The Case for Rubio-Kasich

New York Times ^ | February 22, 2016 | by Ross Douthat

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Saturday's Republican primary in South Carolina was not quite the train wreck for the not-Trump portion of the party that seemed likely after New Hampshire's multi-candidate pileup. Boosted by Nikki Haley's endorsement, Marco Rubio basically saved his campaign with a second-place finish, while Jeb Bush finished far enough back that dropping out became the only honorable option.

But of course Kasich is still in the race, and showing no signs of departing. I haven't ever written about his path to the nomination, mostly because I've never thought he had one. But then again this year has defied reasonable expectations.

The obvious question, then: What would be in it for Kasich? Well, first off, being vice president has become a pretty important job in the last few administrations, so he would have a chance at gaining a prominence and influence that he's simply not going to have as the erstwhile governor of Ohio.

Clearly being Rubio's Biden is not nearly as good a deal as being the actual Republican nominee this year; that goes without saying. But relative to just going home after being one of Trump's enablers, it looks pretty good to me.

Then what's in it for Rubio? Well, most obviously, Kasich stops being a rival for the not-Trump vote and becomes an instant ally. But then, maybe somewhat less obviously, Kasich is a pretty reasonable VP pick for Rubio no matter what. Yes, a lot of prominent Republicans were salivating over the idea of a Rubio-Haley ticket when the two shared a stage in South Carolina.

[MortMan]

The “Hell No” and “Who?” ticket.

[Lurkinanloomin]

The Cheap Labor Express is running out of options to prevent us from electing a President who will enforce the laws and borders.

[rrrod]

do these jerks even know America?

[Eisenhower Republican]

do these jerks even know America?

These jerks rarely leave the boroughs, I'd bet. And on the rare occasion they do, it's probably off to DC, LA, SF or some other anti-American echo-chamber.

I still don't think they really have any clue just how angry the rest of us are about what they've been up to the last 25 years. But maybe they're starting to get the picture?

[luvbach1]

Trump is polling 25% of Democrats over Hillary.

I don't refute that, but how to explain polls showing the Hildebeest besting Trump by 5% points. Both can't be true unless Repubs refuse to vote Trump.