Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
I subscribe to the view that we're down to either Romney or Santorum (Perry is toast; Newt has self-immolated, though he has a long-shot chance in SC; does anyone really see a surge for Huntsman?; Paul will not be the nominee).
But, regardless of the nominee, there are some no-brainer potential running mates. Here's my list of the best:
Marco Rubio, FL Senator — excellent for Romney; probably OK for Santorum, but both are Catholics; from an important state; would help with Hispanics, though his family is from Cuba, not Mexico; not a lot of national experience
Pat Toomey, PA Senator — excellent for Romney; very important state; shores up the base for Romney; he's really smart and well-spoken--obviously a no-go with Santorum
Rob Portman, OH Senator — very smart with excellent credentials (director of Office of Management and Budget); from Ohio, another swing state--he could work for either candidate
Paul Ryan — great national voice for fiscal sanity; winning personality; helps win Wisconsin; I'd pay money to see him debate Biden: he works for either candidate
Susana Martinez, NM Governor — great help with Hispanics, but largely an unknown; would help with women voters
Nikki Haley, SC Governor — would help with Evangelicals, but like Martinez is a bit unknown; would help with women voters
Tim Pawlenty, former MN Governor — quit too soon; Evangelical (right?); solid but not exciting; would certainly help in Minnesota
Rick Santorum—might be a good match with Romney heading the ticket, but wouldn't Toomey help more in PA?
I'm sure I missed some (could Mitch Daniels be persuaded to take the second slot?) and would love to hear your comments (I hear Charlie Crist is available)?
Second topic: If he gets desperate, I can see Obama dumping Biden for Hilary. Would she do it? I don't see a lot of upside for her.
- Comment (84)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (1)
Comments :
Aug '10
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
Maybe something from the McCain playbook ?
Aug '11
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
Marco Rubio, if only because it would make the press crazier than usual.
Jul '11
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
Christie comes to mind. I'd prefer Rubio or Ryan though. Neither have publicly stated interest.
Jul '11
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
With respect to your second topic, I agree there is little upside for Hillary to replace Biden, as much as Obama may want it. If they win in 2012, how likely would she be to win in 2016? If the country suffered from "Bush-fatigue" in 2008, it will have a case of "Obama-necrosis" in 2016 - no Dem could win, so her career would have maxed out at VP for a failure. If Obama/Hillary lost, on the other hand, she would be a losing retread trying to defeat an incumbent. No, her best bet would be to stay put, do nothing more than is absolutely necessary to help with Obama's campaign, and hope for a Romney* win. Only then will she be in a position to win in 2016.
As far as VP goes, what's the expression, "first do no harm"? Hailey and Martinez are both inexperienced and would be given the Palin treatment, as unfair as that is. I really like the idea of Rubio as VP - he's a great speaker, has been fully vetted (I hope!), and makes a much better spokesman for conservative ideas than Romney* does.
*assuming he's the nominee
Jun '10
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
I love Christie's in-your-face approach to hecklers, and wouldn't you love to see him tromp on Biden? The problem is that if he's with Romney it doesn't help much with the base. Would be fun to watch, though.
Apr '11
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
Won't vote for Romney. He won't repeal Obamacare. He won't shrink government. He's unlikely to appoint a conservative Supreme Court justice.
If he gains the nomination, I'll probably have to sit out this election.
Dec '10
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
Does Rubio really help with Hispanics or only with Cubans who are already heavy GOP supporters? More directly (and much less PC) how much will he help with Mexicans? There really is only one important Latino voting bloc, and it is not Honduran.
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
I like Paul Ryan best, and he's the one potential pick that would actually make me excited to go out to cast my vote for Romney. But VP is such a nothing, irrelevant job (unless POTUS drops dead) that it would sort of be a shame to see Ryan relegated to it, especially when he could be so productive in the House. I'd rather see Paul Ryan jump on the fast track to becoming Speaker.
So, give me Marco Rubio or Nikki Haley or Bobby Jindal instead. Probably in that order. All of them are young, fierce, energetic, articulate conservatives.
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
You know what? Mexicans don't really like Cubans and vice versa. BUT, if Rubio can speak fluent Spanish (which I think he can, right?) and is willing to go out and articulate the conservative message on Spanish-language TV, and do stump speeches in Mexican and central-American communities in border swing states like Arizona and New Mexico , that could be a big deal. Republicans never, ever try to connect with Mexican-American (not trying to be PC, just trying to be clear) voters. They assume as a foregone conclusion that Mexicans will go with the Democrat. I think it's folly to write them off so hastily.
Jul '11
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
I don't know if he would help with Hispanics, but I'm pretty sure he would help with Reagan Democrats. His clarity of thought cuts through the political noise and exudes leadership and vision. I wouldn't back him if his main appeal was limited to a specific bloc.As important as the Hispanic vote is, the GOP always loses when they make decisions based on that type of demographic stategeries.
Nov '10
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
I love Christie's style and his fiscal smarts, but his attitude on some pivotal day-and-age issues, such as the stealth jihad, frightens the heck out of me. I wonder if he would resultingly turn out a disaster on foreign affairs in spite of his apparent hawkishness? If it's in-your-face that matters then best take Gingrich, I think. Or someone whack Christie upside the back of the head and bring him up to snuff on the serious encroachment of Muslim Brotherhood and other hostiles into the admin.
Nov '10
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
Speaking of Christie -- between him and Sununu, Romney has a VERY impressive team riding shotgun with him. He's arguably the best team-builder in the lot. I think the case can be made that with those two on board the MSM may need to keep their heads down when trying to cut him off at the knees. But they would be such assets on anyone's team -- I sure hope they're committed to whoever gets the nod.
Apr '11
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
Would it be better to have John Bolton as VP or SecState?
Dec '11
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
I'm uncomfortable with the idea that Republicans should engage in identity politics and I can see no other reason for contemplating a VP slot for Governors Hailey or Martinez.
Marco Rubio, on the other hand, does have a strong record in the state legislature, in addition to the fact that he is probably the most appealing, articulate spokesman for conservative values in the GOP.
Jul '11
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
Jeff Younger: Won't vote for Romney. He won't repeal Obamacare. He won't shrink government. He's unlikely to appoint a conservative Supreme Court justice.
If he gains the nomination, I'll probably have to sit out this election. · Jan 11 at 10:24am
Please keep an open mind. Romney will not be that weak I expect. He will blow with the wind and if it is a conservative one, we're in luck. The country needs a rejection of the Obamas and their disgusting ideology.
Jul '11
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
tabula rasa
I love Christie's in-your-face approach to hecklers, and wouldn't you love to see him tromp on Biden? The problem is that if he's with Romney it doesn't help much with the base. Would be fun to watch, though. · Jan 11 at 10:22am
It does not help the base but the message will be unified and Christie would definitely make for some amusing headlines.
Jun '10
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
DocJay
tabula rasa
I love Christie's in-your-face approach to hecklers, and wouldn't you love to see him tromp on Biden? The problem is that if he's with Romney it doesn't help much with the base. Would be fun to watch, though. · Jan 11 at 10:22am
It does not help the base but the message will be unified and Christie would definitely make for some amusing headlines. · Jan 11 at 12:30pm
Can't argue with the amusing headline point. I also think they could charge pay-per-view prices for a Christie/Biden debate and I'd pay.
Dec '10
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
Diane Ellis, Ed.
You know what? Mexicans don't really like Cubans and vice versa. BUT, if Rubio can speak fluent Spanish (which I think he can, right?) and is willing to go out and articulate the conservative message on Spanish-language TV, and do stump speeches in Mexican and central-American communities in border swing states like Arizona and New Mexico , that could be a big deal. Republicans never, ever try to connect with Mexican-American (not trying to be PC, just trying to be clear) voters. They assume as a foregone conclusion that Mexicans will go with the Democrat. I think it's folly to write them off so hastily. · Jan 11 at 10:39am
Republicans fail to see either distinction or difference within the Latino communities, to their own peril.
Dec '10
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
Why do we want to throw all of our good legislators into executive office? Don't Ryan, Toomey, Portman, and Rubio serve us better in the Congress? I want Senate Majority Leader Rubio and Speaker Ryan in ten years. Martinez and Haley are first term governors. Let them get re-elected and prove their worth.
Right now, my first choice would be Jindal.
May '10
Re: Yes, It's Too Early, But Let's Talk Running Mates
Diane Ellis, Ed.
You know what? Mexicans don't really like Cubans and vice versa. BUT, if Rubio can speak fluent Spanish (which I think he can, right?) and is willing to go out and articulate the conservative message on Spanish-language TV, and do stump speeches in Mexican and central-American communities in border swing states like Arizona and New Mexico , that could be a big deal. Republicans never, ever try to connect with Mexican-American (not trying to be PC, just trying to be clear) voters. They assume as a foregone conclusion that Mexicans will go with the Democrat. I think it's folly to write them off so hastily. · Jan 11 at 10:39am
Does Diane Ellis speak fluent Spanish? If so, we have an assignment for her....
RE Pawlenty, he has two advantages. Yes, he is evangelical, but more than that, he is from a blue-collar, union, Democrat family of modest means, the only one of the six siblings to even go to college. That helps to counteract the Romney blueblood silver spoon image. The brothers and sisters would go out in force on his behalf.