If it's the Ticket that's Key, Who Cares Who is the Nominee?
That's an exaggeration, but exaggerations start conversations. Right now the conversation is about Tim Pawlenty. Douthat affirms his working-class cred. Weigel asks of Republicans why they don't settle now for the Man from Minnesota and save themselves the trouble. The rap on Pawlenty is he's boring; I think what's really going on is people worry -- in spite of the hardscrabble history, in spite of the ice hockey -- that he comes off as a wimp, as a Republican Mondale. How, they ask, can the GOP win with a candidate who makes Barack Obama look tough?
And so, instead of trying to walk hard, Pawlenty's strategy is to talk hard. It's a nice move, playing both to his longtime strengths and America's current weaknesses. But the question of whether it's enough to win the nomination seems to me almost silly in the face of a much different consideration: the running mate.
We live in the best of all times to be Vice President. (So far, Dick Cheney and Joe Biden are the 21 century's most self-realized and untroubled human beings.) And we live in the best of all times to pick a running mate. Americans are accustomed now to the idea that the office of vice president can be as strong or weak as a ticket pleases. And so I ask you: how many people cool on Pawlenty -- or Huntsman, or Romney -- would heat up in a hurry if suddenly they had a Pawlenty/Christie -- or a Huntsman/Perry, or a Romney/Rubio -- on their hands?
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Dec '10
Re: If it's the Ticket that's Key, Who Cares Who is the Nominee?
Hmmm, I hadn't really thought of it that way. I was no great enthusiast for McCain, but my hope for the election did increase exponentially when he picked Palin, even with her considerable foibles. I am of the mind that folks like Christie, Rubio, etc, that would make great 1st spot candidates should bow out of the #2 chair just in case we end up with another McCain type who can't beat Obama. Those who don't make it as the VP candidate are not very appealing the next go round as #1. Surely there are others who are more regionally well known that could burst onto the national scene with a VP nod the way Palin did.
May '11
Re: If it's the Ticket that's Key, Who Cares Who is the Nominee?
The rap on Pawlenty is he's boring; I think what's really going on is people worry -- in spite of the hardscrabble history, in spite of the ice hockey -- that he comes off as a wimp, as a Republican Mondale.
It seems to me that it is time for republicans to fight like a girl.
Aug '10
Re: If it's the Ticket that's Key, Who Cares Who is the Nominee?
I believe that Romney will pick a Tea Party favorite for VP to appeal to that segment of voters.
Rubio, Cain, Pawlenty would all be excellent choices. Bachmann might be a possibility as well if she drops the bomb thrower act.
Dec '10
Re: If it's the Ticket that's Key, Who Cares Who is the Nominee?
In the first place, Pawlenty is not boring. Sure, that's the "rap", but consider whom the rap stars are that purvey that message.
Perry, Rubio, or Christie as down ticket? Rubio and Christie are neede where they are, period, and Perry needs to honcho a rambunctious legislature that would cause him problems if he didn't stay focused, for now. Perry needs to stay right where he is for the same reason Palin could not stay where she was and pursue higher office (in my opinion).
There are a few people that are actually running that are so weak, like McCain, that the VP nod would matter. At this stage in 2007, Obama could not have dreamed of getting Hillary's VP nod, so whatever.
Jun '10
Re: If it's the Ticket that's Key, Who Cares Who is the Nominee?
Pawlenty is boring in the same way that Tony Snow was boring. He's a nice good-hearted nerd that can effectively talk tough, if he wants to, but that's not his favorite tool in the toolbox. That's a good kind of boring.
Oct '10
Re: If it's the Ticket that's Key, Who Cares Who is the Nominee?
If Pawlenty's boring, Herman Cain's excellent speaking skills and ability to stir an audience would certainly help, as would his experience in business and as a Federal Reserve governor.
Oct '10
Re: If it's the Ticket that's Key, Who Cares Who is the Nominee?
pawlenty was always my first choice. yes, he is mr. nice guy, but i don't get the part where some people label him a "wimp". and he didn't sound boring here.
as for VP picks, here's my choice.
Pawlenty/West 2012.
====================
1) christie and perry will not be anybody's VP.
2) rubio is my other choice for VP if West is out.
Edited on May 25, 2011 at 7:38pmFeb '11
Re: If it's the Ticket that's Key, Who Cares Who is the Nominee?
I was him speak at CATO yesterday, much more impressive in person than his reported reputation.
May '10
Re: If it's the Ticket that's Key, Who Cares Who is the Nominee?
How about crediting someone who can cut spending because he knows from personal experience that handouts are not the way to move up?
Pardon me, boys, but Christian Schneider is a snob. For no particular reason I can see.
Pawlenty is more like Reagan than any other current candidate- because he is likable, and yet able to present the pleasant demeanor while refusing to move on an issue of importance, such as taxes and spending for 8 years against a hostile legislature here in Minnesota.
I get the impression that all too many people are looking for the cheap thrills of acerbic confrontation, even if it is counter-productive in the actual practice of governing.