Short and simple, and one that I know will actually — ahem — get responses.
Two top five lists. The first is, in order, who you want to be the VP nominee, and the second is, in order, who you think will be.
Me:
Want -
1. Rudy Giuliani
2. David Petraeus
3. Sarah Palin
4. Joe Lieberman
5. Mark Sanford
Will -
1. Tom Ridge
2. Tim Pawlenty
3. Joe Lieberman
4. Charlie Crist
5. Sarah Palin
Wildcard picks, if they agree to run: Colin Powell, David Petraeus
But don’t count out: Rudy Giuliani, Carly Fiorina, Eric Cantor
It’s not going to be: Meg Whitman, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Mike Bloomberg, Mark Sanford, Bobby Jindal
July 25th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Man, I am going to be eating so much crow if it’s Romney.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Alex, I don’t know who you are, but with all due respect, I’m not interested in participating in this little survey that you’ve put forth. It is imcomplete. Sorry.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Beth, I put out a survey every week.
Incomplete?
July 25th, 2008 at 12:28 am
Want-
1. Sarah Palin
2. Rudy Giuliani
3. Colin Powell
4. Mark Sanford
5. Tim Pawlenty
Will-
1. Mitt Romney
2. Tim Pawlenty
3. Tom Ridge
4. Sarah Palin
5. Joe Lieberman
If McCain could choose on comfort, he would be very interested in Pawlenty, Ridge, Lieberman, Huckabee, Bloomberg, Jindal, Giuliani, and Crist
July 25th, 2008 at 12:31 am
Alex…
I’m not the biggest Romney fan. But to not put Romney on a list of who you think will be the VP and say it’s defintely not gonna be him i think is way off mark… but hey, conventional wisdom can be wrong (and McCain certainly flies in the face of conventional wisdom sometimes!).
As far as my list goes:
Want: 1. Tim Pawlenty
2. Sarah Palin
3. Mike Huckabee (though not likely)
4. Colin Powell (probably won’t run)
5. Rudy Giuliani
Will: 1. Tim Pawlenty
2. Mitt Romney
3. Sarah Palin
4. Tom Ridge
5. Charlie Crist (but its hard not to put Lieberman on the list)
Tough to come up with those lists…
Don’t count out: Charlie Crist, Powell (if he decides to run), Cantor
Not gonna be: Carly Fiorina, Bobby Jindal, Meg Whitman, Mike Huckabee, Mark Sanford, David Petraeus, Mike Bloomberg
July 25th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Want-
1) Palin
2) Ridge
3) Rudy
4) Crist
5) Kulongoski
Will-
1) Pawlenty
2) Palin
3) Ridge
4) Powell
5) Blackburn
July 25th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Want (who I think will help win, regardless what it means beyond 2008) -
1. Romney (In reality I would rather have Romney head the RNC)
2. Pawlenty
3. Kasich
4. Palin (Only if Obama doesn’t pick a woman)
5. Whitman (Only if Obama doesn’t pick a woman and if she decides she isn’t running for Governor of CA)
Will
1. Romney
2. Pawlenty
3. Portman
4. Ridge
5. Palin
I want someone that will help McCain win, but not if it means sacrificing too much in the future for the GOP.
If Whitman is going to run for Governor in CA then we should let her because an actual conservative from CA with all the money in the world who could actually put that state in play in 2016 or 2020 would be awesome.
Romney is much better suited for RNC Chairman where he could focus on candidate recruitment, fundraising, organization, new party leadership in Congress etc.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Who the heck is Kulongoski???
July 25th, 2008 at 12:37 am
How can Rudy and Huckabee be on the same person’s want list?
They are polar opposites on positions and appeal. That is like agreeing with Doug/Brett but also agreeing with Alex/DaveG/Aron.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:39 am
#8 - He’s the Democractic governor of Oregon. Methinks Kristofer knows something we don’t. Kulongoski’s a vet, isn’t he? I campaigned against him in ‘06.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:39 am
I made my own categories:
Want/Deserves:
Rudy Giuliani
Happy With:
David Patraeus
Joe Lieberman
Sarah Palin
Carly Fiorina
Meg Whitman
Mark Sanford
Fred Thompson
Newt Gingrich
OK With But Mixed Emotions About:
Mitt Romney
Tim Pawlenty
Unhappy With:
Collin Powell
Tom Ridge
Charlie Crist
Leave the Party Over:
Mike Huckabee
July 25th, 2008 at 12:40 am
I’m not the biggest Romney fan. But to not put Romney on a list of who you think will be the VP and say it’s defintely not gonna be him i think is way off mark… but hey, conventional wisdom can be wrong (and McCain certainly flies in the face of conventional wisdom sometimes!).
Nope. It’s the most boring, obvious, conventional pick available to him. He loathed the man during the primary season, believed that he lied about him, had net negatives at the end of the season, and goes nowhere with independents. Furthermore, he undercuts the “greater than self” theme of the convention, after McCain attacked Romney for working for “profit, rather than patriotism” — implying that McCain doesn’t believe that working for profit has honor.
It’s going to be Ridge.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:42 am
I’ll bite. . .
Want:
1. Romney
2. Palin
3. Cantor
4. Rudy
5. Whitman (Meg, not Christy)
Will:
1. Pawlenty
2. Romney
3. Portman
4. Rudy
5. Palin
July 25th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Forgot the Will part:
Joe Lieberman
Tom Ridge
David Petraeus
Tim Pawlenty
Silicon Valley CEO
July 25th, 2008 at 12:43 am
#8, He is the Democratic Governor of Oregon. A centrist (and closet neo-con). He has been cold towards Obama, and this Governor appeared at a McCain event two months ago.
He is not a friend to Union bosses and is pregmatic on economics. He is a Marine vet.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:44 am
Want -
1) Palin
2) Powell
3) Crist
4) Gordon Smith (just to mix it up…)
5) Kasich
Will -
1) Ridge
2) Palin
3) Pawlenty
4) Lieberman
5) Romney
I really think McCain’s going to throw up a huge hail mary and scramble all of our predictions. So I have no confidence in my own picks.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:46 am
I feel that Rudy and Huckabee both were anti-establishment type candidates and Washington outsiders who focused a lot on domestic issues traditionally people lean Democrat on (education, health care)… both straight-talkers who didn’t pander that much to win votes. Rudy can help in areas of PA, NJ that are looking for Mr. Fix-It pragmatism… Huckabee helps in areas of IA and OH (not to mention VA and NC) that are more working-class areas with his more populist tone.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:47 am
want:
Powell
Petraeus
Palin
Clinton
Will:
Romney
Pawlenty
Ridge
Powell
Palin
July 25th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Kristofer -
I had no idea Kulongoski had shown up at a McCain event! I haven’t kept even the remotest tabs on him since I moved back to Seattle after college. Do you where I could read about his McCain appearance or snubbing Obama? Makes me feel better about Saxton losing to him. Didn’t know he had a neo-con penchant, either.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:51 am
#19, the media barely reported on it (are you surprised???). Kulongoski officially supported Clinton in the primary.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/mapesonpolitics/2008/05/gop_donor_matched_mccain_and_k.html
The only “odd” thing about him is that he has odd views on mid-east piece. He believes that empowering the PLO will bring piece (maybe that is true).
July 25th, 2008 at 12:53 am
Look at Ted at the McCain podium. This picture says it all. I encourage everyone to look at this link and ask why the MSM did not report this.
http://www.progressivetrail.org/node/268
btw, Alex great post!
July 25th, 2008 at 12:54 am
I’m reading up on him right now and I like what I see. I was so focused on Saxton during that campaign that I never realized Kulongoski came under such fire from his own party. Courtest of Wikipedia:
This left Governor Kulongoski with two challengers: Lane County Commissioner Pete Sorenson, and former State treasurer Jim Hill, both of whom accused Kulongoski of betraying Democratic Party principles in the primary debates. Stated Hill, “From my standpoint, [the Democratic Party primary debate] is a good opportunity to show what a horrible Democrat Ted has been”.
Ouch. Well, good for him.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:56 am
This is sort of a continuation from an earlier thread, but I just re-read an article by Dean Barnett from the NYT back in January about Romney.
He makes an interesting point about the kind of campaign Romney should have run. He states that basically Romney should have told voters, my opponent(s) can appoint strict constructionists as well I can, but I am the person with the skill and experience to reform government.
It got me wondering, why candidates are never that direct with voters, especially in primaries, but also in general elections.
An example of how to do it is Senator Vinick in West Wing during the live debate episode. Especially the final segment of that episode.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:56 am
The only “odd” thing about him is that he has odd views on mid-east piece. He believes that empowering the PLO will bring piece (maybe that is true).
Yikes! Well, that rules him out for me.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:59 am
That picture is one of the most surprising things I’ve seen all campaign season. A sitting Democratic governor at a campaign podium for the Republican nominee? And the media ignored it? The contention by Kulongoski spokeswoman that the governor was there in a non-campaign capacity is nonsense. No politician would stand at a podium carrying the banner of the opposing party’s presidential nominee, standing next to said nominee, if they weren’t pretty darn supportive of him/her. I would interpret that as a tacit endorsement.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:03 am
#23 Very true. I think Rudy’s normally like that, but was cowed during the primaries in fear of the religious right.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:03 am
McCain May Act Soon on VP Pick
Aides Predict Announcement Before Olympics
Anxious to counter the blanket media coverage that has followed Sen. Barack Obama on his overseas journey, Sen. John McCain is weighing whether to announce his running mate in the coming weeks before the spotlight shifts to China and the opening of the Olympic Games next month.
“He’s in a position to make [the decision] on short notice if he wanted to,” said Charles R. Black Jr., one of McCain’s top political advisers.
Two top aides to the presumptive Republican nominee said the decision is likely to be announced after Obama returns from Europe on Sunday and before the Beijing Olympics begin Aug. 8. They said the campaign fears that unanticipated events coming out of China — whether in the form of athletic accomplishments or human rights protests — could deflect attention from the announcement if it were made during the Games.
The list of likely contenders includes former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, former U.S. budget director Rob Portman and former Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge.
Ridge, a close friend of McCain’s, said in an interview that he has had no conversations with the senator or his staff about being a running mate.
“I have not. I can only be interested if John is,” Ridge said Tuesday. “I’m not lobbying for it. I’m not seeking it.”
“I can’t comment on it,” McCain told reporters as he traveled through Wisconsin last week. He promised to describe his search process after it is over, declining to elaborate before then. “I don’t think it’s fair to the people we are considering,” he said.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:04 am
#24, Alex, NO NO NO, Kulongoski is half Jewish and has pushed for trade ties to Israel. He is pro-Israel. He is a big supporter of AIPAC.
I mis-typed. I only said that I was surprised he supports the Bush administrations peace plan (support PLO, agsinst HAMAS), because he is a Democrat.
Another interesting piece of information on him, he was raised in a Catholic orphanage.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:07 am
#27 Boy am I happy if Ridge is not under consideration. Whew!
July 25th, 2008 at 1:07 am
#28 - Not to turn this thread into a referendum on Kulongoski, but he’s got a terrificly diverse background: state senator, attorney general, state supreme court justice, governor. That’s pretty impressive.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:09 am
Alex,
Ted Kulongoski - “Fight for the Jews and fight for Israel. Israel is still a “light unto nations,” whose survival helps assure our own. Protecting and strengthening Israel is a calling that I share with each of you (AIPAC). Like the flame over the ark – the light of Israel must be eternal.”
July 25th, 2008 at 1:10 am
I mis-typed. I only said that I was surprised he supports the Bush administrations peace plan (support PLO, agsinst HAMAS), because he is a Democrat.
Ah, so, supporting the radicals against the absolute crazies.
A Palestinian-Israeli peace is impossible.
“Peace will come when they love their children more than they hate us.” - Golda Meir
Remember that it was Arafat, PLO head, that walked away from the enormously generous offer from Ehud Barak.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:11 am
Aron, so McCain has decided then. According to Charlie Black. WOW.
I agree with Alex, if it is Romney, I will not be able to show myself on this site for a couple of days.
________________________________________________________________________________________
One more thing on Kulongoski; he is against equal marriage, but supports civil unions, and is very mysterious on abortion rights. He has no official position.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:13 am
Quite simply, the Palestinians’ goal is not a Palestinian state. It is the destruction of the Jewish state. The Palestinians have had several chances to have a Palestinian state, starting with the Peel Commission, going through the original UN partition that they refused, and, most recently, with the insanely generous Barak-Clinton deal.
No one even wanted a Palestinian state until recent decades. The Palestinians had always wanted to be thought of as part of southern Syria, or Jordan, which is majority-Palestinian.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:14 am
Kristofer,
You’re forcing me to re-evaluate a lot of nasty things I said about Kulongoski in ‘06! Thanks for all the info!
July 25th, 2008 at 1:17 am
oh crap, I mis-typed and now Alex is making me eat my words.
Alex, I agree with you on Israel. Barak gave the PLO a deal they could not refuse, but they refused anyway. Arafat was a terroist and we should have assasinated him for Israel when Arafat was in exile in Tunisia.
My only point was that the Oregon Governor is very pro-Israel and supports the current peace plan, and that is unusual for a Democrat.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:18 am
Well, given the practicality of the situation, it’s acceptable enough. No real progress can be made on the issue as the Middle East is right now, so supporting Israel and neo-con policies in general and is enough to ask for.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:22 am
Want:
1.Mike Huckabee
2.Sarah Palin
3.Mark Sanford
4.Bobby Jindal
5.Mike Johanns
Will:
1.Sarah Palin
2.Mitt Romney
3.Tim Pawlenty
4.Tom Ridge
5.Mike Huckabee
I think its funny that people always talk about the religious anymosity toward Mitt Romney, but in reality there is much more anymosity toward Huckabee over religion. Huckabee is a good man, and would make a winning ticket, but in reality it would destroy our small government GOP mentality. He has some good policy ideas and great values, but he would brand the party in the future, and that could be bad long term. In the short term, we would win and probably keep the white house for at least 8 more years or more. I am willing to make the trade, but really I think long term we need a leader like Jindal, and I would be willing to wait if it weren’t for the sudden destruction that will come against our values and social agenda from an Obama administration and democratic congress.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:26 am
Want:
1.Mark Sanford
2.Sarah Palin
3.John Engler
4.Carly Fiorina
5.Phil Gramm
Will:
1.Anyone under 50, but only Mr. and Mrs. McCain know this evening.
2.Anyone under 50, but only Mr. and Mrs. McCain know this evening.
3.Anyone under 50, but only Mr. and Mrs. McCain know this evening.
4.Anyone under 50, but only Mr. and Mrs. McCain know this evening.
5.Anyone under 50, but only Mr. and Mrs. McCain know this evening.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:30 am
Huge Crowds Left with Mixed Feelings
“I want to be here for our ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’ speech,” Julie Hagedorn, 38, a Canadian living with her German husband in Berlin told SPIEGEL ONLINE before the speech. “I want to hear it with my own ears when Obama says ‘Ich bin ein Europäer (I am a European).”
This sentiment of hoping that the speech would signal the beginning of a new relationship and healing process between Europe and the United States was shared by many of those in the crowd. “This is a rare event,” said Alla Samkova, 68, a native Muscovite who has been living in Berlin for 45 years. “In the end it doesn’t matter what he says; it only matters that he’s here.”
Still others — many others — expressed joy at being able to get a far-off glimpse of the man promising so much change for the US and the world. “To put it cynically, it’s always nice to see a country getting rid of its own junta, even if it elected it itself,” said Carston Winkler, 43, a native Berliner working in the solar industry. “I’m here to show support for the man who might make that happen.”
Patricia Gusovius, 48, of Berlin, brought her 5-year-old daughter Hanan to the speech particularly because of Obama’s background. “I’m here because my daughter has an Egyptian father and I’m German,” Gusovius told SPIEGEL ONLINE. “She can see that Obama is a mix, like her. Mixed race families have a hard time in Western culture, and he can be her role model.” After excitedly awaiting her turn to speak, Hanan added: “We spent a whole day at school learning about him.”
Reactions to the almost 30-minute speech hit both extremes. “It was excellent, not good, but excellent,” said Henry Aikins, 63, a pensioner from Berlin, though originally from Ghana. “It was good he didn’t just talk about America, but Africa and other continents as well. … He really moved me in my heart.”
Anton Kliegl, however, a 50-year-old managing consultant from Regensburg, didn’t see things that way. “In general I have to say I was a bit disappointed,” Kliegl said. “The coverage of the primaries created this impression that he was an amazing speaker who could carry away his audience. He didn’t do that tonight. I really expected more.”
July 25th, 2008 at 1:31 am
You heard it here first: VP Michael Dell.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:32 am
Want:
1. Romney
2. Palin
3. Jindal
4. Ridge
5. Sanford
Will:
1. Romney (along with Alex’s foot in his mouth)
2. Palin
3. Pawlenty
4. Ridge
5. Sanford
July 25th, 2008 at 1:33 am
Obama to PM: Iran action legitimate only if talks fail
Obama reportedly told Olmert that he is interested in meeting the Iranians in order to issue clear ultimatums. “If after that, they still show no willingness to change their nuclear policy, then any action against them would be legitimate,” an Israeli source quoted him as saying.
Obama said it is clear that the Iranian nuclear issue would be a top priority for him as president, but said that as part of the diplomatic effort to end Tehran’s enrichment program, the Iranians must be given an opportunity to change.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:33 am
Want:
Romney
Palin
Pawlenty
Cantor
Miller (If we’re going to go with a unity ticket, I’d want it be a someone like Zell rather than Joe.)
Will:
Pawlenty
Romney
Palin
Portman
Ridge
July 25th, 2008 at 1:44 am
Want:
1. Rudy Giuliani
2. David Petraeus
3. Joe Lieberman
4. Newt Gingrich
5. Eric Cantor
Will:
1. Tom Ridge
2. Tim Pawlenty
3. Rob Portman
4. Rudy Giuliani
5. Mitt Romney
July 25th, 2008 at 1:52 am
1. Sarah Palin (I just watched her on YouTube firing an assault rifle in Kuwait)
2. Rudy Giuliani
3. Tom Ridge
4. Susan Molinari
5. Condi Rice
Will:
1. Tim Pawlenty
2. Colin Powell
3. Charlie Crist
4. Sarah Palin
5. Eric Cantor
July 25th, 2008 at 1:53 am
Want-
1. Mike Bloomberg
2. Colin Powell
3. Jodi Rell
4. Joe Lieberman
5. Tim Pawlenty
Will-
1. Tom Ridge
2. Tim Pawlenty
3. Mittens Romney
4. Eric Cantor
5. Joe Lieberman
July 25th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Gingrich, Aron? Talk about an electoral anti-Hand of Midas.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:05 am
Who cares, in September? http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121694341497482877.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
July 25th, 2008 at 2:21 am
Kristofer is a party pooper in 49.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:22 am
In no particular order
Want–
Lieberman
Fiorini
Brownback
Jindal
Bloomberg
Will–
Pawlenty
Palin
Portman
Fiorini
Crist
July 25th, 2008 at 2:25 am
Alex, I am preparing myself for someone like Mitt.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:26 am
#50. Yes, but that is taking the argument from a different perspective. Someone like Graham, that McCain’s known a long time? Lieberman would also fit the bill, though he’s a less traditional pick.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Diane — Fiorina
52 — No need: he won’t be the VP!
July 25th, 2008 at 2:30 am
#54, I agree and I hope so! But I am being careful.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:30 am
Whoops! My bad…
July 25th, 2008 at 2:32 am
#54-55 I doubt it as well (Romney as VP) But all the talk makes me nervous…..
July 25th, 2008 at 3:38 am
Want:
1a.) Romney
1b.) Palin
3.) Blackburn
4.) Steele
5.) Pawlenty
Will:
1.) Romney
2.) Lieberman
3.) Giuliani
4.) Huckabee
5.) Portman
Needless to say I’m not very emphatic about McCain’s choice right now- my will list is mostly either net neutral (Portman, Giuliani) or net negative (Lieberman and Huckabee) in my mind. Romney is net positive for me, but I have a hard time seeing him as a no. 2. I’m sure he’d be good at it, but it’s weird to think of for me. CPAC concession speech- nuff said folks, nuff said.
July 25th, 2008 at 3:56 am
Want:
1. Romney
2. Pawlenty
3. Palin
4. Sanford
5. Cox
(and Dream: Schwarzenegger, if only the Constitution….)
Will:
1. Pawlenty
2. Romney
3. Crist
4. Lieberman
5. Giuliani
(in fact, it will be one of the top 3)
July 25th, 2008 at 4:19 am
#3 - Alex, you know what I meant.
July 25th, 2008 at 4:20 am
Want:
1. Romney
2. Cox
3. Cantor
4. Rudy
5. Thune
Will:
1. Pawlenty
2. Romney
Daylight
3. Thune
4. Rudy
5. Ridge
Crist/Cox/Portman/Cantor the only other POSSIBILITIES. It’s a race in 2 but 9 if you need to stretch it out.
July 25th, 2008 at 4:33 am
Want:
Mr. Engler
Mr. Huckabee
Mr. Hindman (I hope I spelled his name right)
Mrs. Blackburn
Mr. Jindal (actually much better in the future)
Also Mr. Steele and Mr. Brownback
Will be:
Mr. Romney
Mr. Romney
Mr. Romney
Mr. Pawlenty
Mr. Brownback
Outside chance
Mr. Christ and Mrs. Palin
July 25th, 2008 at 5:03 am
Want -
1. Rudy Giuliani — fiscal and executive gravitas and electorally helps with moderates
2. Mitt Romney — Rudy’s only equal on fiscal and executive gravitas; helps in key states
3. Colin Powell — An electoral game changer; great executive experience, great appeal to moderates and conservatives and not a boring white guy.
4. Condi Rice — Good executive experience; Very intelligent and articulate.
5. Marsha Blackburn — Very articulate; would be great attack dog; helps with the Women vote; excites conservatives and has had leadership role in congress
Will -
I have no freakin’ clue with all the headfakes.
July 25th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Want-
1. David Petraeus
1a) Tim Pawlenty
2. Sarah Palin
3. Don Carcieri
4. Mitt Romney
5. John Hoeven
Will-
1. Tim Pawlenty
2. Rob Portman
3. Tom Ridge
4. Sarah Palin
5. Mitt Romney
July 25th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Want:
1. Romney
2. Palin
3. Jindal
4. Pawlenty
5. Fred Smith
Will:
1. Romney
2. Ridge
3. Pawlenty
4. Fiorina
5. Portman
Dealbreakers:
Huckabee, Powell, Lieberman, Crist
July 25th, 2008 at 6:48 am
Alex, it already IS Romney - well, almost. So better change that rule to the game…
July 25th, 2008 at 7:07 am
I’m happy with anyone but the two populist dealbreakers from Arkansas: Hill/Huck 2012 the mother hen ticket.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Want:
Powell
Lieberman
Gingrich
Palin
Giuliani
Happy With:
Pawlenty
Sanford
Huckabee
Ridge
Rice
Will:
Pawlenty
Palin
Ridge
Powell
Giuliani
1) I love that I can put Palin, Gingrich, Giuliani, Lieberman, and Powell on the same list. That seems a little odd seeing as how one’s a democrat, two are “RINOs,” and the other two are about as conservative as they come.
2) So why is Colin Powell so despised amongst so-cons? I’m going to have an aneurysm if people freak out about Colin Powell, who’s probably the single most universally respected politician since…I don’t know…George Washington.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:19 am
Alex
Short note. Tom Ridge would destroy the Republican party and what would be left would be closer to your personal vies so it’s understandable where you are coming from. Ridge is
1. Boring and in articulate debater. Check out the old files.
2. Pro- choice
3. Connected to Bush Admin
4. Unlikely to persuade Pennsylvania to switch sides
5. Unprepared to support McCain on the single biggest issue of the campaign, the economy
July 25th, 2008 at 7:30 am
The only thing I want is a new Presidential candidate.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:33 am
For what it is worth, my sources tell me, that they are not as confident as they were a few days ago that it will be Mr. Romney. Perhaps it was a head fake, but they are still confident that it will be either Mr. Romney or Mr. Pawlenty. So who knows? All I can say is that my sources are Pro-Romney, but not Pro-Romney to the point that it would cloud their judgment. I guess we will see if my sources and I were naive.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:42 am
IT’S RIDGE!!!!!
July 25th, 2008 at 7:49 am
With respect JA Pruce, I am wrong about many things, but frankly, I’d be shocked if Mr. Ridge is chosen.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Want:
1.) Rudy!!!
2.) Palin
3.) Carcierri
4.) Barbour
5.) Cantor
Will:
1.) Palin
2.) Romney
3.) Ridge
4.) Pawlenty
5.) Cantor
July 25th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Want:
1) Romney
2) Palin
3) Pawlenty
4) Sanford
5) Kasich
Will be:
1) Romney
2 Pawlenty
3 Palin
4 Ridge
5 Powell
July 25th, 2008 at 8:27 am
#67, it shouldn’t just be “socons” that are scared of Powell as VP. Besides being pro-”choice”, pro-affirmative action, etc…he was an ineffective SOS that essentially had to be pushed out. He made too many concessions to Arafat and the Palestinians and did way too much politicking with respect to Iraq. I like, respect, and honor Powell but I don’t want him in a Presidential administration.
On top of that, what does he bring to the ticket? McCain certainly doesn’t need any shoring up of his foreign policy credentials, he doesn’t bring a particular state/region into play, and he is not going to bring any African-American voters over to McCain. If anything it will backfire and be seen as pandering. Plus, the Dems will pound him over his “case for war” presentation to the UN. No thanks.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:41 am
#75-B Werty,
Powell attempted to develop a working relationship with the President, but was blocked by other members of cabinet.
The administration did a poor job at “working” with Powell. Essentially they made statements and policy and did not keep Powell in the loop.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I disagree Kristofer, Mr. Powell’s problems are largely of his own making, not anyone else in the Administration.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Want
1. Palin
2. Coburn (my hometown Senator/neighbor of sorts)
3. Jindal
4. Sanford
5. Vaclav Klaus (joking! Pres. of Czech Repub)
Will
1. Pawlenty
2. Palin
3. Ridge
4. Romney
5. Crist
Won’t, can’t, shouldn’t, wouldn’t accept
Huckabee
Jindal
Coburn
Powell
Portman
I could add to those lists, but this is fine.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:59 am
#77, I am not a Rumsfeld guy, so we obviously have a disagreement on how things played out in the first term.
Both Powell and the CIA director lost power, when Bush shifted their power to Rumsfeld.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Without getting into another Romney argument today (or at least this early in the morning), I will make the point of saying that Romney is only the conventional wisdom pick because he does the best job at covering for McCain’s flaws.
As for this little game, I’m not going to dive in and give you a bunch of names, but:
Want:
A candidate with both economic and executive experience. Someone who is a conservative on the social, military, and fiscal fronts. Someone who would be well positioned to win the nomination in four years and serve as a guide for the GOP for the future.
Will:
Any candidate who can be shown to be a Conservative on all three fronts, and who is able to take over for McCain, either in the worst case scenario, or in four years.
Will not:
any candidate who I believe would move the party to the left in four years - particularly on social issues.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:01 am
hey alex,
Lieberman???? Pleeeese. I thought I was voting for a republican ticket? Might as well vote for the messiah then. Do you have something against Romney? maybe his religion? Romney is more conservative than Pawlenty, Ridge and come on, Lieberman??? Heck Romney is more conservative than lame McCain.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:08 am
ACT, Mary and Beth - Go ahead and give us your lists! We need the votes!
I’m doing my GOTV work this morning!
July 25th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Want-
1. Romney
2. Palin
3. Whitman
Will-
1. Romney
2. Pawlenty
3. Crist
If its Huckabee I am not voting.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:10 am
O.K. Alex,
It won’t be
Palin
Jindal
Huckabee
Powell
Portman
Crist
Guiliani
Sanford
Thune
It could be
Romney
Pawlenty
Ridge
Now, let’s factor in the enormous McCain ego. I doubt if John would ever be comfortable with anybody who is perceived, rightly or wrongly, to be smarter than he is. So, that may eliminate Romney. Ridge cannot be sold to the convention, no matter
what McCain thinks. So, the likely pick, and a sure loser in November, is Pawlenty. A Sancho Panza to McCain’s Don Quixote. The whole country votes to tell McCain to pick Romney in a dozen polls in the middle of this economic mess we are in…..but
John knows better. If he does choose Romney, he is a lot smarter than I give him credit for and he gets my vote.( And I have voted for every Republican since Goldwater). If not, he’s not smarter than I think and I’ll vote for someone else.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Doesn’t everyone know that McCain already ruled out anyone who is pro-choice?
July 25th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Who I want to be VP:
1. Sarah Palin
2. David Petraeus
3. Colin Powell
4. Bobby Jindal
5. Tim Pawlenty
Who I think will be VP:
1. Tim Pawlenty
2. Tom Ridge
3. Mitt Romney
4. Charlie Crist
5. Joe Lieberman
July 25th, 2008 at 9:23 am
here article I was reading and mccain camp says VP announcement is down to announcing as soon as this Sunday through before Olympics just wanted to pass the message! I hope he does wait though
till after obama!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/24/AR2008072403773.html?hpid=topnews
July 25th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Oh shoot, I forgot about Rudy.
I’d put him 2nd after Palin.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Oh shoot, I forgot about Rudy.
I’d put him 2nd after Palin.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Just courris When does the TV reporters really shift to full throttle reporting on olympics?
July 25th, 2008 at 9:28 am
#90, this is a myth (Olympics), as someone else pointed out on this blog, when the Olympics are in Asia, the ratings are very low (time difference).
What Charlie Black is worried about is a scandal or violence at the Olympics. That will dominate the news cycle.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:29 am
hopefully obama picks vp before Olympics so we can pick after him but I am afraid obama will wait around and announce like morning of opening of olympics
July 25th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Want -
1. Rudy Giuliani
2. David Petraeus
3. Gingrich
Will -
1. Rudy
2. Ridge
3. Romney
4. Pawlenty
July 25th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Want:
1. Rudy Giuliani
2. Jodi Rell
3. David Petraeus (no way it happens)
4. Joe Lieberman
5. Tom Ridge
Will:
1. Tim Pawlenty
2. Charlie Crist
3. Lindsey Graham
4. Jodi Rell
5. Peter Pace
July 25th, 2008 at 9:40 am
#64 - I totally second your mention of John Hoeven! He has probably the highest approval ratings of any politician in the country, oodles of executive experience, and a moustache. Unbeatable combo.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:42 am
alright, lets see:
Want (in order):
1) Romney
2) Portman
3) DeMint
Will (not in order):
1) Pawlenty
2) Sanford
3) Huckabee (I don’t like him, but I can’t complain)
4) Jindal
5) Palin
6) Thune
Will Not (all unacceptable):
1) Giuliani
2) Ridge
3) Lieberman
4) Rice
5) Powell
July 25th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Want: (conservatives)
1. Huckabee
2. Huckabee
3. Huckabee
4. Pawlenty
5. Jindal
Will: (who knows?)
July 25th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Next week would most likely be the best week i would not be surprised if Obama does VP next week. If obama does next week we need to do AFTER HIM correct we can’t do 10 days down the road after him right?
July 25th, 2008 at 9:48 am
#97 - you say you want a Conservative, yet your first three choices are all a populist.
Your list is screwed up.
—
Anyway - heads up people, McCain has added an event in NH on Sunday. Could that be the announcement?
July 25th, 2008 at 9:49 am
If Obama goes with a moderate like Evan Bayh, McCain would need to redouble his efforts in the midwest and south. That means he absolutely would need to pick Huckabee or Pawlenty, as pitting someone like Romney against Bayh wouldn’t cut it in Indiana or Ohio.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:49 am
McCain should wait until the Democratic Convention. Announce it the first or second day of their convention
to rob Obama of the news coverage.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:53 am
we will get like a 24 hour heads up on the announcement on the news won’t we? don’t want to miss it!
July 25th, 2008 at 9:55 am
102:
We have had a heads up all week. Might that mean that the Sunday event in NH could be it? hhhhmmmm…..
July 25th, 2008 at 9:57 am
what announcement sunday in NH did not hear about the tell me please!?
July 25th, 2008 at 9:57 am
#100 - This is why I think McCain should wait it out. There are too many potential Obama picks that would that would scramble the race; McCain should put himself in a position to respond to Obama’s pick and try to nullify its impact. The only VP that I think he should announce sooner rather than later would be Palin. (Fingers crossed.)
July 25th, 2008 at 9:59 am
McCain allowed Mitt to finish his vacation Canada. Mitt was willing to come back, but Mac said it would be fine to just wait! This is mho.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Act - nice catch on that NH event. I think McCain is going to pick Gov John Lynch of NH.
Now my turn for Alex’s question of the week.
Want:
1. Blackburn
2. Fiorina
3. Whitman
4. Carcieri
5. Romney
Will:
1. Romney
2. Pawlenty
3. Lieberman
4. Ridge
5. Crist
July 25th, 2008 at 10:02 am
can we tell how close obama is to announcing that would help mccain announcing vp?
July 25th, 2008 at 10:02 am
can we tell how close obama is to announcing that would help mccain with when to announcing vp?
July 25th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Want:
1. Powell - doubt he’d do it but it would be the ultimate honorable American ticket. Id love to see how the Dems would attack Powell. Its impossible!!
2. T-Paw - future of the party
3. Lieberman - Although he’d piss off some, would be the ultimate sign of change for the country and the party.
4. Romney - So helpful in Mich, Nev., Colo, and on economy, but i keep hearing of bad polling with his name on the ticket
5. Giuliani - They have good chemistry…and its RUDY RUDY!
Will:
1. T-Paw - Bc they get along so well, heartland vote
2. Romney - Economy stupid
3. Lieberman - Buddies
Cant see Crist or Portman of Palin. Jindal is money but he needs time to grow. Give him a big conv. speech to get his name on the radar for the future!
July 25th, 2008 at 10:02 am
#105: Agree entirely. For instance, if Obama picks John Kerry (highly unlikely), then in that scenario, Romney could go toe to toe with him without a problem.
But Obama wants to win, and I have no doubt he will pick the most conservative Democrat available.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:09 am
SURE WOULD HELP TO FIGURE when obama is doing his announcement but then again can mccain afford to be the last vp announcement! I really thought they were goling to announce it With Mr. O overseas
July 25th, 2008 at 10:09 am
SURE WOULD HELP TO FIGURE when obama is doing his announcement but then again mccain CAN NOT afford to be the last vp announcement! I really thought they were goling to announce it With Mr. O overseas
July 25th, 2008 at 10:09 am
“But Obama wants to win, and I have no doubt he will pick the most conservative Democrat available.”
I don’t think Obama can win with his Veep pick - and that may be why he is waiting so long. Obama is a liberal, who is trying to act like a moderate, so that he can win Conservative Dems. The Problem is that picking a liberal VP could make the moderates and independents reconsider, while a Conservative VP could alienate the liberals.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Doesn’t everyone know that McCain already ruled out anyone who is pro-choice?
July 25th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Want:
1. Palin
2. Romney
3. Blackburn
4. Thune
5. Cantor
Predict:
1. Romney
2. Pawlenty
3. Ridge
4. Thune
5. Palin
July 25th, 2008 at 10:10 am
#112 - Exactly. I’m really predicting an Evan Bayh nomination at this point. He’s been a (fiscally moderate/conservative) governor and a senator, is young, was a Clinton supporter, and is from a red-leaning state that could easily be tipped blue. Basically, I think if Obama picks Bayh, we’re somewhat close to being screwed. Which is why I think Obama will do just that.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:14 am
I pray that is former presidential candidate JOHN edwards !
July 25th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I’m telling you all….
My sources are telling me that McCain will finally choose Romney on Monday, August 4th. He wants to have a week’s worth of press before the attention shifts to the Olympics. There was talk of doing it this week, however the McCain camp felt the media-gasm for Obama may have actually hurt more than it helped.
In any event, it’s going to be Romney.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:17 am
#119 - Just to give Alex some potential foot-in-mouth company, I’d wager $100 that it’s NOT going to be Romney.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:18 am
aerofanatic what about obama think he will announce before aug 4th?
July 25th, 2008 at 10:19 am
aero - without naming your sources, will you tell us the type of sources they are? For example, are they from the McCain campaign, Romney family, etc?
July 25th, 2008 at 10:19 am
I do not know about Obama, but speculation is Richardson is his guy….and will the week before the Dem Convention.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:22 am
There is one potential Obama pick that Republicans should fear: Phil Bredesen, a centrist governor from the South with a history in business and a record of successful reform.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Both inside the McCain camp, and within Romney circles. Romney’s “vacation” is really time away to get ready for the onslaught, and to get the talking points in order so both men can appear to be a team.
McCain was down to Romney, Pawlenty, and Palin…however Romney won out as not only is the economy the strongest issue, but Romney helps in many crucial swing states.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
#125
I don’t believe you. Any sources that state that Romney’s strength is on “the economy” don;t know what they are talking about.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
#124:
From what I heard, Bredesen has had some rather big health problems in the past few years, it could rob the
dems of the health issue. Obama needs a VP with experience, not a walking corpse (no offense to Gov. Bredesen)
July 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
I WILL PERDICT OBAMA’s VP JOHN EDWARDS mr. 2 america’s as for mccain still honestly don’t know yet
July 25th, 2008 at 10:29 am
So I’ll pose this question: which potential Obama veep picks scare you? For me, it’s Bayh, Bredesen, Warner, Richardson, James Jones, and Clinton. But then again, I’m pessimistic by nature.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:29 am
>>>I don’t believe you. Any sources that state that Romney’s strength is on “the economy” don;t know what they are talking about.<<<
That’s fine. You don’t have to believe me. I am just telling you what I am hearing from some very linked in sources.
Romney, when compared to Palin and Pawlenty, has superior economic gravitas that could help in places like CO, NH, OH, MI, and NV.
Richardson makes sense for Obama as he is a Gov, hispanic, from a swing state, and has foreign policy experience.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Who is James Jones?
Bayh scares me the most.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:31 am
“Any sources that state that Romney’s strength is on “the economy” don;t know what they are talking about.”
…clearly, it is YOU who doesn’t know what they are talking about. more than 20 years in the private sector, a turnaround wizard, etc., etc. - its been gone over a thousand times. Romney is really one of the few candidates McCain could add with serious econ. creds.
—
“I pray that is former presidential candidate JOHN edwards !”
…be careful what you wish for - Edwards has consistantly polled as one of the strongest Veeps.
—
“My sources are telling me that McCain will finally choose Romney on Monday, August 4th.”
Does this mean Romney will no longer be going to the olympics in Beijing?
July 25th, 2008 at 10:33 am
>>Does this mean Romney will no longer be going to the olympics in Beijing?<<
Leaving shortly thereafter. The McCain camp wanted this timing as it brings back Romney’s “turn around” accomplishments at the Salt Lake Olympics, and can use this positive media coverage heading into the games.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:33 am
James Jones is the NATO Supreme Allied Commander. (Not the James Jones who wrote “The Thin Red Line.”)
#131 - I agree; Bayh is horrible, as far as we’re concerned. Ted Strickland is another potential-disaster pick.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Actually, I just thought of one problem with the Senator from Indiana.
Obama-Bayh. Read it a couple of times. Anyone else see the issue?
July 25th, 2008 at 10:37 am
#132 - You’re right in the sense that Romney has the economic credentials, but I think what Big S is trying to say is that that isn’t going to translate into electoral economic credentials. Romney reminds people of the guy that laid them off. Let’s face it, most people don’t give a candidate’s background a reasoned once-over… they go off of gut intuition, and let me tell you, the gut reaction of people who are hurting right now to Romney ain’t good. May not be fair, but there it is.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:37 am
well if it’s mitt doesn’t he have a right to know so that he knows to go or canncel his olympics trip?
July 25th, 2008 at 10:38 am
O’Bambie
LOL—Let him pick Bayh. That would be hillarious and would be a perfect joke line.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Romney knows.
I expect the announcement to be in Michigan or New Hampshire. Final details being worked out now.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:39 am
#138 - Sadly, I don’t see that helping us keep Indiana…
July 25th, 2008 at 10:44 am
#136
Exactly. I’ll also point out that there will be plenty of Democrats helping people form opinions of Romney. Just look at what Kennedy did in the 1994 Senate race, and you’ll see that he’s actually extremely vulnerable on this issue.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:45 am
If Obama doesn’t pick Bayh, then Indiana is ours for another 4 years. It is the most Republican state in the MidWest
July 25th, 2008 at 10:45 am
#136 - Oh, I guess in the state that Mitt campaigned on the economic front, the Michigan voters chose him overwhelmingly because they perceived that he would lay them off? I think I get it now….thanks!
July 25th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Bayh, Clinton, Edwards scare me most, and possibly Biden.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Want:
Mitt
DeMint
Kasich
Pawlenty
Sanford
Will be:
Ridge
Rudy
Pawlenty
Crist
Mitt
I would want Jindal or Palin if they had some more seasoning, but not at present. And for the record, while I’m not a policy match with Ridge or Rudy, I think either would be a very effective surrogate, as well as have the necessary gravitas for someone who could be asked to assume the Presidency.
No V.P. pick that McCain makes could prevent me from voting for him, but the one that would really agitate me would be Lieberman. He’s a dyed-in-the-wool social liberal, and that’s a bridge way farther than Rudy or Ridge.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Want:
1. Sarah Palin
2. Marsha Blackburn
3. Mitt Romney
4. Carly Fiorina
5. Meg Whitman
Will be:
1. Tim Pawlenty
2. Mitt Romney
3. Tom Ridge
4. John Thune
5. Charlie Crist
I know my “want” list almost seems *too* inclusive, but it’s not really the case that I want a woman to be VP, just that I happen to prefer the potential women candidates to the men, who mostly seem like morons. It’s amazing to me how many people think Palin is actually on the shortlist. I don’t think she’s even being considered seriously…
Honestly, I only put five people on the “actual” shortlist for symmetry. At this point I think McCain is wavering between Romney and Pawlenty. And all I can say is that if he picks Pawlenty we might as well start looking at candidates for 2012 because *no* independents or democrats are going to vote McCain/Pawlenty, and with Bob Barr running for the LP, I can tell you that *this* Republican won’t vote McCain/Pawlenty either. I’m not pleased that McCain is the candidate anyway; I’m even less thrilled at the thought of the future of Republican national leadership being Tim Pawfuckinglenty.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Ridge was close, however his “ties” to the current administration, coupled with the “duct tape” comments from a few years back, the McCain camp felt that made him to vulnerable to attack.
It also wasn’t a slam dunk that he would have delivered PA.
Romney, Pawlenty, and Palin were the finalists…in that order.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:02 am
#143 - You know as well as I do that Romney has family ties to Michigan that helped him a great deal there. Also, it didn’t help matters that McCain actually, you know, told the truth about jobs not coming back to the states. Plus, this was a Republican primary, and isn’t representative of how Mitt would perform in a general election. It’s been established over and over that simply because a candidate performs well in a state’s primary doesn’t mean that they’re best poised to win it in a general.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:11 am
aerofanatic, why are you so confident? Any troll can say the stuff you are saying.
Spill some beans on how you know. Give us some tangible evidence. Not just I have sources…blah…blah….
July 25th, 2008 at 11:13 am
BREAKING NEWS I JUST HEARD ON CNN MCCAIN CAMP IS having a hard time deciding and a split decision to when to announce vp? Should we believe it?
July 25th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Possibly.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:18 am
here is the link in case you think I am telling a lie lol! http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/25/veep.talk/index.html
July 25th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Believe that they are having a hard time? Sure, we know that from the other articles.
I think the real question is: has a decision been made? Depite what McCain said on FOX, I think so.
I would say deffinately before the Olympics, so they can get at least one Sunday news cycle to themselves.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Greg, more spin.
_____________
Can you imagine being one of these VP candidates? They are all (most) sitting in the office or at home hoping for a phone call from McCain, knowing that their life may be turned upside down, have to move to DC, be away from their family for three months, etc……
Everyone picture starting at your phone, waiting for someone to ask you to “potentially” be the second most powerful person in the world. Unreal.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:19 am
One thing about Obama’s pick. I think his best pick is Bill Richardson.
He solidifes New Mexico and puts Arizona in play. He brings back Hillary voters and Hispanics (who overwhelmingly voted against Obama). Think about it. That would be a tough matchup.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I like that anytime anybody dislikes Romney, it’s immediately religion.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:23 am
hut wondering why you think john edwards could be a scary vp pick?
July 25th, 2008 at 11:25 am
#156 - Because His Romneyness is beyond empirical criticism… Please tell me you’re kidding.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Also, Bill Richardson puts Nevada in the Dem column.
Richardson is a popular governor, would be a populist on the economy (which is the message they will win on), and he has a lot of foreign affairs experience. I think Bill Richardson covers all of Obama’s weaknesses.
That combo would be his best bet and the toughest one to beat.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Why would john edwards be a scary vp pick?
July 25th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Giuliani Gives Pep Talk To Newer Lawmakers
July 25th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Greg -
Look at his polling. He may seem like a transparent phony to all of us, but all the numbers indicate that he’s a huge net positive to Obama’s ticket. I find it kind of appalling, but…
July 25th, 2008 at 11:32 am
John Edwards would NOT be a scary pick. Do-overs in Dem politics are always disastrous.
He would lose the economy issue for the Dems. He is easily mocked.
I am telling you it’s going to be Richardson for Obama. He covers all his weaknesses without focusing on them.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Rudy’s Back! But Will He Run For Gov?
July 25th, 2008 at 11:33 am
John Edwards will sink the Dem ticket on the Economy issue. Just the flyover shots of his home alone will do it. Plus the love child scandal will kill his chances.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE EDWARDS RUDY VP DEBATE!!
July 25th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Obama/Richardson
McCain / Romney
NM goes blue.
NV stays red.
CO stays red.
MI goes red.
NH stays blue.
McCain wins in a squeaker.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Edwards’ rather glaring Achilles Heel is his preening vanity. I agree that Richardson is a much more effective choice. He’s conservative on gun rights and embodies that southwest/mountain state strain of libertarianism that’s going to help in Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, etc. Again, I’m pessimistic, but a Richardson pick makes it very, very difficult for McCain to win. It’s just a year where the Dems have 3 - 5 “perfect” picks and we have none. If only Sarah Palin was from Colorado and in her second term…
July 25th, 2008 at 11:37 am
obama might be crazy enough to pick edwards
July 25th, 2008 at 11:39 am
I WANT someone who will lay people off! Are you kidding me? Our government is so bloated! I’m sure if Romeny had the chance he’d
wipe out thousands of uselss govt jobs that are wasting our tax dollars. In fact, if Bain invested in the Federal Government; you
can be sure that the first item of business would be firing about 3/4 of the congress and I’m sure the American people would
applaud it. Bring on the evil CEO; we need him!
July 25th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Aero,
I’d love to see McCain/Romney - Obama/Richardson polling in the mountain states, but I just have a hunch you’re being too optimistic. I think in that scenario NV and CO would go to Obama. MI would be anyone’s guess. I think NH is blue this year no matter what.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:40 am
“I WANT someone who will lay people off! Are you kidding me? Our government is so bloated! I’m sure if Romeny had the chance he’d
wipe out thousands of uselss govt jobs that are wasting our tax dollars. In fact, if Bain invested in the Federal Government; you
can be sure that the first item of business would be firing about 3/4 of the congress and I’m sure the American people would
applaud it. Bring on the evil CEO; we need him!”
Um, the ‘evil CEO’ platform MIGHT not be winner this cycle.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:41 am
172.
If Romney is on the ticket, NV will stay red.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:42 am
174 - You may be right. I just steel myself for the worst. Better to be pleasantly surprised…
July 25th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Why?
July 25th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Whlile we wait for VP’s (hope it’s soon!) do you think the obama paster thing will come back in the general election?
July 25th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Independent to the last, Bloomberg criticizes primaries, won’t pick pres
July 25th, 2008 at 11:45 am
NV is at least 7% mormon, and with a high turnout, they could easily make up 12% of the vote.
If Romney is on the ticket, NV stays Red. You need to look at NH, VA, MI, and CO - those are the states that will decide this election.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:46 am
176.
Never underestimate the 4-5% of the voting block the Mormon population, coupled with their campaigning, is worth.
IN a close election, this 4-5% helps McCain carry Nevada.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:48 am
#173 Then the voters deserve another touchy feely economically clueless politician on the ticket.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:48 am
NH, VA, MI, and CO
NH goes Obama.
VA goes McCain
Michigan goes McCain (if indeed Romney is the chosen one)
CO goes McCain as well (due to Romney).
If these states werent the deciding ones, Pawlenty may have just been the guy.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:49 am
181. “economically clueless”? Surely you’ve got to be kidding?
July 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Analysis: GOP chose base, not Bush in housing vote
July 25th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Odd Reversal as House G.O.P. Splits With Bush
July 25th, 2008 at 11:53 am
#184, #185 the GOP is basically coming back to being fiscally responsible. It is about time.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:55 am
areofanatic, I don’t believe you have any sources.
I think it’s all wishful thinking on your part.
In regards to an McCain/Romney and Obama/Richardson. That one go could either way I think.
Arizona becomes the battleground with Romney on the ticket. Without Romney and with Obama/Richardson, I think that Obama picks up that state. Yikes!
July 25th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Obama will not pick up AZ, no matter what. Only possibility would be Janet as his VP. That could bring the women, lesbians and Arizona. She has a solid background as former Asst. US Attorney.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:57 am
#179
The problem with assuming Romney would help in heavily Mormon states is that most people who make this assertion provide no evidence for normal turnout among Mormons, or their usual voting preferences. If turnout among Mormons is usually high and they vote reliably Republican anyway, the addition of Romney would have little effect.
Also, Mormonism isn’t the whole game in Nevada. There are plenty of other interests that may not be too receptive to Romney’s brand of social conservatism.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:57 am
It would be pretty humiliating for McCain to lose his own state. Ugh.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:57 am
182 - Because you are not someone who has posted here often over a long period of time, even those of us who are very pro Mitt would like some verification additional info about how you know what you claim to know.
For example:
Specifically, at what level are these contact you have with McCain and Romney?
Are they telling you this directly, or are you getting it through a third party?
How confident are they that the decision has been made and that it is who you say it is?
As stated earlier, any mole could say what you have said thus far, and had a lot of fun pulling the wool oer our eyes.
I don’t know if you are a Christian or not, but if you are would you swear on a Bible that you have been told what you claim but people who should know what they are talking about?
July 25th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Mormons don’t often vote too much, as least in AZ. When they have been mobilized, it truly is like a Mormon mafia. No evidence beyond AZ though.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Where is the evidence?
July 25th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Biggest swing vote in Arizona is the Hispanic vote. So yes, Richardson would get Arizona since McCain is polling so poorly right now.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I have worked on many campaigns at all levels and the East Valley (Mesa, Gilbert, etc.) is heavy LDS but the turnout is weak. However, the Gay marriage issue brough them out in droves in teh East Valley. Most often they do not need to vote, because most decisions are in the primaries where various LDS Conservatives race against each other.