Winner of the week: Marco Rubio. No, he didn't get the VP nod, and it's unclear whether he was even seriously considered. But in the long-term he's probably better off burnishing his governing experience. He only improved his image amid all the attention, showing that he has both style and substance. He also sold a ton of books and might have locked up the keynote speaker slot in Tampa.

Winner of the week 2: Bob Buckhorn. We won't know whether the Tampa mayor is a real winner until the Republican National Convention winds down. But it says a lot about hizzoner that so many Republicans are raving about the enthusiasm and help they're receiving from this ardent Democrat.