There isn't anyone who could make the ticket work. It is McCain who the MSM and Clinton machine is going to destroy. People don't vote for VP's.
You’re right. VP’s typically don’t matter, but McCain is 71 and will be 72 when he takes office and has a history of skin cancer. It wouldn’t surprise me too much to see him bow out early second term, or see his VP take on considerably more responsibility.
If he were to pick someone like Thompson, or even Jeb Bush, (long shot, I realize) I do think it would excite some conservatives on the right.
I’ll be surprises to see the media destroy him as easily as you are making it out to be....maybe, but I’d still be surprised.