The risks for Fred are relatively small. He hasn't faced a particularly hostile press nor has he lost much time campaigning, as his effort was lackadaisical at best. At the same time, Fred gets to raise his national profile and possibly get a cabinet position or even become Vice President. McCain may not even live another 8 years, seeing as how he's older than Moses. The Vice President could easily ascend to the highest office in the land, and he wouldn't even have to win an election.
For the 145th time, Fred has stated
he’s not interested in the VP slot.