tickets in the past because you know, normally those people don't have the same name recognition, and you pick them for particular political purposes, like winning a particular state, or balancing the ticket on a particular issue.

NPR: Obama Re-Writes History, Clinches Party Nomination

Amidst the budget rhetoric, economists say balancing the budget would prove a much easier task if either side had the political courage to put two of the biggest ticket items -- defense and Social Security -- on the table.

CNN: Budget battle continues as new deadline nears