The Republican VP Contenders

AOL News ^ | April 2, 2008 | Mark Impomeni

[Eagle Forgotten]

An analysis of possible McCain running mates, in three parts (but I don't think I can put all three links in the "Source URL" box):

"The Conservatives" (discussed are Portman, Pence, and Cox)

"The Rivals" (discussed are Thompson, Huckabee, and Romney)

"The Governors" (discussed are Crist, Sanford, and Pawlenty)

[Eagle Forgotten]

Some interesting thoughts about nine of the people McCain might pick. The author is generally informative about them but noncommittal about making a prediction, except to say that the selection of Crist, touted in many MSM stories, "seems unlikely".

The author's comments seem to assume that McCain will give great weight to mollifying conservatives who are unenthusiastic about his candidacy. I, for one, would not make that assumption. I suspect McCain is more likely to try to appeal to independents and disaffected Democrats, because he'll hope that the conservatives have nowhere else to go.

[goodnesswins]

He needs a woman or minority on the team....

[Darren McCarty]

I hope he picks Sanford or Pence. I can live with Pawlety, Crist, Thompson, or Cox.

I hope it's not Portman (unknown, tied more to Bush), Huckabee (Fiscal issues), Romney (which Romney will show up?), or worst of all, Lieberman.

I'll knock on doors for Sanford or Pence. Those two were my first choices for president.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Rual Paul?

[Grunthor]

“The Conservatives” (discussed are Portman, Pence, and Cox)”

Well it won’t be any of these.

[ozaukeemom]

That is what I was thinking. Whether we want it this way or not, race and/or gender are going to matter. I think race more so. A young, charismatic black woman would be perfect. lol

[Cringing Negativism Network]

[fieldmarshaldj]

How ‘bout Michelle Obama ?

[fieldmarshaldj]

Uncle Ben’s or -A-Roni ?

[Cringing Negativism Network]

(Dr.)

[no dems]

He needs to pick a Black Woman with a Hispanic surname of Jewish faith.

[no dems]

Of the nine listed, my choice would be Gov. Pawlenty of MN. But, I prefer the lady from Alaska; Governor Sarah Palin.

[no dems]

I'll knock on doors for Sanford or Pence. Those two were my first choices for president.

Since the two you "like" are from safe GOP States; what do you think about Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska?

[Impy]

I’d choose Palin but I don’t think McC and his brain trust have the nads.

[Lancey Howard]

Of those discussed:

1. Thompson does nothing to overcome the “age” factor - - the VP choice needs to be young.
2. Crist is a wishy-washy “moderate” loser - - gains McCain nothing.
3. Huck is too religious right-ish for McCain.
4. Romney was elected governor by the same people who routinely re-elect Teddy Kennedy and John Kerry - - another loser. Plus, the Mormon baggage hurts.
5. Portman? Who’s he?
6. Pawlenty, good choice; Sanford, great choice.

[Lancey Howard]

Oh yeah - - Pence and Cox.
Nice Congressmen. VP? Nah.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Her fan club could caucus in a phone booth. She’s been a complete abomination as Sec of State.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Pawlenty is a poor choice. The MN GOP fell apart on his watch. Sanford is the #1 choice. A Governor outside the South that has gotten little exposure but would make a good VP choice is Don Carcieri of RI, an unapologetic Conservative in a very hostile environment. I’d dump McCain in a heartbeat and support a Sanford-Carcieri ticket.

[OeOeO]

Gee maybe it’s not too late to snag that young Chafee fellow.

[OeOeO]

Nuts. He needs a good reputable conservative, not someone who makes the TV happy.

[Lancey Howard]

I’d dump McCain in a heartbeat and support a Sanford-Carcieri ticket.

I’d dump McCain in a heartbeat and support an Abbott-Costello ticket.

[Eagle Forgotten]

Gee maybe it’s not too late to snag that young Chafee fellow.

I think he's being groomed as President McCain's first appointee to the Supreme Court.

[Caipirabob]

I can live with Pawlety, Crist, Thompson, or Cox.

As a South Floridian, I can't abide "Crist, the Glory-Hole governor".

He's the most lame, mewling, environmentalist hugging POS governor I've seen in Florida. He's done NOTHING since taking office and all of his best efforts have turned to crap IMHO.

He'd be just enough to convince most Floridians to vote 3rd party come November.

[Forward the Light Brigade]

Abbott and Costello for Prez. Why don’t we have comedy twosomes like in the past?

McCain needs someone to balance the ticket.
Conservative Yes, Young Yes, he doesn’t need a black as they will go for a Democrat anyway. He could use a southerner. Not a senator.
List?
General Franks
Donald Trump
Elizabeth Dole
Newt Gingrich

[TheWasteLand]

He needs a woman or minority on the team....

Let's see. He needs help with women and conservatives. Hmmm...

I'm just sayin'

[ConservativeDude]

He’s the most lame, mewling, environmentalist hugging POS governor I’ve seen in Florida. He’s done NOTHING since taking office and all of his best efforts have turned to crap IMHO.”

So do you like Crist, or not?

[ByteMercenary]

If PIAPS manages to get the democrap nod, how about Michael Steele? That would get the surviving black vote ...

McAmnesty needs to hold his VP pick until we see what the dems settle on.

[nyyankeefan]

He needs a woman or minority on the team....

agree 100%......jsut NOT clueless condi!!!!

[Jimmy Valentine]

He is going to pick Lieberman.

[Impy]

It doesn’t matter who they pick. I’d like to see a pick sooner than later to further highlight the rats as chaotic and GOP as united.

[THE MODERATE]

I will give you a dark horse pick, I think she would be a good one. Former OK Lt Gov. and current US Rep Mary Fallin, I can not put my finger on why I like her but I think she would add much to his ticket.

[ozaukeemom]

Thank you for ruining my appetite before I started breakfast!

[Know et al]

I think Palin will be delivering in November but it won't be votes.

[goodnesswins]

You’re too logical....

[goodnesswins]

YES! Michael Steele.....I got to meet with him a few weeks ago (at a dinner) - he is GREAT - and as I got my picture taken with him, I patted him on the back and said “Future President”.....he laughed self conciously, but he IS an up and comer!!!!

[fieldmarshaldj]

Sowwy.

[Impy]

The baby is due in May.

[Impy]

He better up and come into the Governor’s mansion or Congress. Former LT. Governor is pretty low on the totem poll.

[goodnesswins]

Yeah...I know....just dreaming.....