Earlier this month, conservative commentator Bob Novak announced his retirement from the Chicago Sun-Times, where he had worked since 1966. Diagnosed in late July with a brain tumor, Novak decided it was time to take a break. Well now it seems he couldn't stay out of the political game for too long, and is now contributing occasionally at Creators.com. In his first column there, Novak tackles the issue of John McCain's yet-to-be-announced running mate, and how Senator Joe Lieberman would be an awful choice.

One of McCain's big messages is that he can cross party lines to make things work, and that he's the true bipartisan candidate. Adding Lieberman, a former Democrat turned Independent, to the ticket would make them a true bipartisan duo. And while McCain, and likely Lieberman, would love to run with that, Novak says Lieberman and other Republicans know it would never fly, mainly because Lieberman's stances on social issues would alienate a huge segment of the Republican party. Lieberman was reportedly encouraged by a Republican in the know to dissuade McCain from choosing him.

Lieberman is a heroic figure among Republicans for having risked his Senate seat to support President George W. Bush's war policy. But aside from the war, he votes the straight liberal line, including pro-choice on abortion. Lieberman's Republican friend told him that the Republicans would leave Minnesota in a state of disarray with a McCain-Lieberman ticket, alienating social conservatives who now make up the core of Republican voters," said Novak.

Angering the bulk of his would-be supporters would clearly not be a smart move. However, Novak suggests that the Republican operative who advised Lieberman to persuade McCain not to put him on the ticket, says Lieberman would still have a very important role in a McCain administration: as Secretary of State.

As of now, no one knows who McCain will ultimately choose as his vice presidential running mate. The selection process is closely guarded, and even his closest aides haven't a clue who he'll choose. Even with Lieberman telling him its not a good idea to choose him, no one's ruled out the possibility yet.