Politico talks to a “McCain confidant” about his VP pick…
Surprising many Republican insiders, Mitt Romney is at the top of the vice-presidential prospect list for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). But lack of personal chemistry could derail the pick…
So two other names are in the top tier:
—Rob Portman, a former congressman from Ohio, member of House leadership, U.S. Trade Ambassador and White House budget director.
—Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who would delight conservatives and is at the top of the list of the party’s prospects for the presidential race in 2012 or 2016. He was described to Politico by a McCain confidant as a possible “compromise” if the senator can’t stomach picking Romney.
Then there’s a second tier of candidates who are less likely, but possible: former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, who dropped out of the top tier because of recent revelations about his lobbying; Florida Gov. Charlie Crist; Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty; and Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), who is one of McCain’s most energetic and successful fundraisers.
I think Romney and Portman would be horrible picks for McCain, Thune would be slightly better. Romney would be the Edwards of 2008: as soon as the polls turn south, he’ll start planning for 2012. Portman, on the other hand, was a member of the Bush Administration. Pretty easy to tie McCain to Bush’s economic policies when his Budget Director is on the ticket! Thune would be fine. Nothing special, but a better pick in my book than either Romney or Portman.
What is surprising about this list is that Tim Pawlenty is listed as a second tier candidate. Other published reports have the Pawlenty buzz increasing and he did well on This Week. But hey, if McCain wants to go with Romney or Portman, I’m all for it.
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I’m surprised you guys didn’t do a little write up on Cantor. In my humble opinion, I’d have to say Cantor would be a pretty decent pick. It appears his only downsides are being part of the Republican leadership in the House and he’s not a Governor, which people seem to be jonesing for these days. It seems to me Cantor could be of some help on a McCain ticket.
Cantor would definitely help in VA, he’s young and energetic, he’s well respected on the Hill, he’s well versed in Economic issues, he’s Jewish, he seems to like and get along with McCain, and he’s an amazing fund raiser. All in all he’s been one of the rising stars on the GOP side of the Hill for a while and to be honest, of the group of people listed above as potential running mates he could be the most dangerous.
Romney would be brilliant or a disaster. I view him as the biggest VP threat to an Obama win just because he could put Michigan in play. Wall Street Conservatives love him and he has credibility in regards to the economic concerns facing the nation. On the other hand, he’s hard to like and a narcissist. Campaigning with him fighting for camera time could take five years off McCain’s life.
Romney could force Obama to take a hard look at Hillary Clinton. It’s beginning to make more sense. He might detest her, but baby-boomer women and the working-class are fiercely loyal to her.
While I am not a big Romney guy (not a name you can trust) he solidifies the GOP base who does not trust McCain and may just deliver Michigan. I do not see him as a bad pick.
The tip-off that Politico is just a “promote Romney” piece is that it mentions EVERY NAME in the next two tiers of Veep prospects EXCEPT SARAH PALIN!!! — even names far more unlikely than Palin (since Romney camp knows Palin is the ONLY ONE who tops — I’ll say tops by far — Romney as McCain’s best pick).
Bottom line, Romney and Politico fear Palin most — as do the Dems and the MSM. (By the way, the Dems and MSM do not fear Romney the most — which says a lot.)
Please let it be Romney. Please.
Palin would be a good choice. She MIGHT keep Alaska from being in play for Obama.
Cantor would not pull VA for McCain.
Barack does not despise Clinton, but she would be a terrible choice for Obama.
BUT…Can any of those people teach Jon McCain how to use a computer? I still say that should be their first job as a VP Nom.
All the media buzz which will surround Palin — essentially free to McCain — will be worth millions and millions of dollars of PR (more money than Romney could provide anyway).
It appears that it’s all down to Palin or Romney, and team Romney fears Palin now has the best shot, so Romney camp is mounting a blogosphere-wide assault via Politico.
The tip-off that Politico is just a “promote Romney” piece is that it mentions EVERY NAME in the next two tiers of Veep prospects EXCEPT SARAH PALIN!!! — even names far more unlikely than Palin (since Romney camp knows Palin is the ONLY ONE who tops — I’ll say tops by far — Romney as McCain’s best pick).
Bottom line, Romney and Politico fear Palin most — as do the Dems and the MSM. (By the way, the Dems and MSM do not fear Romney the most — which says a lot.)
AOL, prime on-line pro-Obama/pro-Dem player, is now carrying the Politico piece promoting Romney buzz.
Clearly AOL wants McCain and the GOP to lose the general elction — hence they gladly promote Romney (no mention of Palin).
Also, CNN had Romney — kind of out of the blue — attacking Obama. Again, CNN, wanting McCain and the GOP to lose, gladly promotes Romney (to attempt to avert the Palin threat).
If CNN wants McCain to lose, why were they saying General Wes Clark’s comment’s about the military service of McCain were ‘swiftboating?’